(NECN: Josh Brogadir) - There were dramatic rescues across Oklahoma City Monday, after flash floods stranded dozens. Heavy rains up to ten inches washed out roads and flooded neighborhoods.
The flash flooding in Arkansas was in a remote area with spotty cell service and no sirens to warn people. But in Oklahoma, a different story. The rains came during the day, and it was in a metropolitan area. As a result, there no major injuries or loss of life.
Sometimes the rescuers need to be rescued.
Flash floods overwhelmed Oklahoma City Monday, after 10 inches of rain fell in some places.
Firefighters headed out in a boat to rescue a 17 year old girl clinging to treetops.
Local
When their boat sank, they soon had to hang on to treetops themselves until help arrived.
Emergency crews in helicopters surveyed the flooding.
Some along three major interstates that were closed for hours - they have since reopened.
Several people stood and watched a lake overflow a
road and dam complex.
That reddish tint to the water you see is from Chisholm Creek on the northside of the city.
To blame for all the water, slow moving thunderstorms that covered central Oklahoma, playing out in scenes like this one - where drivers and passengers had to be pulled from cars as water flowed in and around them.
In all, there were more than 50 rescues Monday, and through it all, no fatalities or major injuries were reported.
Residents waded through yards, their vehicles covered, at least one boy taking a moment to enjoy all the water - floating down the street on a raft.
With Governor Brad Henry out of state, Lt. Gov. Jari Askins on Monday declared a state of emergency for 59 Oklahoma counties affected by the storms.
