Situation Update 1

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 5, 2007 – 10:30 p.m.

Update #1

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) received the following damage reports related to the severe storms that moved through Oklahoma this afternoon and evening.

Areas of western and northwestern Oklahoma continue to be impacted by tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. A tornado watch remains in effect until 5 a.m. Sunday for the following west and northwest Oklahoma counties: Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Kiowa, Major, Roger Mills, Washita, Woods and Woodward. Additional severe weather is forecast for Sunday.

Roger Mills and Beckham County emergency management officials identified Sweetwater as the hardest hit area. Sweetwater is a rural community of about 50 people and is located about 5 miles east of the Oklahoma/Texas state line and about 15 miles north of I-40. There, a tornado caused heavy damage to the high school, a church and some homes. Damage to some vehicles also reported. State highways 30 and 152 are closed in the Sweetwater area due to downed power lines and trees.

Damage assessments continue.

One reported minor injury however, that person declined medical treatment.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is on scene along with the American Red Cross. OEM has personnel en route to the affected area.

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