February 7, 2021 Winter Weather Event Situation Update 2

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 2

With a statewide winter storm warning for heavy snow and dangerous wind chills in effect, the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains activated. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (ODEMHS) is in contact with emergency managers across the state and coordinating with agencies and organizations including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Oklahoma Insurance Department, Oklahoma Management and Enterprise Services, Oklahoma State Department of Education, National Weather Service, Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and others.

A State of Emergency remains in effect for all 77 counties. The Executive Order also temporarily suspends requirements for size and weights permits of oversized vehicles transporting materials and supplies used for emergency relief and power restoration. A second executive order in place suspends certain regulations for truck drivers transporting propane into the state.

Three shelters are open for overnight stays:

• Norman Winter Shelter, 325 E. Comanche, Norman
• The Willard Winter Shelter, 1400 NW 3^rd Street, Oklahoma City
• Rose Stone Inn, 120 S. 3^rd Street, Ponca City

Three warming stations are open during the day:

• Checotah Senior Activity Center, 611 N. Broadway Street, Checotah
• First United Methodist Church, 1615 OK-88, Claremore
• Red Andrews Municipal Gymnasium, 720 NW 8^th Street, Oklahoma City

The Stranded Motorist Assistance Response Teams (SMART) remain activated to assist stranded motorists. One team is currently responding to a multi-vehicle collision on Turner Turnpike.

These teams of Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Oklahoma National Guard personnel are positioned strategically throughout the interstate system Sunday through Wednesday. This program is a joint effort between the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Oklahoma National Guard, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

Electric and Gas - The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports it is very important that Oklahomans conserve electricity and natural gas right now due to high demand. Just a small adjustment can make a big difference.

Water - Numerous communities are experiencing broken water mains due to the cold temperatures, which may cause reduced water supply or water outages for residents.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports 3,646 power outages statewide.

OG&E

Ada - 576 

Union City - 168  

Oklahoma City - 159 

Yukon - 105  

Norman - 103 

Mead - 90 

PSO (by county) 

Comanche - 1,577

Tulsa - 191

Rogers - 66 

Washington - 53

Mayes - 26

Kiamichi Electric Cooperative (by county)

Le Flore - 136

Pittsburg - 193

Cotton Electric Cooperative (by county)

Comanche - 203

ODOT crews continue 24/7 plowing and clearing operations and treating highways statewide as conditions deteriorate. Drivers are urged to stay off the roads this evening and to plan ahead for the next round of severe winter weather.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports they have responded to 56 non-injury collisions, 24 injury collisions, and 116 motorist assists during the winter storm.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority reports the Turner Turnpike/I-44 is closed just east of Oklahoma City due to a multi-vehicle incident. Westbound traffic is being diverted to the Kickapoo Turnpike and eastbound Turner Turnpike traffic is being diverted to I-35.

If travel is necessary during snowy and icy conditions, motorists are asked to:

• Stay at least 200 feet behind road clearing equipment; crews need room to maneuver and can engage plowing or spreading materials without notice.
• Allow extra space between vehicles to provide adequate distance for braking.
• Be aware of "black ice," which looks wet on the roadway but is a thin layer of ice.
• Be patient, plan trips ahead and allow extra time in reaching destinations.

To check CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS in Oklahoma, call ODOT's ROAD CONDITIONS HOTLINE at 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 9-1-1 for emergencies.

###