State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma amid Deadly Storms

30-Day State of Emergency Declared across Oklahoma

Governor Fallin has declared a state of emergency for all 77 counties in Oklahoma after storms battered the state, causing widespread flooding and leaving roads coated with up to 3cm of ice.

About 25 cm of rain fell across large swathes of SE Oklahoma over a 100-hour period causing extensive flash flooding and forcing the authorities to close two state highways.

“Nearly 100,000 homes were still without power Sunday afternoon as a result of freezing rain, ice and sleet that began Thursday. The state of emergency will help facilitate additional mutual aid, which includes oversized vehicles such as those transporting utility poles to the affected areas,” according to statement posted on Fallin’s website.

The storm have so far killed about two dozen people across the affected region.

State of Emergency Declared for 35 Oklahoma Counties

Severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding plague Oklahoma

Gov. Mary Fallin has declared a state of emergency for 35 Oklahoma counties battered by severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding.

A ferocious storm packing 80-mph winds uprooted trees and knocked out power to at least 125,000 customers.

Additional counties could be added to the declaration as damage assessments continue, Fallin said.

The governor’s office earlier issued the following Press Release:

Wednesday, July 24, 2013 – Governor Fallin Declares State of Emergency Due to Severe Storms

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today declared a State of Emergency for 35 Oklahoma counties due to severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that began Tuesday.

The counties included in the declaration are: Adair, Atoka, Cherokee, Coal, Craig, Delaware, Creek, Haskell, Hughes, Kay, Latimer, Le Flore, Lincoln, Logan, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Noble, Nowata, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Payne, Pittsburg, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Pushmataha, Rogers, Seminole, Sequoyah, Tulsa, Wagoner and Washington.

“Heavy winds and flooding have lead to damage throughout the state and left many without power, especially in the Tulsa metro,” said Fallin. “Both government and private sector resources are being utilized to help those affected.”

The declaration can be amended to add additional counties if conditions warrant.

Since Tuesday evening, these Oklahoma counties have experienced damaging straight-line winds, flooding and other severe weather as well as widespread power outages in some areas. Damage assessments are ongoing.

Under the Executive Order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. The declaration also marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary.

###