JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — While the First Coast deals with extreme heat, parts of Oklahoma are again under the threat of tornadoes and flooding.
The Red Cross has sent hundreds of volunteers into the area, including a Jacksonville man. Two confirmed fatalities have been in a small Oklahoma town now left to clean-up and rebuild.
Among the hundreds on the ground helping is Jacksonville’s own David Anderson.
“We got hit the other night, but it hit in certain places," Anderson said. "It touched down and kept going."
He’s been on the ground for nearly a week and is still dodging tornadoes.
Storm Expert Mike Prangley says the areas hardest hit are not out of danger just yet.
“Five-hundred tornadoes in 30 days and what we’re having is called a ring of fire," Prangley said. "We could set five record highs here at home. It’s all related, so high pressure over us and that shifts the storm zone right into tornado alley. Look at all these tornadoes just in the last 24 hours."
Anderson says he’s been in-charge of handing-out supplies to families in areas hardest hit. The mood – somber.
“They were devastated," Anderson said. "It was really bad, but we’re doing as much as we can."
And now another threat. Video of flooding outside of Tulsa was taken firsthand by First Coast News Executive Producer Mike Massey.
Evacuations are in effect as the Arkansas River swells and a strain is placed on emergency resources and shelters in the area.
“One place got hit with a thousand people at 2:30 p.m.,” Anderson said.
Anderson says he’ll be rotated out for a few days but expects to be assigned next to flood-ravaged areas by early next week.
Tonight he's asking for prayers and donations to help those in need.
You can donate by going to RedCross.org or you can give $10 instantly by texting REDCROSS to 90999.