Oklahoma to Missouri at Risk for Flooding from Hermine
Tropical Rainstorm Hermine has left a trail of devastating flooding across Texas, and its flood danger today will expand from Oklahoma to Missouri.
Hermine's heaviest rain is targeting northeastern Oklahoma, northwestern Arkansas, eastern Kansas and Missouri.
Cities in that zone include Tulsa, Okla.; Springfield, Mo.; Jefferson City, Mo.; and Fayetteville, Ark.
Between 2 and 4 inches of rain is expected to pour down. That is enough rain to ignite additional flooding in urban and low-lying areas, as well as along small streams. Significant rises along some rivers will occur.
Residents who live in flood-prone areas should closely monitor local media outlets and evacuate if ordered by officials.
Law enforcement has already had to close inundated roads across eastern Oklahoma early this morning, and more road closures are possible into Missouri as today progresses.
Motorists are reminded never to put your life in danger by attempting to cross a flooded roadway. The roadway underneath may be washed out or the water's swift current could easily sweep your vehicle away.
The Associated Press reports Hermine's flooding has already claimed at least two lives with another woman still missing.
One of the dead was a 49-year-old man who apparently drove his pickup truck into a low-water crossing near Alvarado, Texas. One rescuer got within 50 feet of the man, but conditions proved too treacherous for the rescuer to proceed any farther.
Even if flooding does not ensue, the drenching rain will endanger motorists by reducing visibility and heightening the risk of vehicles hydroplaning at highway speeds. These dangers apply to those planning to travel on Interstates 44 and 70 through the region.
While the main threat associated with Hermine today is flooding, an isolated tornado touching down and causing destruction cannot be ruled out.
Farther south, today will not be as wet as recent days across Texas. Showers and thunderstorms, however, will again rumble across central and eastern parts of the state. This afternoon will prove to be the most active time for the storminess.
Downpours may accompany any shower or thunderstorm over Texas today. The locally heavy bursts of rain threaten to renew or worsen flooding problems.
Tropical Rainstorm Hermine's rain will spread to the mid-Mississippi Valley tonight, the Tennessee Valley on Friday and then the southern Appalachians Friday night. Localized downpours and flooding issues will remain a concern.
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Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 82° | Gila Bend, AZ |
| Low | -13° | Clayton Lake, ME |
| Precip | 1.24" | Spanish Fork, UT |
WeatherWhys®
The "Dead of Winter," the one-month period when normal temperatures reach their lowest levels, has come to an end for much of the United States. Some people may find it odd that the "Dead of Winter" does not encompass the darkest day of the year (the first day of winter). That is due to a seasonal lag in temperatures. More heat continues to be lost than is gained from the start of winter until this time of year.
This Day In Weather History
Gulf Coast 1 (899)
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