Live updates: Severe weather blog for storms, flooding

Tracking the latest updates for severe weather and flooding on Wednesday-Thursday throughout Green Country.

THURSDAY

1:52 p.m.

There is a rumor circulating that OG&E is going to shut off power to portions of Muskogee. That is simply NOT TRUE. Power HAS been lost in Fort Gibson, Braggs, and Okay because of a flooded sub-station. Power could remain off in those communities until the flooding recedes enough for OG&E crews to access and repair that sub-station. In the meantime, our emergency response teams are working on an interim solution. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

PLEASE do not spread information unless it is from a viable source. There is a lot of misinformation circulating that is making an already difficult situation worse. Thank you for your understanding.

1:05 p.m.

Tulsa area emergency management update

12:41 p.m.

Main expected flooding locations in Tulsa:

• There is a mobile home park at 48th and Elwood Ave that will be underwater once the river maxes out. Dozens of mobile homes and RVs could potentially be floating in the river.

• Businesses will be flooded near 41st and Elwood

• River Spirit looks like it will be completely flooded

12:40 p.m.

Oklahoma Alliance for Animals, Neighbor for Neighbor, Tulsa SPCA and Spay OK are working together on a temporary shelter for people who have animals affected by flooding that need a place to stay temporarily. They can take in any kind of pet in need.

• Drop off from 7am-8pm

• 575 East 36th Street North – East end old Northland Shopping Center

NEEDS FROM COMMUNITY:

• · Crates, blankets, pet food, sanitizing wipes, toys, paper towels, towels etc.

• · Volunteers to work shifts to help with animals: 7 to 11, 11 to 3, 3 to 7

Tulsa SPCA will be on hand vaccinating all pets coming into the emergency shelter.

12:38 p.m.

Stillwater residents can fill out disaster assessments here.

12:36 p.m.

(TULSA, OK) – May 23, 2019 – The devastation from the recent severe weather and flooding in our part of the state is tragic. We understand the need for emergency relief, including food and clean water, as families struggle in the aftermath.

As this disaster is unfolding, the Food Bank will work to provide material support to organizations who react as first responders in a crisis areas such as this. The Food Bank also remains in contact with our 360 Partner Agencies in 24 counties to provide uninterrupted service in meeting the needs of individuals affected by the disaster.

Fortunately, when such disasters strike, the spirit of Americans spark the desire to help in any way possible. We appreciate the efforts of everyone who would like to help this relief effort.

The recent tornadoes and flooding will require a long-term recovery effort. For those who would like to help their fellow Oklahomans, monetary donations remain the most helpful in order to target specific needs. Please go to okfoodbank.org for updated information and to make a donation. People can also help by texting “disaster” to 243725. For those who would like to help by volunteering their time can go to the Food Bank’s volunteer page at okfoodbank/volunteer or call 918-585-2800.

The Food Bank works with a network of 360 Partner Agencies in eastern Oklahoma and is fortunate to belong to the Feeding America national network of food banks. Feeding American coordinates large scale relief efforts, enabling regional food banks to step up and provide the local Oklahoma relief effort additional product as needed.

11:13 a.m.

Muskogee, Okla. - Muskogee County continues to see historic levels of flooding. Muskogee County Emergency Management, City of Muskogee Emergency Management, Muskogee Police, Muskogee Fire, Muskogee County EMS, The Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office continue a unified command center to address the flooding along the Arkansas River.

Today, at 10:00 a.m. a briefing was held to address the flooding and continued rising water levels along the Arkansas River. Evacuation is strongly recommended of residents in any low-lying areas along the river.

The Red Cross has shelters set up for anyone forced to leave their homes. Residents in the Muskogee and Fort Gibson area needing shelter should go to the “Warrior Gym” at Bacone College located at 2299 Old Bacone Road in Muskogee.

Residents seeking shelters in Webbers Falls and surrounding areas should go to the “Church on the Word” located at 1511 Culwell Drive in Warner.

Another shelter is in the process of being opened in the Fort Gibson area. More information will be provided upon opening of the shelter.

Muskogee County EMS is fully staffed and has pre-positioned trucks in preparation for any medical emergencies near affected areas. Rescue boats and personnel are on standby should they be needed.

The Muskogee Police Department continues to answer calls with priority placed on those in affected flood areas.

The Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office continues to have two man units patrol area roads and near affected areas to ensure safety and provide information about current flooding to emergency crews. The Sheriff’s Office is on a limited response protocol and will only answer emergency calls for service. Should the Sheriff’s Office become inundated with calls, Muskogee Police Department will assist.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol continues to evaluate the barges in the River.

US Highway 69 remains open to north and south bound traffic. Parts of Interstate-40, Highway 10, Highway 64, Highway 62, Highway 104, and Highway 72 are closed along the Arkansas River due to flooding.

OG&E is working on power outages in the Fort Gibson and Braggs areas, anyone affected should contact OG&E at 1-800-272-9741.

Updates will be posted on the Muskogee County and City Emergency Management Facebook page

For updated road closures, we recommend checking Google maps or downloading the “Waze" app on your mobile device.

11:12 a.m.
TULSA, Okla. – Members of the Civil Air Patrol’s Oklahoma Wing are conducting reconnaissance flights in support of the Army Corp of Engineers as part of a coordinated response to flooding that has devastated parts of North-Eastern Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Wing was activated May. 22, one day after flooding began, in response to an Army Corp of Engineers request made to the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management. The CAP mission’s incident commander, Lt Col Jim Harig, said members have been assigned to take aerial photographs of various locations in an area that includes Oolagah, Muskogee, Grand Lake, and Lake Keystone. The photographs will provide vital assessment information detailing flood levels and damage.

The Oklahoma Wing of the Civil Air Patrol has a long-standing relationship with the State’s Office of Emergency Management and the Governor’s Office. The wing assisted in the aftermath of the 2013 Moore tornado that killed 26, injured 377, and destroyed more than 1,000 homes, resulting in an estimated $2 billion in damage.

11:09 a.m.

The Okmulgee County Sheriffs Office and Okmulgee County Emergency Management has been advised by the Red Cross that the nearest shelter for those affected by flooding will be Faith Church located at 171st and Hwy. 75 in Glenpool.

10:50 A.M.

Locust Grove – The Grand River Dam Authority is reporting that the cable which holds the warning buoys in place across the floodgates at Robert S. Kerr Dam (Lake Hudson) near Locust Grove broke Thursday morning (May 23).

Due to this, it is critically important that any watercraft that might be on the Lake Hudson stay well clear of Robert S. Kerr Dam and that area of Lake Hudson.

Heavy inflows into the lake, combined with a current discharge rate of nearly 189,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water through the dam, are creating a dangerous high flow rate of water in the lake, especially in areas near the dam. With any mechanical failure of a watercraft in the area near the dam, the current will pull a craft through the open gates.

Even at times of normal lake conditions, it is important to always keep your watercraft at a safe distance from all hydroelectric facilities. Be mindful of buoys, signs and sirens which are in place to help keep you safe by restricting access to certain areas and warning you when floodgate or generation operations may be occurring.

For the latest information on floodgate operations and lake conditions on GRDA’s Grand and Hudson lakes, follow GRDA’s Facebook page or visit grda.com. If you have an emergency on the water, call 911. The GRDA Police Department’s non-emergency number is (918) 256 0911.

9:50 a.m.

The Army Corp of Engineers has recently announced that Keystone releases will be increased to 235,000 cfs at 10AM and 250,000 cfs at noon. The standing evacuation recommendations and routes remain in effect. Those recommendations are as follows:

The Bixby Police Department has recommended evacuation for the following neighborhoods: (see attached photo and below documentation with subdivision names, reference streets, and water depths estimations).

THESE BIXBY SUBDIVISIONS ARE IMPACTED

Primary evacuation routes that should be utilized are 151st St, West of Memorial Rd, and Memorial Road North of 171st. Avoid the following routes when exiting evacuation areas: 171st Street, 174th Street, Memorial South of 171st, Hwy 64 and 129th, Hwy 64 and Garnett, Hwy 64 and Mingo.

9:45 a.m.

UPDATE (from Muskogee County Emergency Management):

-OHP lake patrol units and company that owns the barge (Oakley) are on a boat toward barge -No way to secure them because waters are moving fast but looking at other ways -Remove them to bank would be an idea -Highways will remain closed for safety (this is impacting A LOT of drivers)

9:43 a.m.

Fort Gibson Schools will be providing lunch on Thursday, May 23 from 11AM-1PM at the Intermediate Elementary for any students, displaced families, and/or volunteers during this time of concern as our community deals with the flooding.

