Saturday's Storms Leave Behind Damage

July 25, 2005 -- The Oklahoma Department of Emergeny Management (OEM) received the following damage reports related to severe thunderstorms that moved through areas of the state Saturday evening. OEM staff is on site assisting local emergency managers with damage assessments in the affected areas.

Injuries and Fatalities - Two Broken Arrow boys, ages 12 and 14, remain hospitalized after being struck by lightening. Another 6 individuals, who sustained minor injuries in the Eufaula area, were treated and released.

Power Outages - At the height of the power outages, about 22,000 were without electric service statewide.

OG&E reports service distruption to about 5,000 customers in Warner, Eufaula, Panama, Arkoma and Watonga. Service has been restored to all OG&E customers.

Public Service of Oklahoma (PSO) reports about 17,000 customers were without power on Saturday night and Sunday. Most of the power outages were in central Tulsa. A small number of outages were reported in the Barlesville area. Power was restored to most by Sunday evening. Currently, a small pocket of about 20 customers in Tulsa remains without power. All should see electric service restored sometime today.

Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives reports less than 250 were without power in eastern areas of the state served by East Central Electric Cooperative (Okmulgee). All service has been restored at this time.

Shelters - The American Red Cross (ARC) operated a shelter Saturday night in the Warner High School Gymnasium. It was closed on Sunday. ARC also provided food and drink to area residents, power crews and first responders.

REPORTS FROM LOCAL JURISDICTIONS

Muskogee County Emergency Management reports heaviest damages in the Town of Warner (pop. 1,300). There, the rood of town hall was blown off. Some businesses also sustained damage. Downed trees and tree limbs caused area-wide power outages for about 12 hours. One pump at the town's water treatment plan was down due to the power outages. Muskogee County Emergency Management supplied the town with tarps and generators.

McIntosh County/City of Eufaula Emergency Management reports around 4:30 p.m. Saturday a severe thunderstorm developed southeast of Eufaula (pop. 2,639) and moved to the northwest at about 10 mph. Around 4:50 p.m. the storm moved through Eufaula. The city experienced some damage to buildings including roofs blown off and windows broken. Some boats were overturned on the lake and at least three docks were destroyed. Numerous metal carports were also destroyed. One restroom was destroyed at the city's sports field, which is located at the north end of town. This was a concrete block building with a wood roof. A large number of trees were destroyed while others only had limbs blown down. City streets were blocked with debris for about two hours until crews were able to clear them. Electric service was restored before midnight. Six people were treated and released due to minor injuries.