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The Route 66 city of El Reno OK has been hit by a late-May tornado. Two people are confirmed dead, many injured, and damage is widespread. El Reno has 17,000 people and is 25 miles (40 km) west of Oklahoma City.
The ongoing widespread danger is from flooding. Torrential rain continues to fall over much of the state, especially the northern portion, and old earthen levees in Tulsa are seriously threatened. Much of the water will flow through Tulsa on the Arkansas River near downtown, and this problem will likely extend into June.
Perhaps this will affect some of you already traveling, or about to. Updates are available through http://www.weather.gov (the US government forecasting service) or http://www.weather.com (a commercial TV channel widely available in US motels). Road closures and conditions in Oklahoma are on the official state site: http://www.ok.gov/odot/
As of late Sunday May 26, Route 66 is NOT affected.
Perhaps this is a good time to repeat a caution about Pops at Arcadia OK, on Rt 66 just to the northeast side of Oklahoma City. It is isolated in the environment, built almost entirely of glass, and has NO public storm shelter. Nor is there one anywhere nearby.
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Hi Frank
Old time contributor to this site.
I have friends who are planning on doing Route 66 next year. It’s been a long time since I posted, but I am happy that you have returned to give your invaluable advice. Advice that made my journey so enjoyable.
Thank you also for telling me about the Natchez Trace Parkway. Besides R66, it has been one of the best drives we have undertaken in the USA.
Drove Route 66 in 2012.
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Good to have you back as well, Wotacroc. Route 66 has changed since your trip, for better and worse, that's in the "Vandalism" posting below.
The spring storm complications seem to be over in Oklahoma, but background information may still be of value.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is not widely known outside the South, but it's one of the country's most enjoyable drives. 444 miles (710 km) of gently curving blacktop from Natchez Mississippi up to Nashville Tennessee with scenic/historic stops and a complete ban on trucks.
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Such a shame to hear about the vandalism of R66. I suppose as time marches on, R66 will have less meaning to future generations, until ultimately all its history will be permanently erased
Maybe the Natchez Trace Parkways unknown status is a good thing. I know when we drove it, there was virtually no other traffic. I think it took us close to five days to drive it, and when we arrived in Natchez, we felt sort of let down, after seeing an area of such diverse history. Seeing the graves of the Confederate soldiers in a small bush setting, well off the road, the worn foot tracks of those walking back to the north from Natchez, the Mounds and old buildings. Just a great experience.
Drove Route 66 in 2012.
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You've both been great contributors to the site for many years so while you're both here let me say how much I appreciate both your input.
I really hope the cultural/historical significance of Route 66 will never be forgotten. Hopefully the numerous annual events and online communities will keep the fire burning.
Set up the Driving Route 66 website in 2010 following the best road trip experience in 2007.
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tonyburgos said
I agree that when we drove it, there was virtually no other traffic. I think it took us close to five days to drive it, and when we arrived in Natchez, we felt sort of let down, after seeing an area of such diverse history.
We have traveled extensively throughout the USA over the past ten years. The amazing thing we have found is that very few Americans know about this drive when we talk about it.
Drove Route 66 in 2012.
