Flooding closes roads across Rogers County as rivers rise, more rain expected

At least 20 roads across Rogers County have been closed on and off again on Wednesday as rising creeks and rivers continue to flood low-lying areas throughout the region.

Emergency Management officials say more closures are likely if heavy rain persists across the area. The Caney River is one of several waterways pushing past its banks.

“All in all, we’ve had about 20 roads that we’ve had to close on and off throughout the day,” said Scotty Stokes, director of Rogers County Emergency Management. “That’s going to continue as long as the rain keeps coming down.”

Stokes also confirmed two high-water rescues this morning after drivers attempted to cross flooded roads.

“We just tell people, if there is water covering the roadway at any depth, please don’t drive through it,” he said.

Kevin Coe, owner of Light Walkers Float & Fish, lives along the Caney River and is preparing for what he expects will be serious flooding near his home.

“Before this is all said and done, I just imagine we’re going to have water clear up here to the house,” Coe said, as he tied down his canoes in anticipation of rising water.

Coe has lived by the river for more than 20 years and says he knows how quickly things can change during heavy rainfall.

“You've seen that one road closed,” he said. “This one is going to be closed here shortly, and then it’ll close going that way.”

Despite the risk, Coe says he’s ready for whatever comes.

“There’s a risk, there’s a risk,” he said. “But I kind of know how to deal with it.”

He hopes the water recedes in time to open his fish & float next week on May 8th. If the flooding continues, he said he’ll have to postpone until it’s safe.

Authorities continue to urge drivers to avoid any roadways covered in water and to monitor updates from emergency management as weather conditions evolve.