November 30, 2006 Winter Weather Event Situation Update 1

Situation Update

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 30, 2006 -- Update

The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) received the following damage reports related to the winter weather system that moved through Oklahoma Wednesday and Thursday. There are no requests for state assistance at this time. EOC staff remains in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that statewide, since midnight, they have worked one fatality wreck; 10 injury and 29 non-injury crashes.

Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) crews continue to work the hazardous road conditions, keeping snow and ice cleared from Oklahoma's highways. Throughout most of the state, road conditions are dangerous and travel is discouraged. Statewide ODOT has about 1,200 crew members split into shifts so workers can clear the roads around the clock until winter weather passes.

Around 3 a.m. today, crews began working to clear accidents on the Canadian River Bridge at the Canadian/Caddo County line and at the I-40 and the I-240 junction in Oklahoma City. Another accident was reported at the I-44 southbound exit ramp to westbound I-44 near N.W. 39th Street and May Ave., also in Oklahoma City. Detours were set up in all locations.

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority reports 62 trucks are working to apply salt and in some cases a mixture of salt and magnesium chloride on Oklahoma's toll roads. Crews have been working 12-hour shifts since noon Tuesday.

If driving is required, travelers are urged to exercise extreme caution by not passing road clearing equipment and keeping at least 200 feet between their vehicle and the road clearing equipment. For the latest conditions on Oklahoma roads, highways and Interstates, call (405) 425-2385 or 888-425-2385. For road conditions in surrounding states call: Arkansas (501) 501-569-2374; Kansas (800) 585-7623; and Texas (800) 452-9292.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports only minimal power outages at this time. The maximum number of outages reported due to the winter storm was about 4,700.

PSO reports around 200 power outages at this time in Bartlesville/Nowata, Chelsea, Okmulgee, downtown Tulsa and west Tulsa. At the height of their outages around 8 a.m. today, PSO reported about 3,600 customers without power, primarily in the downtown Tulsa area.

Municipal Electric Service of Oklahoma reports no power outages at this time. Wednesday evening, power was disrupted for about 1,000 customers in Newkirk. Power was restored after about 30 minutes.

The Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives reports no extensive outages at this time. Earlier today about 60 customers were without power in an area between Ada and Sulphur. People's Electric reported ice buildup on power lines of between one-half inch and one inch in the Ada area. Additionally, about 500 customers in the Marlow area were without power during the night. This area is serviced by Cotton Electric Cooperative, out of Walters.

OG&E reports no power outages.

Woodward City/County Emergency Management reports most east-west roads are in fair condition, except those with a natural barrier on the north side, which has caused accumulation. North-south roads are deteriorating and becoming snow-packed. All bridges and elevated roadways appear to be icing over. No road closures in Northwest Oklahoma at this time, but reports of vehicles sliding off roadways, especially near bridges and other elevated areas are becoming more numerous. No major injury accidents reported at this time, although several non-injury accidents have been reported to the Woodward Police Department and Woodward County Sheriff's Office. Visibility is .50 to 1 mile in most areas and isolated areas are experiencing .25 mile visibility with blowing snow. Snowfall continuing at an estimated .25 to .50 inches per hour.

Ponca City Emergency Management reports receiving about 6 inches of snow. High winds are creating up to two-foot snow drifts in some places. Roads are snow-packed and difficult to travel. Visibility is very limited.

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