Flash Flooding and Lightning Strikes in Oklahoma, October 31, 1998

Very heavy rainfall fell over the northern half of the NWSO Norman, OK Hydrologic Services Area (HSA) during late October and early November. Precipitation totals between 3 and 11 inches were recorded during the three-day period of October 31-November 2, 1998 at locations in west-central, northwestern, central and north-central Oklahoma. Some of the heaviest rains fell over river basins in northern Oklahoma where soil moisture conditions were already moist from previous precipitation events in early and mid October. As a result of the heavy rainfall and moist soil conditions, major to to record flooding was seen in north-central Oklahoma along the Salt Fork of the Arkansas and Chikaskia Rivers. Moderate to major flooding plagued the Cimarron river basin in northwestern and central Oklahoma while minor flooding was observed along the North Canadian and Canadian Rivers in west-central and centra Oklahoma. Crests above flood stage were recorded at a total of 16 forecast points and 6 data points in the HSA. Numerous flood warnings and flood statements were issued covering a total of 17 counties.One fatality and one injury occurred during the flood event in Alfalfa County. A 19-year-old woman drowned when floodwaters from Eagle Chief Creek swept her car off of State Highway 8B just east of Aline in southwestern Alfalfa County. The victim was eight months pregnant at the time of the accident. The accident occurred at about 10 p.m. CST on Saturday, October 31st, while heavy rains were occurring in the area. The driver, who was the 45-year-old mother of the flood victim, managed to take refuge in a tree and was not rescued until 9 a.m. CST on Monday, November 2nd. She sustained leg and arm injuries and was also treated for hypothermia. All of the river crests occurred on the 1st or 2nd of November along with the majority of property damage. Refer to November's edition of Storm Data for more details or additional information.In addition to the flooding, Lightning struck an oil tank at the Armstrong Disposal Well 3 miles north of Elk City in Beckham County causing a fire which took 2 fire departments to extinguish. Lightning also struck a tree on 4th St. in Watonga in Blaine County, which then fell on 3 parked cars.