Situation Update
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
Situation Update 1
May 6, 2015 - 8:10 p.m.
STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER ACTIVATED
Due to severe weather conditions across Oklahoma, the State Emergency Operations Center is activated. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers across the state and coordinating with numerous agencies and organizations including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Oklahoma National Guard, National Weather Service, Oklahoma Office of Geographic Information, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).
ROAD CLOSURES
Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports the following road closures:
I-35 is closed in both directions in Norman from Tecumseh Road to Robinson Road due to downed power lines.
H.E. Bailey Turnpike (I-44) is closed from Chickasha to Newcastle, mile markers 85 to 108.
Oklahoma Department of Transportation reports flooding on I-35 between at 164th Street in Cleveland County. This location is between South 19th Street and Indian Hills Road. Both north and southbound lanes are impacted.
SHELTERS AND MASS CARE
American Red Cross is working with Grady County Emergency Management to set up a shelter for residents impacted by the storms.
The Salvation Army reports canteens are being staged in affected areas.
DAMAGE REPORTS
Grady County Emergency Management reports homes and other structures destroyed in Bridge Creek and Blanchard. Damage assessments are ongoing.
POWER OUTAGES
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports more than 10,000 power outages statewide.
OG&E - 3,382 outages in Midwest City, Nichols Hills, Norman, and Oklahoma City
Caddo Electric - 207 outages north of Apache
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative - 6,894 outages near Moore, Newcastle, Norman, and South Oklahoma City
OUTDOOR DIGITAL MESSAGE SIGNS
Oklahoma Department of Transportation activated the highway Digital Message Signs early in the day and has continued to update the messages throughout the evening.
LAMAR Advertising activated their digital outdoor boards in the Oklahoma City metro with weather alerts through a partnership with Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and National Weather Service.
DIAL 211
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.
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