Heavy rain inundated Oklahoma on Wednesday, causing road closures and leading to tragic fatalities. According to the National Weather Service, the dangerous weather continued into Thursday, jeopardizing public safety across the region.

In Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma, a man lost his life when his vehicle was swept away, despite efforts by a sheriff’s deputy who became trapped while attempting a rescue. The deputy himself was later hospitalized due to the perilous conditions. A second fatality occurred in Lincoln County when another vehicle was overwhelmed by rising floodwaters, as confirmed by an Oklahoma Highway Patrol spokeswoman.

Central and southern Oklahoma received up to eight inches of rain over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday, while parts of Texas experienced up to six inches. Forecasters warned that heavy rainfall would continue, predicting up to two inches in some areas on Thursday, which could exacerbate the already saturated ground and potentially trigger additional flash flooding.

The heaviest rainfall was anticipated on Thursday evening and into the night, raising alarms for residents and officials alike.