Heavy rainstorms swept through Texoma late Saturday night, flooding roads and pastures from Vernon to Nocona. The storm brought massive rainfall, and by early Sunday morning, several parts of eastern Texoma were underwater. While water levels have dropped in some areas, many people are still dealing with the aftermath of the storm.
Truckers Stuck for Hours in Montague County
Along Highway 81 in Montague County, truckers were left stranded due to floodwaters. Mike Heathcock, a truck driver hauling an oversized load, was among those forced to wait.
“They were talking about, like, 6 a.m. We’ve been here since around 11:00,” Heathcock said.
While Heathcock has faced flooding before, he knew the risks of moving through rising water—especially with a large shipment.
“I’ve been told three inches of water can move a semi sideways, so I’m not going to risk it,” he added.
Another truck tried to cross and got stuck, nearly tipping over. Heathcock’s decision to wait was firm after witnessing the dangerous conditions.
“The shoulder’s really soft. If we get off track, the tire has no grip. It just sinks, like that guy did,” he said.
Water Rescues in Clay County
While some of the floodwaters in Clay County began to dry up during the day, not all areas were clear. One car remained abandoned after a water rescue operation early Sunday morning. Deputy Nicholas Hamilton and his team helped rescue the vehicle’s occupants.
“We respond to the most dangerous spots first,” said Hamilton. “If we have to shut down a road, we’ll coordinate with the fire department, ourselves, or even TXDOT.”
Even though many roads have reopened, there are still visible signs of flooding. Heathcock, while waiting to move, noticed flooded pastures nearby, saying:
“This is the worst area I’ve seen.”
Safety Reminder: Don’t Underestimate Flooded Roads
Deputy Hamilton issued a warning to drivers, especially at night:
“At night, it’s like black ice. You can’t see floodwater. If you’re in a small car, avoid speeding into low areas—it’s easy to hydroplane.”
This is an important reminder for everyone, especially as more storms are expected in the coming weeks. The severe weather season in Texoma seems to be just getting started.