Date: Tue, 26 May 2015 17:36:41 EDT
Summary: This form describes ongoing work by the Oklahoma Water Science Center to measure flooding in Oklahoma in May 2015.
Oklahoma received 10 to 20 inches of rain from May 1 to 26, 2015, setting all-time records and causing widespread flooding and storm related damage in most parts of the state.
About 15 USGS streamgages have had record high flows, with 6 streamgages being temporarily put out of service due to flood damage. Some of the highest flows are being measured on the Poteau, Arkansas, Canadian, and Little Rivers. Thirty staff members of the Oklahoma Water Science Center have made over 150 high-flow measurements in May.
Many water rescues have been made, with one firefighter in Claremore losing his life during a rescue. Many streams have been over flood stages, with several major reservoirs being forced to release water, increasing flooding in downstream areas. Stages of small streams were declining on May 26, with stages of many major rivers continuing to rise.
USGS staff are working closely with the Army Corps of Engineers with regards to reservoir operations.