Flash Flood — Grady, Oklahoma

2000-10-22 to 2000-10-23 · near Countywide, Grady, Oklahoma

Event narrative

Major flash flooding developed across a large portion of Grady County after several hours of heavy rain. In Chickasha, streets began closing at 2255 CST on the 22nd due to the rain, however it was not until approximately 0600 CST on the 23rd that the worst flooding developed. That was when Line Creek overflowed its banks allowing water to pour into downtown to a depth of 5 feet in spots. Approximately 30 people were rescued from the roof of cars and homes, and between 200 and 400 people were evacuated from their home. All of Chickasha, except the southwest corner of downtown, was flooded, with the worst flooding concentrated along US Routes 62 and 81 leading into Chickasha. Sixty-three businesses received major damage, while 50 homes and the Vo-tech Center sustained minor to major damage. During the night additional road closings, including US Route 62/277 between Chickasha and Blanchard (McClain County), was closed along with Highway 92 between Chickasha and Tuttle.

Wider weather episode

Significant flash flooding and 6 tornadoes, mostly small, weak and short-lived, developed on the 22nd, across a 35 mile wide band from near Frederick in southwest Oklahoma northeastward to near Chandler in central Oklahoma. Rainfall amounts in this band averaged 4 to 8 inches. Anadarko in Caddo County, received 10 inches, which classifies as a 250-year rain event. Record-like flooding developed in some areas, particularly across southern Caddo and Grady Counties, from near Apache and Anadarko to near Chickasha.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5161387. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.