Flash Flood — Caddo, Oklahoma

2000-10-22 to 2000-10-23 · near South Portion, Caddo, Oklahoma

Event narrative

Major flash flooding developed across southern Caddo County after many hours of heavy rain and is believed to have first developed in Apache around 2100 CST when Box Elder Creek and Cache Creek, which merge in Apache, overflowed their banks. The worst flooding was observed during the overnight hours with the water then receding gradually over the next few days. Most affected were the housing subdivisions of Woodland Park and Joseyville on the south side of Apache, where approximately 12 families needed to be rescued from trees and roofs, which were surrounded by 7 feet of water in spots. Nearly 200 people were left homeless. Twenty-seven homes were destroyed (19 mobile homes), and 60 homes and 1 business were damaged. At times water flowed very quickly, pushing and dragging large debris including mobile homes, vehicles, and boats considerable distances. Massive damage was also sustained to Apache Elementary and Middle Schools.Much of downtown Anadarko also flooded with a foot or more of water observed in spots. An estimated 20 homes were destroyed by the flooding, while 60 homes sustained major damage, and 12 apartments and 8 businesses sustained minor damage. Approximately 200 people had to be evacuated from the rising water, most which lived in the northwest part of town. Major damage also occurred to the Boone School and numerous roads and bridges in Boone, about 6 miles west of Apache. At 2210 CST a car was swept off the road in Stecker due to fast moving water. It took several days for the water to recede in some areas, and many roads remained closed for this period.

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 5161693. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.