FEMA Flood Zone Lookup in Oklahoma

Oklahoma faces flood risk from the Arkansas, Canadian, Red, and Verdigris rivers, as well as significant urban flash flooding in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas. Flash flooding is the state's most common and deadly flood hazard, with narrow valleys and clay soils creating rapid runoff during intense rainfall. The 2013 Memorial Day flood in the Oklahoma City metro killed several people and caused hundreds of millions in damage. Tulsa has invested heavily in flood control since the devastating 1970s and 1980s floods along the Arkansas River and Bird Creek. The Arkansas River valley through eastern Oklahoma floods regularly, affecting communities from Muskogee to Fort Smith. The Red River creates flood risk along the state's southern border. Western Oklahoma faces flash flood risk from ephemeral streams and washes that can become dangerous during intense thunderstorms. The state has over 400 NFIP-participating communities. Oklahoma's location in tornado alley compounds flood risk as severe thunderstorms can produce both tornadoes and flash flooding simultaneously. Climate projections suggest that extreme rainfall events will become more intense increasing flash flood risk across the state.