Situation Update 1

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2007 – 7 p.m. – Update #1

The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) received the following damage reports related to the severe storms that moved through Oklahoma March 29. Damage assessments are underway in many areas. Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) officials remain in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas. There are no requests for state assistance at this time.

Thunderstorms developed across much of Oklahoma on Thursday producing a tornado in far western Oklahoma City. Flooding is also possible due to repeated storms moving through the area. A flash flood watch has been issued for much of Oklahoma. The severe weather threat will continue into Friday with the potential for another active severe weather day.

Oklahoma City EMSA officials report 2 individuals with injuries were transported to an Oklahoma City area hospital after their travel trailer was heavily damaged near Wilshire and the Kilpatrick Turnpike.

Currently about 3,000 OG&E customers are without power statewide. The majority of the outages are in western Oklahoma City where 1,800 are without power and in the Piedmont area where about 500 are without power. At the height of the outages about 14,000 customers were without electric service.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports damage to residences and outbuildings in eastern Canadian County near the Kilpatrick Turnpike and Wilshire Boulevard and further points north. Minor damage was sustained to the Kilpatrick Turnpike office on Northwest Expressway as well as toll booth structures and signage. Several vehicles along the Kilpatrick Turnpike sustained damage, however, no injuries reported.

Oklahoma City Emergency Management reports 6 homes with major damage and 6 homes with moderate damage.

Next situation update: As necessary.

###