Severe storms rolling their way through Northeast Oklahoma have left thousands without power, include around 2300 people in Creek County as of 12:30 p.m., according to a statement from OGE.com
“Last night, severe storms including rain and damaging winds up to 80 mph moved through OG&E’s service area causing downed power lines, broken power poles, and damage to cross arms and other equipment attached to poles,” according to the latest report on the OG&E website. “As of 12:30 p.m., approximately 56,000 customers are without service.”
The storm brought needed rain, but the loss of power means that many of those affected are now left without air conditioning, as temperatures again edge toward 100 degrees today; and though the forecast calls for a slightly cooler day tomorrow, the triple-digit temps are expected to return on Friday and last through Saturday.
“We understand how important it is for our customers to have power.” OG&E said. “Our crews have been and will continue to work around the clock until power is fully restored.”
OG&E says they have deployed around 1,100 operations personnel to restore service to homes and businesses that can accept power. “We expect estimated times of restoration to be available after full damage assessments are complete. We will continue restoring power throughout the day and will advise when restoration times are available.” Residents in the more rural areas of Creek County are being told that an estimated time for restoration is currently unavailable.
Where to cool off
OG&E has compiled a list of “cool zones” where those affected can get some relief from the heat. To find the nearest cool zone, go here.
What to do after an outage has been reported
OG&E will replace the poles and lines, and get service in the area working again, but residents have a part to play in the aftercare of an outage or a storm, as well as in the preventative maintenance. To learn more about what you can do after an outage, go here.
Waste Management will pick up limbs if they’re placed properly
A comment on this morning’s Timeloop show asked if the city would be picking up limbs, once they’re placed on the curb. The good news is yes…sort of.
“Waste management will pick up 3ft lengths (in bundles) no heavier than 50lbs each and they have to be placed next to the garbage can,” per the City of Sapulpa in a comment on the Facebook post. “So if they cut them down to size and bundle them appropriately, the trash company should take them on their scheduled trash day.”
There were no reports of trash service being interrupted as a result of the storms.
