Situation Update

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 10, 2009 – 5:15 p.m. – Situation Update 1

Due to the severe weather, the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is at Level Two activation, which involves extended operating hours for key personnel. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas.

A strong storm system moved into Oklahoma today and combined with unseasonable warmth and moisture to produce widespread severe thunderstorms. The storms developed early afternoon across southwest and central Oklahoma. Tornadoes have been confirmed with these storms. Additional storms will occur during the late afternoon and evening hours. A tornado watch continues for the eastern half of the state through midnight.

EMSA reports 3 minor injuries. All were treated at the scene for debris and broken glass injuries in the NW Expressway and Rockwell area in Oklahoma City.

About 12,247 OG&E customers are without power, including 7,165 in north Oklahoma City and 1,742 in Perkins.

American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Waterloo Baptist Church at 3100 E. Waterloo, in Oklahoma City. Red Cross is also supporting first responders with their Emergency Response Vehicles which are staged at the Oklahoma City Command Post at NW Expressway and Rockwell.

Salvation Army reports they are deploying canteens to assist the first responders and residents in the affected areas.

Edmond Emergency Management reports 6 homes destroyed near Oak Tree country club.

Oklahoma City Emergency Management reports damage due to a possible tornado at NW Expressway and Rockwell in Oklahoma City. There is damage to businesses, homes and apartments and power lines are down. Oklahoma City fire, police and public works are on scene along with EMSA and the American Red Cross.

National Weather Service confirms a tornado touchdown in Edmond near Coffee Creek and Kelly. Additionally, baseball size hail was reported in Yukon and Guthrie.

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