SITUATION UPDATE

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 4

May 20, 2017 - 12 p.m.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) remains activated due to the effects of severe weather and the threat for continued severe weather through the week. OEM is in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas and are 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.

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 April 29. Under the Executive Order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. The declaration may be extended for an additional 30 days if needed.

Davis Emergency Management reports extensive flooding, including areas where flooding is not common.

Johnston County Emergency Management reports flood and wind damage from Friday’s storms. Flood waters in some areas, including Pennington Creek, rose higher than in past storms. Multiple water rescues were conducted for residents of homes surrounded by water. Many roads are closed with some roads washed out. Damage assessments will begin today.

Pittsburg County Emergency Management reports significant flood damage with many county roads that have been washed out or are closed. A train derailed due to a washed-out rail bridge. One home has flood damage. The county is working on emergency repairs to reopen the roads.

Pontotoc County Emergency Management reports significant flood damage. Numerous roads are washed out and there are reports that some homes have flood damage. Assessments are ongoing.

Seminole Emergency Management reports extensive road and highway flooding overnight from Friday’s storms.

An American Red Cross shelter remains open in Muskogee for residents displaced by the storm. The shelter is located at the Muskogee First Baptist Church at 111 S. 7th Street. There were 10 guests at the shelter Friday evening.

A Red Cross cooling center was open Friday through Saturday at noon at Stonewall Senior Nutrition Center in Stonewall.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief chainsaw teams are in Elk City to assist with large debris removal from Tuesday’s tornado. Residents in areas affected by recent severe weather who need assistance from chainsaw teams may contact them by visiting www.okdisasterhelp.org.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports 71 injuries have been treated by area hospitals as a result of storms occurring Thursday afternoon through Saturday morning.

Tuesday’s storms resulted in the following injuries and fatality:

• 1 fatality as confirmed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
• 4 injuries were treated at area hospitals, as reported by the Oklahoma State Department of Health

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation reports the following highways are impacted due to high water or flooding:

• Cherokee County - SH-80 is closed five miles south of SH-51 between Hulbert and Fort Gibson
• McIntosh County - SH-9 is closed between the Indian Nations Turnpike and SH-52
• Pittsburg County - US-270 one half mile west of the Indian Nations Turnpike; SH-63 from Haileyville west to Bache Rd.
• Atoka County - SH-131 6 miles west of US-69; SH-31 west of McAlester from the industrial park to Haywood
• Okfuskee County - SH-48 is closed one mile south of I-40 at the Canadian River bridge
• Johnston County - SH-4A a half mile north of Milburn
• Cotton County - SH-5B near Temple

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.

The Emergency Price Stabilization Act remains in effect for all 77 counties, after the governor declared a state of emergency on April 29. The price gouging statute prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent for the price of goods and services after a state of emergency has been declared. The act is in effect throughout the state of emergency and for 30 days after it has ended. Additionally, the act remains in effect for another 180 days for charges for repairs, remodeling and construction. Individuals who suspect price gouging should contact the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Unit at (405) 521- 2029, or fill out a complaint form.

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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