After Last month’s heavy downpours roads and bridges are reopening across the county. Nearly 12 inches of rain fell across Chandler and the surrounding areas of Lincoln County, leading to widespread road closures, bridge shutdowns, and potential waterlogged farmland.
Last Month 25 roads and bridges were closed across the county.
“Each district had about the same number of roads and bridges hit pretty hard,” said Lincoln County Emergency Management.
Several roads and bridges have since reopened.
“We’re working really hard to make sure damage to the roadway is fixed quickly,” the agency added.
While rain is essential to Oklahoma’s agricultural cycle, too much of a good thing can quickly turn problematic.
“Rain can cause erosion and lots of other issues to farms,” said Cody Linker, the OSU Extension’s Lincoln County Ag Educator. Saturated soil can lead to erosion and crop damage, particularly for early-season plantings.
“Lots of water at one time starts to make trenches and carry soil away,” Linker explained.
For farmers, when heavy rain hits, preparation is key.
“Hopefully they have a system to divert water and prevent erosion,” said Linker.
Excessive rainfall also disrupts livestock routines, as pastures and grazing areas become muddy and inaccessible.
“You don’t wanna catch all the rain at once, it might be the only rain you get all year. So we hope and pray that the faucet doesn’t turn off,” Linker said.
Last year, Lincoln County received most of its annual 35 inches of rainfall in the first few months, leaving the rest of the year dry and the crop season difficult.
“You don’t wanna talk bad about the rain because it might be the last rain you get all year,” said Linker. “An older gentleman once told me you’re always two weeks away from a drought in Oklahoma.” He added.
Still, despite the headaches, it’s not all doom and gloom. Rain has long been tied to emotional and psychological benefits. According to Health.com, the rhythmic sound of rainfall can lower heart rates, reduce pain perception, and ease symptoms of anxiety.
So if your porch swing hasn’t floated away, it might just be the perfect place to decompress.
“We can at least start the spring and summer with full ponds,” said Linker.