8:42 a.m.

Highway closures in the state

8:01 a.m.
ROAD CLOSURES
Craig County:
None
Delaware County:
None
Mayes County:
SH82 northbound and southbound between 390RD and 400RD (Grand River Bridge)
Nowata:
SH10 eastbound and westbound from US169 to the Craig/Nowata County line
Ottawa County:
SH69A northbound and southbound is closed from US69 to SH10
SH10 ½ of a mile west of 540 Road
SH125 at SH10
Washington County:
SH123 between Bartlesville and Dewey
SH11 northbound and southbound at East 186^th Street North

7:41 a.m.
Road closures
Tulsa County
SH-20 IS CLOSED EAST AND WEST OF SKIATOOK DUE TO FLOODING
SH 20 WB @ Lewis closed due to flooding

Mayes County
SH-82 IS CLOSED AT THE GRAND RIVER BRIDGE DUE TO FLOODING.

Delaware County
SH-127 IS CLOSED .8 MI. WEST OF US-59 DUE TO A DAMAGED DRAINAGE STRUCTURE FROM HEAVY RAINS. WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL REPAIRS CAN BE MADE.

Nowata County
SH-10, 4 miles east of US-169, Nowata Co

7:35 a.m.
Road closures
Tulsa County
SH-11 IS CLOSED FROM 76TH ST NORTH TO 186TH ST NORTH DUE TO HIGH WATER

Wagoner County
SH-72 IS CLOSED FROM E 201ST SOUTH TO JUST NORTH OF THE ARKANSAS RIVER BRIDGE DUE TO FLOODING

Muskogee County
SH-104 CLOSED 1 MILE EAST OF HASKELL AT COAL CREEK DUE TO FLOODING
EASTBOUND LANES OF US-62 BEGINNING AT SH-165 ARE CLOSED DUE TO WATER OVER THE ROADWAY.
SH-10 IS CLOSED FROM THE US-62/SH-10 JCT. EAST TO WILEY RD DUE TO FLOODING.
US-62 WESTBOUND LANES AT THE SH-80 JCT ARE CLOSED DUE TO WATER OVER THE ROADWAY

Muskogee/Sequoyah County
US-64/SH-100 IS CLOSED AT THE ARKANSAS RIVER AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION DUE TO LOOSE BARGES IN THE AREA.
I-40 AT THE ARKANSAS RIVER HAS BEEN CLOSED AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION DUE TO LOOSE BARGES IN THE AREA.

Cherokee County
SH 80 IS CLOSED APPROX. 4 MI WEST OF HULBERT NEAR THE WILDWOOD AREA DUE TO RISING WATER FROM FT. GIBSON LAKE.

7:29 a.m.
Owasso police said Bird Creek is still out of it's banks and affecting both 76 Street North and North Mingo Road.

5:55 a.m.
OHP says the barges are stuck on rocks, but they are trying to safely secure them.

5:50 a.m.
ODOT says I-40 in Muskogee County remains closed at the Arkansas River while officials continute to monitor the loose barges.

4:42 a.m.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol confirms that the barges have been found in Spaniard Creek. They are still evaluating the situation.

4:05 a.m.
Arkansas River flooding has now made it to the underground parking at River Spirit Casino.

3:50 a.m.
Two barges broke loose in the Twin Forks area in Muskogee last night and started heading downstream on the Arkansas River. At one point they made it under Highway 62 without hitting the bridge. The best case scenario is they went off the banks of the river somewhere. The worst case according to the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office is that the barges will break through the lock and dam, possibly taking out a gate and causing even more flooding in the river. However first responders are not expecting a full breach and they remain hopeful. Right now state Highway 100 between Gore and Webbers Falls remains closed, as well as Interstate 40 in Muskogee County from Ross Road until Mile Marker 297.

2:18 a.m.
Delaware County Emergency Management says the entire town of Jay is without power and OCH Jay Family Medicine Clinic is the name of the medical clinic that had roof ripped off by tornado.

1:52 a.m.
From Delaware County Emergency Management regarding tornado that hit Jay, Okla.: Two minor injuries reported, several facilities were hit - don’t know severity of damage, roof of medical clinic ripped off, several homes suffered structural damage, and trees taken down. The pathway of destruction is from Deerlick Road to Highway 59 as you head to Missouri state line.

