WEBBERS FALLS - Two runaway barges that went missing overnight along the flooded waters of the Arkansas River near Webbers Falls have been found, however authorities say they could still pose a threat that would multiply the damages to those downstream. Because of this, travelers headed west may need to divert their plans as both Interstate 40 and US Highway 64 are closed at the Arkansas River.
The barges were located overnight, stuck to a rock jetty in the Arkansas River just north of the Webbers Falls Lock and Dam. According to KOTV Television in Tulsa, the barges were found tied together near Spainard Creek about a mile north of the facility.
Although the barges have been found, if they were to get loose again and hit the dam, it could cause more massive flooding for Webbers Falls. If they were to miss the dam, the next thing they could hit is the Interstate 40 bridge south of the city.
This is the same bridge that was hit by a barge on Memorial Day Weekend 2002, resulting in several fatalities when the roadway fell, sending unsuspecting travelers plummeting into the waters below.
The news comes as residents in the the town of Webbers Falls were already being ordered to evacuate due to flooding. Some of the surge in water levels comes as upriver, the U.S. Corps of Engineers has continued to release water from the Keystone Dam west of Tulsa. The heavy rainfall has already produced massive flooding north of Tulsa, leaving towns like Hominy and Skiatook under water.