FORT SILL, Okla. (June 4, 2015) -- May in Lawton saw a record 15.24 inches of rainfall in 18 days, according to KSWO-TV. The numbers are sobering compared to May 2014, which had only 1.85 inches of rainfall during five days.
This wet spring has led to a number of cancellations of Lawton-Fort Sill events including the polo match, Armed Forces Day parade and Freedom's Thunder Motorcycle rally.
The wet weather has also kept Fort Sill units, tenants and agencies busy, including the Directorate of Public Works (DPW), which ensured the post stayed on the grid to perform its missions.
DPW UNDAUNTED
The May 28 late afternoon and early evening thunderstorm dropped 2.30 inches of rain in downtown Lawton, according to our partners at The Lawton Constitution.
DPW crews were out May 29 clearing roads of debris that had been left by flooding -- something they've been doing throughout spring.
"The recent flooding has caused some damage to our training areas, and made certain low water crossings impassable," said Andrew Bennett, Fort Sill Directorate of Public Works Business Operations Division chief. There are 13 major low water crossings across the post and ranges.
DPW's Professional Contract Services, Inc. (PCSI) road and grounds crews have to wait until the water recedes before they can begin work, Bennett said.
First, they clear the roads of debris. Often, flood waters will wash away the dirt and gravel next to a road leaving a drop off, so the dirt must be replaced, he said.
Several roads on the ranges have been completely washed away and must be rebuilt. The gravel road around Rucker Park must also be replaced.
Hairpin Bridge, next to Hoyle Bridge at Beef Creek and Cache Creek roads, on the east side of post was down to one lane, after water went over the bridge.
Road crews have been working long hours during daylight because working at night, setting up lighting is not efficient, Bennett said. "They are performing outstanding."
Capt. Nicholas Stave, 1st Battalion, 30th Field Artillery fires support instructor, surveyed the road impasse May 29, at the Pig Farm low water crossing on the East Range. He said the rains have had an impact on training for his Basic Officer Leader Course students.
"The weather decision is today, and four days of live fire may turn into four days of simulated training, which certainly has value, but when you're on 'the hill' you have to spread out and use radio communications," he said.
WARNING SIGNAGE
DPW crews have improved the signa at low water crossings, Bennett said. The new signs emphasize the danger of deep, rapidly moving flood water. Additionally, orange flashing-light signs are placed well ahead of closed low water crossings giving drivers early warning that they are approaching a hazard.
OUTAGES
The heavy rains of May 23 left 55-inches of standing water in the mechanical room of Building 914, Bennett said. The equipment provided cooling for the adjacent Marine Barracks.
"We have a temporary chiller on its way until we can get a replacement for the chiller that has failed," Bennett said. "It will take a few months to get it replaced."
There were also power outages in the 3400-area when localized flooding got into transformer boxes creating short circuits, Bennett said. Electrical crews quickly responded replacing fuses.
SECONDARY EFFECTS
Fort Sill motorists may have noticed new potholes as a result of the heavy rains. They will be filled once the weather dries out, Bennett said.
Of course, rain is a boon for vegetation, and landscaping crews are out in force cutting grass. And, PCSI workers are already planning fogging operations for mosquito control.
"Recovery is a slow process and it will take us probably several weeks if not months to recover from the flooding," Bennett said.
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