Severe weather swept through southwest Oklahoma over the weekend, leaving at least one person dead and prompting warnings from state and local officials to avoid travel and stay alert.
Emergency responders in Lawton reported witnessing a vehicle drive into standing water on Saturday. Sadly, they were unable to reach the submerged vehicle safely. Rescue divers later recovered the body, Lawton police confirmed.
Governor Urges Caution as Flash Floods Create Dangerous Conditions
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt urged residents to take the severe weather seriously. He warned travelers to avoid flooded roads and stay weather aware, emphasizing that emergency crews had been busy throughout Saturday performing water rescues across the region.
“Oklahomans, be extra careful when driving and don’t drive through flooded roads. Stay weather aware!” Governor Stitt posted on X.
Lawton police updated the public on Facebook Sunday afternoon, saying that while high waters had started to recede, creeks and streams remained out of their banks in parts of the area.
Flooding Forces Evacuations in Southern Oklahoma
Further south, near the town of Walters, floodwaters continued to rise, prompting officials to issue evacuation orders for affected areas. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to sandbag key locations to prevent further damage.
Residents were advised to remain cautious and prepare for worsening conditions as water levels stayed dangerously high in some parts.
Severe Weather Threat Expands Across the Region
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center warned that the severe weather isn’t over yet. Storms are expected to move into the Deep South and Midwest at the beginning of the workweek.
About 36 million people, from Texas to Michigan—including major cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, and Oklahoma City—are in the risk zone for severe weather, the center said.
The forecast includes the potential for large hail, damaging straight-line winds, and even tornadoes, making it crucial for people across the region to stay updated on changing weather conditions.