Tulsa flood watch update: 4500 S Sheridan closure, “turn around, don’t drown”

Tulsa drivers got a direct warning in a June 24 City of Tulsa update: a flood watch was in effect through this afternoon, and the City flagged 4500 South Sheridan Avenue as closed.

The City’s emergency guidance paired the closure with a clear message for motorists: never drive into high water—remember to turn around, don’t drown.

What the City of Tulsa said on June 24

In its June 24 press release, the City said it was responding to isolated areas of flooding while the flood watch remained in effect through this afternoon. Officials also said multiple rounds of heavy rain were expected through Thursday.

Current closure listed by the City:

• 4500 South Sheridan Avenue

The City added that additional roads may be closed or be inaccessible due to high water and asked residents to follow all posted signs and/or barricades.

The City also said Tulsa Fire Department crews had responded to dozens of stranded motorists and high-water calls on roadways since yesterday.

What to do now if you’re driving or commuting

• Avoid high water. Don’t try to drive through flooded areas.
• Plan around closures. Use alternate routes when a road is listed as closed, and don’t assume conditions match earlier reports.
• Follow barricades and posted signs. Don’t drive around closures.
• Have a basic family plan. Identify a specific person to contact for status updates or a safe place to meet.
• Check official alerts before you leave. Flood risk can change quickly as rain continues.

Emergency monitoring expanded as conditions continued

As flooding impacts continued, Tulsa County and the City activated their Emergency Operations Center to monitor flooding conditions across the county and coordinate with law enforcement, emergency managers, and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management.

Local reporting also noted city stormwater crews were on standby and that teams were ready to respond to stranded motorists through the night.

State context: Tulsa County remained under a declared emergency

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management updates during the broader severe-weather period said a State of Emergency remains in effect for Tulsa County due to dangerous flooding and severe weather beginning Saturday, June 6.

Bottom line: The City’s June 24 update is a practical planning signal for today and tonight—especially if your route touches 4500 S Sheridan Avenue. Because officials warned that additional roads could become inaccessible due to high water, check for the latest city/county alerts and take alternate routes rather than trying to “work around” closures.

Sources

• City of Tulsa: Flood watch in effect through this afternoon + closure on 4500 S Sheridan
• KRMG: Tulsa County + City activate Emergency Operations Center to monitor flooding
• Oklahoma OEM: State of Emergency includes Tulsa County during severe weather and flooding