[ARRL-OK] [OKEM] #2 Update

[Mark D. Conklin N7XYO]

Subject: [OKEM] #2 Update

    Situation Update

    Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2008 – 3:30 a.m.
    – Situation Update 2

    FOR MORE INFORMATION: Michelann Ooten, Public
    Information Officer


    TORNADOES HIT NORTHEAST, SOUTHEAST AREAS OF STATE

    A strong storm system moved across Kansas Saturday,
    producing strong wind shear aloft. As this system
    approached, tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico
    moved into Oklahoma. This combined with daytime
    heating to produce a very unstable atmosphere. Storms
    rapidly developed this Saturday afternoon and became
    super cells. These storms went on to produce numerous
    tornadoes as they moved east at 35-45 mph.

    Injuries and Fatalities

    Seven (7) fatalities are confirmed in Picher.

    About 150 injuries reported in the Picher area.

    Damages

    Ottawa County Emergency Management reports homes,
    businesses and vehicles were destroyed in a
    20-square-block area at the south end of Picher. In
    some cases, only a home’s concrete slab remains. The
    storm downed power lines, utility poles and trees.
    Saturday evening first responders went house to house
    digging through the rubble to free those who were
    trapped. At daylight today, the search for additional
    victims will continue. Damage also reported in Peoria
    and Quapaw.

    Pittsburg County Emergency Management reports homes
    were damaged in Haywood after a tornado hit in the
    community southwest of McAlester. A tornado was also
    reported near Crowder.

    Additionally, a tornado was reported near Clayton in
    Pushmataha County.

    Shelter

    The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at the
    First Christian Church in Miami. The Red Cross is also
    providing refreshments for rescue workers.

    State and Local Assistance

    Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) personnel continue to
    provide perimeter control and other assistance in
    Picher. Command One, the state’s mobile command unit
    is on site to assist response efforts.
    Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM)
    personnel are on site assisting local response
    efforts.
    The Oklahoma Department of Transportation reports
    highways 69 and 69A remain closed in and out of
    Picher.
    Oklahoma National Guard personnel are expected to
    arrive in Picher around 7 a.m. today. They will assist
    with perimeter control.
    Tulsa’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team is
    expected to arrive in Picher later this morning. They
    will assist local officials in the search for
    additional victims.
    Additionally, many emergency managers, fire, law
    enforcement and emergency medical first responders
    continue to assist in Picher. Jurisdictions
    represented include Commerce, Quapaw, Miami,
    Wyandotte, Fairland, Afton, Bartlesville and Cherokee.
    Officials from Kansas and Missouri also assisted in
    Picher.


    Power Outages

    The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports about
    6,300 homes and businesses are without electric
    service due to the storms. This includes 3,000 PSO
    customers, primarily in the Tulsa area, 1,500
    Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative customers and
    1,800 Empire District Electric Company customers in
    the Picher, Welch, Peoria and Commerce areas.

    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.

    l Tulsa Area/Green Country, dial 2-1-1 or
    918-836-4357
    l OKC Metro/Central OK, dial 2-1-1 or 405-286-4057
    l Southeastern OK, dial 2-1-1 or 580-332-0558
    l Northeast OK, dial 2-1-1 or 918-336-2255
    l Southwest OK, dial 2-1-1 or 580-355-7575

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    Next Situation Update -- As necessary