Volume 9 , Issue 34

More Oklahoma Bad Weather

The The Daily Oklahoman reported that, "The devastating and deadly impact of Tropical Depression Erin on Oklahoma has been seen around the world through news accounts. Those scenes may continue for some time as Oklahomans work toward recovery.

"The National Weather Service said early today that Erin brought some interesting and noteworthy events. Here, from the weather service, is a look at the historic storm.

Formation, arrival... "Erin formed as Tropical Depression Five on Aug. 14 in the western Gulf of Mexico. It strengthened and was given the name Tropical Storm Erin on Aug. 15. Erin moved onshore Aug. 16 near Lamar, Texas, then weakened to a tropical depression. It moved west and northwest through southern and western Texas before turning to the northeast. Late Saturday, the center of circulation from Tropical Depression Erin entered southwest Oklahoma between Hollis and Erick, becoming much better organized between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. Sunday as it moved from near Clinton to near Geary and across northern Canadian County into northwest Oklahoma City. The storm began to weaken again Sunday morning as it moved east through northern Oklahoma County, although heavy rain continued through mid-day Sunday in central Oklahoma.

Maximum winds... "As the storm moved through, it produced strong winds in western Oklahoma. These included: 82 mph at 2:54 a.m. Sunday in Watonga in Blaine County; 80 mph at 2:40 a.m. Sunday, one mile south of Union City in Canadian County; 75 mph at 12:25 a.m. Sunday, four miles north-northwest of Fort Cobb in Caddo County; 73 mph at 2:25 a.m. Sunday, seven miles west of Watonga; 70 mph at 12:10 a.m. Sunday, six miles south of Fort Cobb; 64 mph at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, seven miles west of Hinton in Caddo County; 62 mph at 12:35 Sunday, four miles east-northeast of Apache in Caddo County; 60 mph at 4:25 a.m. Sunday, two miles northeast of Kingfisher in Kingfisher County; 58 mph at 3:10 a.m. Sunday, two miles south-southwest of Minco in Grady County; 56 mph at 4:24 a.m. Sunday at Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County; 56 mph at 4:22 a.m. Sunday at Wiley Post Airport, Bethany, Oklahoma County; 55 mph at midnight Sunday, four miles west-southwest of Weatherford in Custer County.

River flooding... The rains swelled creeks and rivers quickly and led to extensive flooding of cropland, pastures and communities. Several roads were closed by high water levels or because they were washed out. Among the worst areas was the North Canadian River near Watonga, which crested at a record 19.7 feet at 5:30 a.m. Sunday. The previous highest crest was 19.24 feet on Oct. 3, 1986. Major flooding occurred in several areas.
North Canadian River near El Reno, crested at 23.33 feet at 1 p.m. Monday. This was the highest crest since 1923 at El Reno. Flood stage is 17 feet.
North Canadian River near Yukon is still rising but was at 16.34 feet this morning. Flood stage is 14 feet.
The Canadian River near Bridgeport reached 21.03 feet at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. This was the highest crest measured since 1948 at Bridgeport. Flood stage is 14 feet.
The Canadian River near Union City hit 13.5 feet at 2:30 p.m. Monday, the highest crest measured there since 1937. Flood stage is 7 feet.
The Canadian River near Purcell reached 14.40 feet and is still rising. Flood stage is 12 feet.
The Washita River near Carnegie reached 30.91 feet at noon Sunday. Flood stage is 25 feet.
East Cache Creek near Walters last was measured at 27.86 feet. It has not crested. Flood stage is 21 feet.
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