At least one dead in Oklahoma flooding as millions in region face severe weather risks

At least one dead in Oklahoma flooding as millions in region face severe weather risks

Authorities are urging people to stay off the roads as the flooding continues.
Heavy rain in southwest Oklahoma caused severe flooding Saturday.

At least one person has died in southwest Oklahoma after flash flooding hit the region, with authorities warning people to stay off the roads as severe weather warnings continue.

“Emergency responders reported witnessing a vehicle drive into standing water earlier today,” the Lawton Police Department said in a statement Saturday. “Responders were not able to safely get to the submerged vehicle.”

The investigation into the death is ongoing, officials said Saturday. The dive team assisted in recovery of the victim and the family has been notified, authorities said. The identity of the victim has not been released.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt thanked first responders on Saturday.

“Thank you to our wonderful first responders who’ve been executing water rescues all day due to flooding from heavy rain,” he wrote in a post on X. “Oklahomans, be extra careful when driving and don’t try to drive through flooded roads. Stay weather aware!”