February 7, 2021 Winter Weather Event Situation Update 3

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 3

February 15, 2021 7:30 p.m.

With a new winter storm warning and a wind chill warning in effect for most of the state, the Oklahoma 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.

Due to unprecedented demand straining the electric grid and natural gas infrastructure in Oklahoma and surrounding states, energy conservation is still needed to help prevent forced cutbacks in electric and gas service across the state. Oklahomans are asked to continue efforts to conserve energy in their homes and businesses. Even tiny reductions in energy can make a big difference.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reminds Oklahomans to do the following:

• Lower thermostats to 68 degrees
• Avoid using high-energy appliances like washers, dryers, and dishwashers
• Unplug unused small appliances; these draw electricity even when turned off
• Turn off unnecessary lights

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, 123 injuries have been reported by area hospitals since Sunday, February 14.

• 5 cut or pierce
• 94 slip or fall
• 1 poisoning
• 6 struck by or against
• 13 transportation related 
• 4 other

Two shelters are open for overnight stays:

• 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 Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports 758 power outages statewide.

OG&E - Total: 225

OKC – 158

Glenpool – 67

Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc. - Total: 412 

Cherokee County - 4

Sequoyah County - 408

Indian Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Noble County -  64

Northwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc. - Total: 27 

Ellis County - 13

Harper County - 2

Woodward County - 12

Lake Region Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Mayes County - 18

Central Electric Cooperative

Payne County - 12

Oklahoma highway conditions saw significant improvement through Monday afternoon with the end of widespread snow fall, however, motorists should be alert to remaining snow pack and slick spots statewide. Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) Crews focused on loosening snow pack and treating slick spots throughout the day to clear highways as much as possible before another round of snow fall heads into the state.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) reports they have responded to 90 non-injury collisions, 34 injury collisions, and 257 motorist assists during the winter storm.

The Stranded Motorist Assistance Response Teams (SMART) remain activated to assist stranded motorists. These teams of Oklahoma National Guard, OHP, ODOT and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority personnel are positioned strategically throughout the interstate system Sunday through Wednesday. The teams have responded to more than 20 calls since Sunday.

Dangerous and life-threatening situations could occur should drivers become stranded in the storm. Travel remains highly discouraged at this time.

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.

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