A brutal storm has been hammering through the midwest, causing havoc and destruction at every turn. Around 60 reported tornadoes, high winds, pounding rain and widespread flooding have resulted in at least four deaths across the region, with more lethal weather predicted for Thursday.
The storms are also causing an array of risks on the ground. In Oklahoma City, two barges came loose from their moorings Wednesday and started careening down the swollen Arkansas River, coming perilously close to striking a dam. As a result, authorities took swift action to evacuate the surrounding towns, including Webbers Falls, which has a population of around 600 people.
“Evacuate Webbers Falls immediately,” town officials posted on Facebook. “The barges are loose and has the potential to hit the lock and dam 16. If the dam breaks, it will be catastrophic!! Leave now!!”
There is no word yet whether or not the barges have struck the dam yet, but the risk remains high. “The biggest concern is more rain,” Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said during a news conference, according to the Associated Press. “Any rainfall we get just continues to saturate the soils that are already saturated. Especially rivers and streams,” added Oklahoma State Climatologist Gary McManus. “There is simply nowhere for this water to go.”
Several homes continue to hang on at the…
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