12:42 a.m.
The Delaware Co. Sheriff's Office says tornadic activity raced through the county and several areas from Eucha, Jay, Deerlick and Butler sustained varying amounts of damage. The Delaware County Sheriff's Office is operating on a generator and 911 reception is sporadic. Call 918-253-4531 or Grove Police at 918-786-6121. Many roads impassable. Downed trees and power lines.

12:24 a.m.
NWS says the Arkansas River at Muskogee has reached its second highest level in recorded history this evening, surpassing the 1986 flood.

Scott Yandell

WEDNESDAY

11:17 p.m.
City of Muskogee Emergency Management says shelter at Bacone College is not full. At last count there were only six people taking shelter. The American Red Cross is there with food, water, cots, and other necessities. There are signs off Shawnee directing you to the shelter.

11:12 p.m.
City of Muskogee Emergency Management says they do not foresee any problems with the Muskogee Water Plant. They say water will rise into the Muskogee Sewer Plant, but sandbags have been placed. There are no plans to stop normal operations at facilities at this time

11:06 p.m.
City of Muskogee Emergency Management says the current river level is at 39.65 feet and it is projected to crest at 43.5 feet around Friday at noon. They are urging residents of Riverside Mobile Home Park and other low-lying areas along the Arkansas River to evacuate ASAP.

10:54 p.m.
GET AWAY FROM WEBBERS FALLS LOCK & DAM | Sheriff confirms two barges broke loose from the Three Forks area (Muskogee) and are headed down stream. Deputies enroute.

10:54 p.m.
BARGE UPDATE: The Webbers Falls lock master says if these barges make it all the way here, they realistically could take out a couple gates apiece. The lock master and first responders are hoping for, and not expecting, a full breach.

10:44 p.m.
Jay city officials say all of Jay is without power, which means their water plant is without power. They are asking people to conserve water.

10:30 p.m.
We spoke to Delaware County Emergency Management. They said they are shutting down Highway 59 and Deerlick Street. They have people out searching homes in Jay because people are trapped. There is also reports of rollover ax on Hwy 59. No reports of injuries or fatalities

9:54 p.m.

SEVERE WEATHER IMPACTS STATE

As a result of severe weather and flooding impacts across the state, the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) remains in contact with emergency managers across the state and coordinating with agencies and organizations including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma Insurance Department, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma State Department of Education, Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services - Oklahoma Public Safety Broadband Network, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department State Parks Division, National Weather Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Oklahoma American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief and the Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.

RESIDENTS ASKED TO REPORT DAMAGE

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management continues to ask residents impacted by the recent storms to report damages to their property at damage.ok.gov or by calling 211. Reporting damage helps local and state emergency managers better coordinate response and recovery efforts. Residents can report damage to homes, businesses or agriculture through the online survey.

LOCAL REPORTS
Blackwell Emergency Management reports numerous homes have been evacuated due to flooding.

Grady County Emergency Management reports road damage across the county.

Lincoln County Emergency Management reports additional water rescues earlier today.

Logan County Emergency Management reports voluntary evacuations in Twin Lakes near the Cimarron River Bank due to large amounts of water flow. Numerous bridges and roads are washed out across the county.

Muskogee County Emergency Management reports ongoing evacuations along the river in Muskogee and Webbers Falls and areas along Manard Bayou in Fort Gibson due to rising flood levels.

Ottawa County Emergency Management reports a tornado touched down off Highway 20. Damage assessments are still underway.

Seminole County Emergency Management reports a tornado touched down north of Cromwell, with minimal damage reported.

Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency reports The Army Corps of Engineers is currently releasing 215,000 cubic feet per second at Keystone Dam and believe there is a high probability that more water will be released in the coming days that would cause significant flooding in the Tulsa metro. Officials will alert residents when the Army Corps of Engineers increases output rates at any point. Find more information at www.cityoftulsa.org [cityoftulsa.org].

INJURIES
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, 44 injuries have been reported by area hospitals.

Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reports one fatality in Payne County is attributed to flooding.

MASS CARE
American Red Cross reports the following shelters are open due to high water:

Crosstown Church of Christ, 3400 E. Admiral, Tulsa
First Christian Church, 2424 N. Main, Miami
Bacone College, 2299 Old Bacone Rd, Muskogee
Church on the Word, 1511 Culwell Rd, Warner
Roland High School, 300 Ranger Blvd, Roland
Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3700 Woodland Road, Bartlesville

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief mud out teams are assisting in Hominy. They are also providing meals in Blackwell.

