Situation Update 4

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2007 – 11:30 a.m. – Update #4

The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) received the following reports related to the severe storms that moved through Oklahoma Thursday, March 29. 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 northwestern Oklahoma City. Additional tornadoes were reported near Hillsdale and Okeene. Today, severe storms are possible with isolated tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds the primary threat. This threat exists statewide with the exception of the Panhandle. Additionally, all of central and eastern Oklahoma remains under a flood watch. The threat of heavy rain may cause flash flooding in central and eastern areas of the state.

There were five injuries reported in the Oklahoma City metro area, according to officials with the Oklahoma City Fire Department and EMSA.

Power is restored to all OG&E customers. OG&E officials report 70 distribution poles and three transmission towers were damaged by the storm. At the height of the outages about 14,000 homes and businesses were without electric service.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) reports high water has caused the closing of State Highway 20 between State Highway 11 and Peoria. This is in northern Tulsa County, just east of Skiatook.

American Red Cross reports no shelter was needed or opened Thursday night. No request for lodging was received. Preliminary damage assessments show most of the affected homeowners appear to have insurance to cover damages. Anyone needing assistance is urged to contact the American Red Cross at (405) 228-9500.

Oklahomans are reminded of the 2-1-1 system which serves as a resource for non-emergency information services. 2-1-1 is the number to call for access to non-emergency health, human service, and disaster related information. Just dial "2-1-1" from any phone in 36 Oklahoma Counties (see the lists below where 2-1-1 is available). Phones are answered 24/7/365. If you are calling from a rotary dial telephone or large phone system, such as PBX, please access 2-1-1 services through the 10-digit telephone numbers listed below. If your county does not have 2-1-1, contact local emergency management officials or the American Red Cross for assistance.

Tulsa 2-1-1 Helpline (918-836-4357) Creek, Okmulgee, Osage, Rogers, Tulsa, Wagoner counties

HeartLine 2-1-1, Central Oklahoma (405-286-4057) – Canadian, Cleveland, Grady, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, McClain, Oklahoma, Pottawatomie counties

2-1-1 of Southeastern Oklahoma (580-332-0558) – Atoka, Bryan, Carter, Choctaw, Coal, Garvin, Haskell, Hughes, Jefferson, Johnston, Latimer, LeFlore, Love, Marshall, McCurtain, Murray, Pittsburg, Pontotoc, Pushmataha, Seminole, Stephens counties

First Call 2-1-1, Northeastern Oklahoma (918-336-2255) -- Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Nowata, Ottawa, Washington, and part of Osage counties

Southwest Oklahoma 2-1-1 (580-355-7575) – Beckham, Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Tillman, and Washita counties

Garfield County Emergency Management reports three barns destroyed in northern areas of the county. The area also experienced some power outages.

Piedmont Emergency Management reports minor rooftop damage to some homes. Some out buildings were damaged and destroyed.

Oklahoma City Emergency Management reports preliminary damage assessments show 28 homes with damage and 25 outbuildings damaged due to the tornado.

Oklahoma City Fire officials report the tornado touched down Thursday, around 4 p.m. at Northwest 39th Street, just west of the Kilpatrick Turnpike. It tracked to the north, staying on the west side of the Kilpatrick Turnpike and traveling along Morgan Road to Northwest Expressway. Oklahoma City officials shut down their command post early Friday morning.

OHP reports damage to residences and outbuildings in eastern Canadian County near the Kilpatrick Turnpike and Wilshire Boulevard and further points north.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority reports two cars and a tractor trailer were blown off the road on the Kilpatrick Turnpike near Northwest Highway. Toll booth structures and signage sustained minor damage.

Next situation update: As necessary.

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