More than seven inches of rain have fallen during the past week. That, coupled with severe rainfall north and west of McIntosh County, has swollen the Eufaula Lake Level to 595.3 feet, which is 10.3 feet above normal, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
According to the latest figures released Monday, the lake is 83.46 percent full and rising at about a foot or so per day.
The Corps is releasing 39,429 cubic feet of water per second – 27,904 through gates and 11,409 through the turbine.
The rising waters have created dangerous conditions on the lake, with debris a threat to boaters.
Because of the conditions, Major League Fishing (MLF) cancelled its Toyota Series Southwestern Division tournament that had been scheduled for May 1-3.
According to the National Weather Service more rain is expected this week, Tuesday through Friday.
In addition to more rainfall, McIntosh County Emergency Management Director Leslie Phillips said Lake Thunderbird, near Norman, was expected to open its floodgates Monday, May 5, which will add even more water flowing into Lake Eufaula. Lake Thunderbird flows into the Little River which flows into the Canadian River which flows into Lake Eufaula.
Phillips advised commissioners that if they want federal disaster relief, they will have to apply at a special meeting this week.
“I don’t know how long it would take to get a response,” he said. “It’s controlled by the people in Washington.”
Relief will be based on damages, and at this point Phillips says he can’t determine how much damage there has been because of the water levels.
Numerous roads and at least two bridges have been flooded.
District 2 County Commissioner Clifford Mcelhaney said several roads in his district have been flooded, but there are no major problems.
The National Weather Service’s outlook for the days ahead includes: Thursday: 80 percent chance of rain and possible thunderstorms.
Friday: 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Saturday: Sunny and clear.
Sunday: Sunny and clear.