The Salvation Army is supporting the Bacone College shelter in Muskogee and providing meals in Sand Springs.

Oklahoma State Department of Health reports 47 Gore Nursing Home residents were relocated to the Vian Nursing Home.

STATE, TRIBAL, AND FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management has staff deployed to the affected areas, including Tulsa and Muskogee counties.

Oklahoma Dept of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) has been coordinating with Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps and the Oklahoma State Animal Response Team to activate animal response volunteers to assist with animal sheltering at the request of Tulsa Animal Welfare. This would also include the activation of County Animal Response Teams and the Oklahoma Large Animal First Responder Team. They are also working with Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency to provide technical large animal rescue resources through American Humane. ODAFF has deployed a state veterinarian to Tulsa to help coordinate these resources.

Oklahoma National Guard is staging 50 military vehicles, 120 personnel, and 3 hoist capable helicopters in northeast Oklahoma to assist with evacuation efforts.

Oklahoma State Department of Health staff have been deployed to the Muskogee County EOC and to the Cherokee Nation EOC to provide support with resource requests.

Civil Air Patrol is facilitating a fly over of flooded areas on behalf of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol completed 55 water search and rescue missions in Skiatook with 75 people rescued. Three people were rescued in Turley.

OHP is prepositioning the following equipment and personnel in Muskogee and Tulsa: 2 SJX vessels, 3 Airboats, 1 recovery vessel, and 12 personnel. The OHP Marine Enforcement Division has pre-positioned personnel and equipment to the areas projected to be affected by flooding.

They have canceled days off for all OHP Troopers and Communications personnel through May 27.

Cherokee Nation is providing a Documentation Unit to assist in Muskogee County.

Department of Environmental Quality reports they are working with local officials to identify debris sites and provide support to water districts.

US Army Corp of Engineers is assisting with 100,000 sandbags and a sandbag machine to be staged City of Tulsa and 3,000 sandbags for Broken Arrow.

ROAD CLOSURES
Oklahoma Department of Transportation reports all lanes of SH-100 and I-40 are closed over the Arkansas River near the Muskogee/Sequoyah County line until further notice. Two barges are loose in the navigation channel and the highways are being closed as a safety precaution. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and other agencies are closely monitoring at this time. Drivers can expect significant delays and should avoid the area and seek an alternate route if possible.

The following highways are closed:

• Alfalfa County - SH-8/SH-11 is closed between US-64 north of Cherokee to the SH-58 junction.

• Beckham County - The I-40 southern service road (old 66) at MM19 is closed for extended repairs due to road damage from flooding.

• Cherokee County - SH-80 is closed four miles west of Hulbert near Fort Gibson Lake; SH-80 is closed near the Canyon Rd. access area just north of Fort Gibson.• Cotton County - SH-5B is closed between SH-5A and US-70.
• Delaware County - SH-127 is closed near Jay just west of US-59 due to a damaged drainage structure.
• Grant County - US-81 is closed between Medford and Pond Creek.
• Johnston County - SH-48A is closed to through traffic between the SH-48 junction in Coleman and SH-7 in Milburn due to a damaged construction detour.
• Kay County - US-77 is closed between SH-156 and southern Tonkawa; US-177 is closed just north of SH-11 in Blackwell.
• Logan County - US-77 is closed at the Cimarron River north of Guthrie; US-77 is closed north of SH-74C near Guthrie; SH-74F is closed between Cashion and SH-33 due to pavement damage from flooding.
• Love County - SH-77-Scenic is closed at Lake Murray Spillway..
• Lincoln County - SH-18 is closed 7 miles north of Chandler at CR 840; SH-66 is closed between US-177 and SH-18 in Chandler.
• Mayes County - SH-82 is closed at Grand River south of Langley.
• Muskogee County - SH-10 is closed 2 miles east of the US-62 junction near Fort Gibson.
• Noble County - SH-15 is closed between US-77 and Red Rock.74; SH-156 is closed between Marland and US-60/US-177 in Kay County.
• Nowata County - SH-10 is closed east of US-169 near Lenapah due to damage to a drain.
• Pawnee County - US-64 is closed between Pawnee and SH-18.
• Payne County - SH-18 is closed at the Cimarron River between Cushing and the SH-51 junction.
• Ottawa County - SH-125 is closed one mile south of SH-10 in Miami; US-59/SH-10 is closed one mile west of US-69; SH10 is closed between US-69 and the SH-69A junction in Miami.
• Tulsa County - SH-11 is closed from 76th St. North to 186th St North; SH-20 is closed from US-75 to west of Skiatook.
• Wagoner County - SH-16 is closed near the Muskogee Turnpike just north of Muskogee; SH-16 is closed northwest of Okay.
• Washington County - SH-123 is closed between Bartlesville and Dewey.

