BIXBY — Bixby homeowners are frantically packing up their homes in the wake of rising waters and proposed evacuations.
This parking lot has been jam packed, day and night as the city offers free sand bags to those preparing to evacuate.
Today they got an automatic machine to speed up the process.
Staff with the city said in just five hours they filled and passed out a thousand bags.
They plan to be here as long as people keep showing up, 24 hours a day if needed.
This comes as at least a dozen neighborhoods are under a recommended evacuation order by police.
The rising water from the most recent dam release is expected to hit this area right about now, threatening houses throughout the night.
It's led to non-stop crowds as homeowners pack up.
"Thousands. Thousands. I would say all of Bixby," said City of Bixby Street Department's Alyssa Neese. "There's been a couple people that came back a few times so there's a lot going out."
The water is expected to rise over the next few days, which the city will be monitoring to see if more evacuation orders are needed.
There are currently shelters available in Tulsa and Glenpool.
We did speak to multiple people leaving earlier today.
They told us it hasn't been easy, but they're not taking any chances.
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