Situation Update

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update #1

May 30, 3:30 p.m.

Due to the severe weather that began yesterday evening, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with local emergency managers in the affected areas.

Governor Mary Fallin today declared a state of emergency for 35 Oklahoma counties impacted by the straight line winds, hail, flooding, tornadoes and other severe weather that began on Tuesday, May 29. The declaration marks the first step toward seeking federal assistance, should it be warranted.

The counties included in the state of emergency are: Alfalfa, Blaine, Bryan, Caddo, Canadian, Cleveland, Comanche, Cotton, Creek, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Grant, Harper, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Latimer, Lincoln, Logan, Love, Major, McClain, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Pittsburg, Pottawatomie, Stephens, Tillman, Tulsa, Washita, Woods, and Woodward. This Executive Order can be amended to add additional counties.

Numerous severe thunderstorms occurred across Oklahoma Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Softball size hail was noted in several areas along with many reports of wind up to 70 mph or more. A wind gust of 85 mph was recorded near Minco. One confirmed tornado occurred in Canadian County, 3 miles southwest of Piedmont. Flash flooding occurred in Oklahoma City Wednesday morning when additional storms developed across the metro.

Severe thunderstorms will occur this afternoon into the overnight hours across a large part of Oklahoma. Destructive wind and hail are possible along with a few tornadoes.

OG&E reports approximately 19,047 customers without power due to the severe weather. Contractors and crews are coming in from other parts of the state to assist with power restoration. Transmission lines are down at NW 164th Street and Western Avenue in Oklahoma City causing numerous outages in the area.

Current outages include:

Norman: 2,833

Oklahoma City: 11,157

Village: 2,832

Warr Acres: 1,554

Mustang: 283

OEM is in contact with emergency managers in the affected counties who are reporting power lines and power poles down, trees down, and hail damage to homes, businesses, public buildings and vehicles. Additional damage assessments are underway by local emergency management officials.

Those impacted by the storms are urged to prepare for additional severe weather that may occur later today by taking steps now to repair or protect any damage to homes or vehicles.  Take photos of damage and note any costs associated with repairs to provide to insurance representatives.

The Oklahoma Insurance Department recommends taking the following steps after your property has been damaged by severe weather:

• Survey the damage and take pictures.
• Protect property from further loss or damage. Make temporary repairs and keep receipts for all materials and labor.
• Make a list of all personal property destroyed or damaged. Note the approximate date, price, and place of purchase and attach any sales receipts you may have.
• Contact your insurance company. Keep a record of the name of each person you talk to as well as the time and date of the call.
• Your insurance company will send an adjuster to your property. Ask the adjuster for identification and please remember that your insurance company pays the adjusters so you should not be asked for payment.
• If your home is uninhabitable, ask your insurance company if your policy covers any additional living expenses until repairs are made, such as lodging, food and clothing.

For questions about insurance claims or to report insurance fraud, please call the Oklahoma Insurance Department consumer assistance number at 1-800-522-0071.

For Oklahoma residents seeking non-emergency disaster or health and human service information, please contact your local 2-1-1. Services are available 24 hours a day by dialing 2-1-1 from your home or cellular telephone. Please only call 911 for emergencies.

This week’s weather once again highlights the need for people to stay informed about their local weather. The National Weather Service and OEM remind Oklahomans that a NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio can save lives during severe weather.

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