Cherokee Nation and Muscogee (Creek) Nation close casinos due to flooding threat

Thursday, May 23, 2019  

The Cherokee Nation and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation have temporarily closed two of their gaming facilities due to rising water levels in the Arkansas River.

The Cherokee casino in Fort Gibson remains closed until further notice. The facility sits below and near the river, where an emergency release of water is causing levels to crest above the flood stage.

"This could cause roadways and parking lots to flood, so in order to keep everyone safe, we are closing Cherokee Casino Fort Gibson and will remain closed until this flooding event is over," a post on social media reads.

River Spirit Casino is closed for flooding. The water has completely covered many of the casino’s parking lot. Meanwhile, the Keystone Dam is still releasing water. pic.twitter.com/AGohyCN3TF

— Amanda Hari (@AmandaHari) May 23, 2019

The Muscogee Nation shuttered the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa for the same reasons. The hotel will remain closed at least through Sunday, a post on social media reads.

“The elevation of the Resort property was built to sustain a 100-year-flood; however, the impact of the water levels to access the property, and to best protect our guests and employees, requires us to completely close the property until further notice,” CEO Pat Crofts said in a news release quoted by The Tulsa World.

A video posted by News on 6/KOTV and numerous photos on social media show water surrounding the facility, which is right on the river. Other nearby tribal businesses and properties are also affected.

Levels in the river are rising because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is releasing water from the Keystone Dam following heavy storms this week. The city of Tulsa is planning for historic flooding levels, the likes of which haven't been seen since 1986.

More information can be found on cityoftulsa.org.

Keystone Dam release going up to 250,000 cfs through Sunday; Arkansas River 2 feet shy of 1986 flood level (The Tulsa World May 23, 2019)
River Spirit Casino Resort closing early Wednesday due to flood concerns (KTUL May 22, 2019)
River Spirit Casino Resort to close property Wednesday (KJRH May 22, 2019)
Tulsa mayor says police encouraging some residents near Arkansas River to evacuate (The Tulsa World May 22, 2019)
Keystone Dam water release to increase 34%; flooding approaches 1986 levels on Arkansas River (The Tulsa World May 22, 2019