Severe storms swept through Rogers County last night, bringing with them significant rainfall that led to flooding in several areas, particularly in Chelsea and Foyle. Reports indicate that Chelsea experienced about five inches of rain within a two-hour period, causing streets to flood and affecting some buildings—a situation not seen in quite some time.

During a government meeting, officials discussed the current water levels at Oolagah Lake, which is sitting at 655.9 feet, just five feet below the flood stage of 661 feet. The Corps of Engineers has assured that they are not overly concerned about the situation, as they believe the lake has sufficient capacity to manage the incoming water from recent storms. They noted that heavy rains from the north are expected to flow into the Keystone and Arkansas River areas, rather than directly impacting Oolagah Lake.

However, local officials expressed concern about the rising levels of the Eucha River, which is currently bringing in 46,000 cubic feet of water per second into the lake while releasing only 15,000 cubic feet per second. This imbalance has raised alarms, as the lake has already filled up by a foot since last night’s storms.

The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by local roadways, with many roads in the county experiencing damage due to the heavy rains. Officials reported losing asphalt and other road materials, particularly in the Foyle area, where flooding was severe enough to flow two feet deep across Highway 66. High water signs have been deployed across the county to alert residents to hazardous conditions.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the storms, officials are working diligently to address road issues and monitor water levels closely. The situation remains fluid, and residents are urged to stay informed and exercise caution as recovery efforts continue.