On Wednesday, severe rain inundated the region, with the National Weather Service predicting continued downpours into Thursday. Oklahoma authorities reported that one man was killed in Pottawatomie County after his vehicle was swept away by the flooding, despite attempts to rescue him. A deputy sheriff also faced life-threatening conditions while trying to save the victim and was subsequently hospitalized. A second fatality occurred in Lincoln County when a vehicle became stuck in floodwater, according to spokesperson Sarah Stewart from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Both states experienced significant rainfall, with parts of central and southern Oklahoma accumulating up to eight inches over the course of two days, and Texas seeing six inches in some areas. Forecasters warn that further rainfall is imminent, specifically in southwestern Oklahoma and the adjacent regions of Arkansas, where precipitation could exceed two inches by Thursday evening. Authorities are noting that rain could fall at rates of one to two inches per hour, further jeopardizing an already saturated landscape.

As residents prepare for additional rainfall, local officials are urging caution and readiness for flash flooding. The loss of life underscores the perilous situation facing many in this part of the Midwest as severe weather continues to threaten safety and infrastructure.