SITUATION UPDATE

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 2

April 30, 2017 – 5 p.m.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) remains activated due to severe weather that began impacting the state Friday, April 28. OEM is in contact with emergency managers across the state and coordinating with agencies and organizations including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Oklahoma Insurance Department, National Weather Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief and the Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.

The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for Cimarron and Texas counties until 8 pm. Widespread snowfall occurred late yesterday and this morning, with 6-12 inches of snow reported in these counties. Very strong winds gusting to 70 mph are occurring today and is causing whiteout conditions. Strong winds will continue into the evening hours and slowly decrease overnight. A Winter Weather Advisory continues for Beaver County until 8 pm where 1-5 inches of snow occurred. Winds will not be as strong with gusts to 50 mph. Whiteout conditions are possible.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely Tuesday evening into Wednesday across northern Oklahoma. Widespread 1-3 inches of rain will occur. Flash flooding is not expected but a continuation of ongoing flooding is possible. Severe thunderstorms are not expected.

A State of Emergency remains in effect for all 77 Oklahoma counties due to severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and snow that began Friday. 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.

American Red Cross the following shelters are open for residents displaced by storms:

• Chewey Community Center, Chewey Road and Flint Ridge Drive, Chewey, OK
• First Baptist Church, Highway 2, Kinta, OK
• First Baptist Church, 201 Commerce Road, Tahlequah, OK
• American Red Cross/Texas County Emergency Management Office, 2906 Tumbleweed Drive, Guymon (Warming Center Only – not open overnight)

Oklahoma Civil Air Patrol is documenting damage via aerial photography. They are photographing the severe flooding of rivers and as well as homes and businesses damaged by flooding. This includes the Illinois River in Adair, Delaware, Ottawa and Sequoyah counties and the area of Grand Lake and Hudson Lake where water is being released.

Additional ground damage assessments are underway locally as flood waters begin to recede.

Adair County Emergency Management reports flooding is still high due to rivers cresting. Many water rescues are still ongoing. Railroad tracks have been flooded. Eight people stayed in the shelter at the Chewey Community Center overnight and 14 people were there Sunday morning.

Beaver County Emergency Management reports two to five inches of snow has fallen over the county. The western half of the county experiencing power outages.

Cherokee County Emergency Management reports flash flooding has stopped in most areas, however water continues to rise along the Illinois River. The river is projected to crest tomorrow morning. Damage assessments underway.

Cimarron County Sheriff's Department reports heavy snowfall -- 15 inches of snow with drifts up to 5 feet -- has closed roads. Winds are sustained at 40 mph with gusts to 50 mph creating whiteout conditions. Roads are considered impassable in many areas and power outages are increasing.

Craig County Emergency Management reports damage is unknown at this time due to roads still being underwater, however many roads are likely washed out.

Delaware County Emergency Management reports requested water for Little Kansas due to power outages in the area. The Oklahoma Army National Guard delivered two water buffaloes and 6 pallets of bottled water to Little Kansas. There are reports of roads completely washed out and numerous homes flooded.

Haskell County Emergency Management reports 25 water rescues were performed overnight in Kinta and the surrounding areas. At least 26 structures are flooded.

Lincoln County Emergency Management reports many roads have been washed out.

Mayes County Emergency Management reports flash flooding continues due to dam releases. Numerous roads have been washed out.

Muskogee County Emergency Management reports U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water release reduced Muskogee flooding and opened several roads. Many roads have been washed out and at least four bridges have been damaged. Temporary repairs are being made to open the bridges.

Osage County Emergency Management reports road damage and flooded homes. Exact numbers are unavailable at this time.

Ottawa County Emergency Management reports many roads have been completely washed out.

Pawnee County Emergency Management reports flooding and at least one road is washed out.

Sequoyah County Emergency Management reports tree debris and minor road damage.

Texas County Emergency Management report conditions are poor due to snow and power outages are ongoing. An evacuation center is open at the Emergency Operations Center in Guymon at 2906 Tumbleweed Drive for those displaced by the storm.

Wagoner County Emergency Management reports several roads remain flooded and river waters continue to rise. There is concern that additional flooding may occur within the next 24 hours.

25,945 homes and businesses are without power due to the storms.

OG&E - 10,717 power outages including 7,204 in OKC.

Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives reports 15,228 electric cooperative power outages statewide. This includes 8,618 Tri-County Electric customers in Texas and Cimarron counties.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation reports numerous roads are still closed due to snow and high water. Visit their traffic advisories page or interactive road map for the latest information.

To check CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS in Oklahoma, call ODOT's ROAD CONDITIONS HOTLINE at 844-4OK-HWYS (844-465-4997) or go to www.okroads.org. For turnpike information, call the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority at 877-403-7623 or go to www.pikepass.com.

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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