Oklahoma Emergency Operations Center activated ahead of severe weather threat

KRMG has learned that Oklahoma's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated due to severe weathe conditions across the State.  The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is in contact with emergency managers across the state and coordinating at the State EOC with the Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), American Red Cross and Salvation Army, Oklahoma United Methodist Church Disaster Response.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

A tornado watch is posted for much of western and northern Oklahoma until 2 a.m.  Severe thunderstorms have been developing across northwest Oklahoma the past few hours with confirmed tornadoes. Additional thunderstorms are likely through 2 a.m. with more tornadoes possible.   At this time, tornado activity can't be ruled out in the immediate Tulsa metro area, however.

A line of thunderstorms will develop during the overnight hours and move eastward across the state. This line will have the potential to produce widespread damaging winds.  A few severe thunderstorms are possible in eastern Oklahoma on Sunday with dry and mild conditions to follow.

KRMG's StormCenter is staffed and ready to provide the latest severe weather information as it happens.  You're encouraged to have a battery powered radio available to take with you in the event of an extended period of time without power.

SHELTERS AND MASS CARE

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that people in the Waynoka area attending the Snake Hunt festivities should be prepared to take shelter at Little Sahara State Park.

The American Red Cross shelter in Norman, Oklahoma is moving from the Whittier Recreation Center to the St. Stephens United Methodist Church at 1801 W. Brooks in Norman.

The American Red Cross provides the following information: An estimated 200 people took cover at the Whittier Recreation Center as additional storms moved into the metro overnight. After the storms cleared, 17 people remained in the shelter.  Anyone wishing to check on the status of a loved one who may be staying at the shelter is encouraged to go online to www.safeandwell.org.

The Salvation Army Mobile Canteen is on standby in Norman and is available to assist in storm affected areas as needed.

INJURIES

Oklahoma State Department of Health reports 19 injuries related to Friday’s storms in Norman.

POWER OUTAGES

Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports about 4,500 outages related to the storm including the following:

OG&E - Approximately 700 customers are without power in Norman due to a destroyed transmission line.

Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC) – Approximately 3,800 customers are still without power the Norman area.

Oklahoma Natural Gas - Most service has been restored, including Norman high school and Jefferson Elementary in Norman. 19 meters in the service territory are still out due to weather damage.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE

The Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security Regional Response System is on standby awaiting any requests for resources. There are 112 resource teams statewide to include hazardous materials, rescue, and medical teams.

DIAL 211

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.