February 7, 2021 Winter Weather Event Situation Update 4

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 4

February 16, 2021 5:30 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, 242 injuries have been reported by area hospitals since Sunday, February 14.

• 9 cut or pierce
• 190 slip or fall
• 1 poisoning
• 10 struck by or against
• 25 transportation related 
• 7 other

Seven shelters are open for overnight stays:

• Rose Stone Inn, 120 S. 3^rd Street, Ponca City
• Neighborhood Hope Dealers/Hope House, 1916 E Perkins, Guthrie
• Tulsa Day Center, 415 W Archer St, Tulsa (full)
• Tahlequah Police Department, 100 Phoenix Ave, Tahlequah
• All Saints Church, 325 E Washington Ave, McAlester
• First United Methodist Church, 1615 OK-88, Claremore
• The Willard Winter Shelter, 1400 NW 3^rd Street, Oklahoma City

Three warming stations are open during the day:

• Checotah Senior Activity Center, 611 N. Broadway Street, Checotah
• Red Andrews Municipal Gymnasium, 720 NW 8^th Street, Oklahoma City
• Southside Baptist Church, 605 W 13^th St, Atoka

One feeding station is open during the day:

• Ramona Friends Church, 100 Phoenix Ave, Tahlequah

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports 6,652 power outages statewide.

NOTE: Southwest Power Pool has reduced emergency level to Level 1.  This can change at any time. Level 3 is the level at which controlled interruptions in service can be ordered.

OG&E - Total: 5,309

Choctaw – 4,141

Mannsville - 373

Oklahoma City - 334

Roland - 140

Durant - 107

Tishomingo - 90

Fairmont - 63

Midwest City - 61

PSO

Tulsa - 965

Wagoner - 341

Comanche - 37

Officials continue to encourage individuals to stay off of frozen bodies of water. People should always consider iced over ponds and lakes dangerous. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the hazards of falling through frozen lakes and ponds. Dog owners should not throw sticks or balls on the ice.

Many highways across the state benefitted from sunlight and clear conditions this morning and early afternoon and have at least one clear lane of travel – though areas of slickness are still present. Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews remain out clearing packed snow, treating slick areas and monitoring conditions as the next wave of winter weather has already moved into the southwest portion of the state. This next snowfall event is expected to worsen travel conditions in much of the state beginning this afternoon and later this evening.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) reports they have responded to 152 non-injury collisions, 53 injury collisions, and 572 motorist assists since Sunday.

The Stranded Motorist Assistance Response Teams (SMART) will remain activated to assist stranded motorists through the next round of heavy snow. 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 20 official requests and have supported numerous other motorist assist situations.

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.

Attorney General Mike Hunter reminds Oklahomans looking to do business in the state that the price gouging statute is in effect statewide with the ongoing state of emergency due to the winter weather that continues to impact the state.

The price gouging statute prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent for the price of goods and services after a declared emergency. Additionally, the act allows the attorney general to pursue charges against individuals or businesses that engage in price gouging.

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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