Flooding

Flooding and heavy rainfall in front of Gaylord College on OU's campus Wednesday morning. 

 Peggy Dodd/OU Daily

Flash flooding continues in Norman as severe weather subsides in central Oklahoma.

Severe flash flooding across Norman is causing major travel issues Wednesday morning as heavy rain continues to pour across the county.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning at 8:05 a.m. Wednesday in effect until 12:15 p.m. A flood warning was issued until 7:36 p.m. Thursday.

According to the National Weather Service, showers and thunderstorms can be expected in the afternoon into the evening. Storms could produce rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch. 

The city of Norman reminds residents during floods to have an emergency kit, including a flashlight and water, on hand. The city cautions against travel in low lying areas prone to localized flooding and not to drive into standing water. 

OU, Norman severe weather tips

•  Tornado watch: Be attentive because a tornado may form nearby.
•  Tornado warning: Take shelter because a tornado has formed nearby.

Alerts

• OU will send a RAVE alert to students, faculty and staff if a tornado watch or warning is near campus.
• To update or verify contact info, visit ecs.ou.edu.
• Norman residents can sign up for alerts through the city.

Recommendations

• Phones: Charge devices in advance and be prepared for a power outage.
• Updates: Pay attention to weather updates and have a shelter plan if a warning is issued.
• Shelter: Easily entered and stocked with blankets, pillows, helmets, shoes and a safety kit.
• Safety kit: Water, first-aid kit, flashlight, radio, phone, food, clothing, medicine, hygiene supplies, wallet.

Shelter options

• Off campus: Shelter at home unless on campus when warning is issued. OU buildings are not public shelters. Take cover in an interior room on the lowest floor; use a helmet and/or blankets/pillows for protection.

• On campus: Shelter in place in the building you are in if told to do so. Residence halls have shelters for students.

Sirens, roads

• Norman sirens: City sirens may sound when an OU Rave alert is not sent. If that occurs, monitor weather reports.
• Driving: Do not drive in a storm, and never shelter under a bridge or overpass. Get into the nearest accessible building.

OU Daily standards

See an error? Earning trust is our duty. We correct errors atop stories. Identify an error, request a takedown or get in touch.

Independent and free since 1916: OU is committed to our editorial independence. You can help ensure our reporting remains strong and accessible to all invested in OU and Norman.

Want to comment? We value dialogue on issues we cover. On our social media accounts, we moderate disparagements, arguments and attacks, including those directed at our staff — and ban those repeatedly failing civility. The editor considers guest column submissions.