NORMAN, OK -- It's not common, but experts say parts of Oklahoma could see more than 5 inches of rain on Wednesday, because of a tropical storm. Rick Smith, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist in the Norman Forecast Office of the National Weather Service, says tropical storm Hermine should travel from southwest to central Oklahoma Tuesday night and Wednesday.
He says it will be the most significant tropical storm since Erin which caused massive flooding in Oklahoma in August of 2007.
Half a dozen people were killed and 135 homes were damaged or destroyed.
Earlier this summer thunderstorms brought flash flooding that took many by surprise.
Smith says Hermine could bring the same amount of rain, but not as quickly.
"Instead of getting that much rain in a 2-hour time frame, we're going to see a large amount of rain spread over 24 hours or more," he says.
That means residents in flood-prone areas should have more time to prepare and react to flooding.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management Director, Albert Ashwood, says they're prepared to provide heavy equipment and coordinate national guardsmen, state troopers and other personnel to help any flood victims.
Regardless of the type of storm, he wants families to always have a disaster supply kit on hand.
"Do you have a flashlight with batteries? A little emergency food, water? Those types of things that every family should be able to grab in a moment's notice, in case of any type of disaster," Ashwood says.
Smith says there will also be the potential for tornadoes in tropical storm Hermine.
He warns drivers, if you don't know how deep the water is on the road, then turn around, don't drown.
He says it will be the most significant tropical storm since Erin which caused massive flooding in Oklahoma in August of 2007.
Half a dozen people were killed and 135 homes were damaged or destroyed.
Earlier this summer thunderstorms brought flash flooding that took many by surprise.
Smith says Hermine could bring the same amount of rain, but not as quickly.
"Instead of getting that much rain in a 2-hour time frame, we're going to see a large amount of rain spread over 24 hours or more," he says.
That means residents in flood-prone areas should have more time to prepare and react to flooding.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management Director, Albert Ashwood, says they're prepared to provide heavy equipment and coordinate national guardsmen, state troopers and other personnel to help any flood victims.
Regardless of the type of storm, he wants families to always have a disaster supply kit on hand.
"Do you have a flashlight with batteries? A little emergency food, water? Those types of things that every family should be able to grab in a moment's notice, in case of any type of disaster," Ashwood says.
Smith says there will also be the potential for tornadoes in tropical storm Hermine.
He warns drivers, if you don't know how deep the water is on the road, then turn around, don't drown.
