Situation Update

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 2

December 27, 2015 5:30 p.m.

Due to the hazardous weather conditions, the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated. 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 Department of Human Services, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).

A blizzard remains in effect for northwest Oklahoma and now includes far west central and southwest Oklahoma counties. A winter storm warning is now posted for the remaining western and central Oklahoma counties. In eastern Oklahoma, many counties remain under a flood or flash flood warning.

Snowfall accumulation of 6-12 inches is likely across all of western Oklahoma, with isolated higher amounts. Central Oklahoma will receive 2-4 inches of sleet and snow by Monday afternoon. Farther east primarily rain is expected with totals of 6-10 inches likely. Many areas have already received 5-7 inches of rain and more is likely tonight into Monday. Several rivers in eastern Oklahoma may reach major flooding and a few set record crests. Precipitation will exit the state late Monday with bitterly cold temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday.

The State of Emergency declared by Gov. Mary Fallin on November 29 remains in effect for all 77 counties. Under the Executive Order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. The declaration also marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports 8 storm-related injuries have been treated by Oklahoma hospitals.

American Red Cross reports a warming station is now open for stranded motorists and others at Pioneer Room, 1212 9th Street in Woodward.

An additional American Red Cross warming station is open at the First Baptist Church at 1600 W. Country Club in Elk City.

The Salvation Army reports a warming station is now open at 516 N. Independence Avenue in Enid. Dinner will be available at 6 p.m. and snacks and coffee are available all day.

An additional Salvation Army warming station is open in Altus at 1100 North Park Lane. Dinner will be available at 5:30 p.m.

Teams are positioned in the affected areas to assist stranded motorists. The teams are comprised of members of the Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

Altus Emergency Management is asking customers of Altus Water to conserve water for the next 24 hours due to a power outage at Tom Steed Reservoir.

Latimer County Emergency Management reports many roads are closed in the southern part of the county in the Buffalo Valley and Yanish area. Widespread flooding has occurred in the rest of the county with about 25 roads closed.

City of Oklahoma City reports city street crews driving up to 28 trucks have begun around-the-clock salting operations along the City’s snow routes. Crews spent much of the morning salting bridges and overpasses along snow routes. Oklahoma City’s snow routes can be viewed at www.okc.gov.

Okmulgee County Emergency Management reports two homes were evacuated overnight due to flooding.

Pittsburg County Emergency Management reports widespread flooding and numerous state and county highways are closed. At least three water rescues have occurred since this morning.

Woodward County Emergency Management reports numerous motorists are stranded in Woodward County. A warming station has opened to provide assistance.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports 57,568 power outages statewide.

PSO – Total: 22,181

Largest outage areas:  

Hobart, Carnegie, Lone Wolf, Mountain View, Roosevelt, Gotebo, Granite - 5,640

Hinton, Weatherford - 5,589

Altus, Grandfield, Snyder, Hollis, Tipton, Duke, Hollis - 4,442

Lawton, Cache - 2,451

Elgin, Cyril, Tuttle - 2,898

Duncan, Waurika - 794

OG&E – Total: 7,284

Largest outage areas:

OKC – 2,385

El Reno - 1,474

Ada - 1,328

Marietta - 621

Davis - 343

Eufaula - 289

City of Fredrick municipal Utility – Total: 2,104

City of Altus municipal utility - Total: 9,447

City of Granite municipal utility - Total: 660

Alfalfa Electric Cooperative – Total: 39

Medford, Jefferson, Renfrow, Nash areas

Central Rural Electric Cooperative – Total: 102

Greatest outage area: Noble

Cimarron Electric Cooperative – Total: 3,961

Largest outage areas:

Kingfisher – 669

Okarche – 530

El Reno – 301

Piedmont – 273

Fay – 262

Cotton Electric Cooperative – Total: 2,545

Largest outage areas:             

Comanche County – 1,892

Stephens County – 141

Oklahoma Electric Cooperative - Total: 8,884

Largest outage areas:

Tuttle – 4,193

Blanchard – 1,561

Chickasha – 1,158

Newcastle – 598

Pocasset – 371

Amber – 321

People’s Electric Cooperative - Total: 263

Largest outage areas – Fitzhugh, Stonewall, Tupelo Byng

Indian Electric Cooperative – Total: 21

Largest outage areas: Pawnee, Morrison

Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative – Total: 77

Largest outage areas: Colcord, Kansas, Oaks, Twin Oaks, Rose, West Siloam Springs

Highways in central and western Oklahoma are slick and hazardous and conditions are expected to worsen in the overnight hours with additional precipitation and falling temperatures. Drivers are urged to consider changing any unnecessary travel plans and to closely monitor weather conditions ahead.

Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews continue salt and sand operations from the Texas and Kansas borders in western Oklahoma towards central Oklahoma. The Oklahoma City metro is reporting rain at this time but temperatures could cause conditions to quickly deteriorate to icy and hazardous tonight. Caution should be used on bridges and overpasses.

I-35 north of Oklahoma City and I-40 west of Oklahoma City are also very slick and considered hazardous. Texas DOT officials continue to have I-40 closed west of Amarillo in Texas. Eastern Oklahoma is reporting wet conditions at this time, including the Tulsa metro.

If travel is unavoidable, drivers should check local weather conditions before traveling and allow extra time.

In eastern Oklahoma, numerous highways are closed due to flooding. ODOT recommends drivers check their new interactive highway conditions map at www.okroads.org or call 1-844-4OKHWYS (844-465-4997) to “Know B4 U Go.”

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