Emergency Declared After Oklahoma Flooding

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY -- State officials have declared a state of emergency for 63 counties after heavy rains and flooding pounded the state in recent days.

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins approved the emergency declaration paperwork on Friday for Gov. Brad Henry, who is out of the state.

At least three people have died as a result of heavy rains that led to creeks and rivers flooding their banks, stranding motorists and flooding homes.

A teenage girl was swept to her death Thursday while playing near a drainage ditch near Durant in Bryan County. Another teen died when he was swept into a south Oklahoma City creek, and an 8-year-old boy was killed in Pottawatomie County.

The disaster declaration allows local governments to seek reimbursement for some storm-related expenses.

More: Dozens of OKC Motorists Stranded After Thursday's Flash Floods