Intake Vortex Forms as Floodgates Drain Oklahoma's Lake Texoma

A huge intake vortex in Oklahoma’s Lake Texoma has caused the water levels of the lake to drop, according to local reports from June 8. Video shared by the Tulsa division of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) shows the vortex swirling. The USACE said that the vortex was “8 feet in diameter and capable of sucking in a full-sized boat”.

According to reports citing Lake Manager Joe Custer, the vortex was caused by the huge amount of water being released through two hydropower generators and floodgates. Severe flooding was reported around Lake Texoma at the time this video was released. Credit: YouTube/USACETulsa