Deadly Flooding in Oklahoma and Texas: Slow-Moving Storms Cause Road Chaos and Tragedy

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Heavy rains and slow-moving thunderstorms have caused severe flooding in parts of Oklahoma and Texas, leading to at least two drownings. On Wednesday, emergency services reported a man died after his vehicle was swept off a highway in Pottawatomie County. Rescuers attempted to save him, but a deputy was also caught in the flood but was later treated at a local hospital.

In nearby Lincoln County, another driver drowned when trapped in floodwaters. Across Oklahoma, many drivers needed rescuing, and some residents in small communities were evacuated as flood levels rose.

Oklahoma City set a new record with nearly 12 inches of rain, exceeding the previous April record from 1947. State Climatologist Gary McManus noted that this month might also break the statewide rainfall average record set in 1942. By Wednesday night, more than a dozen highways were closed, and shelters were opened in Comanche County.

In the Dallas area, thunderstorms grounded flights at key airports, resulting in hundreds of cancellations.

Storm Impacts in Pennsylvania

Meanwhile, a powerful storm in Pennsylvania has left over 425,000 customers without power, with severe outages also reported in nearby Ohio. Utility company Duquesne Light described the damage as “unprecedented,” with over 150,000 customers still without electricity as of late Wednesday. Governor Josh Shapiro visited the damaged areas, which included a pizzeria that lost its roof.

Tragically, three fatalities related to the storm were reported. In State College, a 22-year-old was electrocuted trying to extinguish a fire near a utility pole. In Pittsburgh, a person was killed by live wires, and a 67-year-old man died after a tree fell on his home.

Destructive Winds

The National Weather Service indicated that winds in Pennsylvania reached speeds of 80 to 90 mph, more powerful than typical tornadoes in the area. Meteorologist John Bowen explained that a “bow echo” formation, known for its strong winds, caused significant damage. Pittsburgh International Airport recorded its third-highest wind gust in modern history at 71 mph.

Expert Insights

Meteorologists suggest that as climate change progresses, such extreme weather events may become more frequent. According to recent studies, the frequency of heavy rainfall events in the U.S. has increased by 20% since 1950. This evolving climate landscape puts infrastructure and public safety at greater risk.

User Reactions

Social media is abuzz with posts from residents sharing their experiences. Many are warning others to stay vigilant, particularly regarding downed power lines and flooding risks.

In summary, both Oklahoma and Pennsylvania are facing unprecedented weather challenges, emphasizing the need for preparedness and awareness in the face of increasingly severe storms.

For more on the latest weather updates and power outages, you can check sources like PowerOutage.us which tracks live data on outages and restoration efforts.

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