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WeatherMatrix
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Prohibited. Usage logged.
From: Ronald Goad (goad{at}lakewebs.net)
Date: Sat May 10 2003 - 10:00:30 EDT
Situation Update
Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 9, 2003 - 6:30 p.m. - Update #2
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelann Ooten, Public Information Officer
Office 405-521-2481, Mobile 405-205-1879
PLEASE DO NOT PUBLISH THESE PHONE NUMBERS
SEVERE WEATHER'S IMPACT CONTINUES FOR OKLAHOMANS
Many Oklahomans continue to feel the effects of the severe storm system that hit central and northeast portions of the state on Thursday. The storm first struck in northern Cleveland County about 5:15 p.m. Thursday. The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains activated and staff continues to assist communities throughout the affected areas.
Gov. Brad Henry requested a major disaster declaration as a result of the tornado and severe thunderstorm damage. The request asks President Bush to approve federal assistance for individuals and governmental entities in Oklahoma and Cleveland counties as well as surrounding contiguous counties.
The following reports were received at the State EOC.
Injuries
Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Health report 134 injuries related to the storm. Eighteen were admitted to hospitals. No fatalities were reported.
Damages
Primary areas affected by the storm in central Oklahoma were the City of Moore, south Oklahoma City, Del City, Midwest City, and Choctaw. Officials in Moore continue to report more than 1,500 homes damaged, including 300 totally destroyed. The General Motors plant in southeast Oklahoma City was heavily damaged and many buildings in the area were destroyed. The Oklahoma National Guard continues to provide perimeter security at the plant.
In Osage County, four mobile homes were damaged and one house was destroyed. Outbuildings, barns and feed lots were destroyed and 21 cattle and three horses were killed. Another 10 cattle are missing.
Damage assessments remain underway in many of the affected areas.
Mail Service
Mail service will not be interrupted for residents in storm damaged areas of south Oklahoma City, Moore, Del City, Choctaw and other areas of the metro, U.S. Postal officials reported. In an immediate response to changing mail service needs, postal officials will establish mail pick-up service for those who have lost their homes or can't return to their homes or businesses. Additionally, there are reports of minor structural damage to some postal facilities in storm ravaged areas, but Postal employees in Oklahoma City's stations and branches and the Choctaw Post Office are still able to sort the mail and prepare it for delivery as usual.
Power Outages
OG&E reports about 3,700 homes and business remain without power in central Oklahoma.
Shelters and Feeding Centers
The American Red Cross has opened shelters at the following locations:
St. Marks Lutheran Church, 7501 E. Reno
West Moore Community Church, 12609 S. Western
Moore Community Center, 1-35 and Fourth Street
The Salvation Army reports the following feeding center locations:
In Choctaw
15th & Henny
12th & Jacob
In Moore
119th & I-35
Fire Station No. 2, at 12th & Janeway
West Moore High School
In Oklahoma City
Sooner Road & SE 64th
Environmental Concerns
The Department of Environmental Quality has surveyed all public water and sewage disposal facilities the impacted area. None sustained direct damage.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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