For official information about highway closures due to flooding, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation posts updates in the Traffic Advisory section of www.odot.org [odot.org]. An interactive map showing highway conditions and closures can be found at www.okroads.org [okroads.org].

STATE OF EMERGENCY
A State of Emergency remains in effect for 66 Oklahoma counties due to severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding that began in April. Under the Executive Order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. The declaration also marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary.

The counties included in the declaration are: Adair, Alfalfa, Atoka, Beckham, Bryan, Caddo, Canadian, Carter, Cherokee, Choctaw, Cleveland, Coal, Comanche, Cotton, Craig, Creek, Custer, Delaware, Dewey, Garvin, Grady, Greer, Haskell, Hughes, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnston, Kay, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Latimer, Le Flore, Lincoln, Logan, Love, Marshall, Mayes, McClain, McCurtain, McIntosh, Murray, Muskogee, Noble, Nowata, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Payne, Pittsburg, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Pushmataha, Roger Mills, Rogers, Seminole, Sequoyah, Stephens, Tillman, Tulsa, Wagoner, Washington, Washita, and Woods.

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.

8:59 p.m.

Tornado on the ground near Salina. Residents in the area should take shelter.

8:52 p.m.

Tornado 2 miles north of Locust Grove (south of Salina) in Mayes County

8:42 p.m.

Muskogee Public Schools cancels last day of classes. No school on Thursday. Summer break begins.
8:36 p.m.
8:36 p.m.
Sand Springs Public Schools released the following statement:
Sand Springs Public Schools released the following statement:
"Because of heavy flooding in Tulsa County, the City of Sand Springs declared a State of Emergency for the citizens of Sand Springs; therefore, the last day of school for Sand Springs Public Schools was today, May 22, 2019. Sand Springs Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24. Please stay informed about the current situation and stay safe. If you have questions regarding end of semester tests, please contact your school site tomorrow or Friday. Have a wonderful summer and we look forward to seeing you for the 2019-2020 school year."
"Because of heavy flooding in Tulsa County, the City of Sand Springs declared a State of Emergency for the citizens of Sand Springs; therefore, the last day of school for Sand Springs Public Schools was today, May 22, 2019. Sand Springs Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24. Please stay informed about the current situation and stay safe. If you have questions regarding end of semester tests, please contact your school site tomorrow or Friday. Have a wonderful summer and we look forward to seeing you for the 2019-2020 school year."

8:20 p.m.
8:20 p.m.
Muskogee County Sheriff confirms barges at Port of Muskogee are loose and they are worried about them crashing into the Webbers Falls Lock and Dam. Read more about this event by clicking here.
Muskogee County Sheriff confirms barges at Port of Muskogee are loose and they are worried about them crashing into the Webbers Falls Lock and Dam. Read more about this event by clicking here.

7:35 p.m.
7:35 p.m.
Power outages due to weather:
Power outages due to weather:

• 3,400- Jenks and South Tulsa

• 2,700- Broken Arrown area

6:48 p.m.
6:48 p.m.
(TULSA, OK) - After reviewing the latest information from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Emergency Operations Center is preparing for a historic flooding situation in line with the 1986 floods in Tulsa County
The Army Corps of Engineers is currently releasing 215,000 cubic feet per second and believe there is a high probability that more water will be released in the coming days that would cause significant flooding in the Tulsa metro. Officials will alert residents when the Army Corps of Engineers increases output rates at any point.
The Army Corps of Engineers is currently releasing 215,000 cubic feet per second and believe there is a high probability that more water will be released in the coming days that would cause significant flooding in the Tulsa metro. Officials will alert residents when the Army Corps of Engineers increases output rates at any point.
Although it has not been confirmed and as a precautionary measure, Tulsa is planning for the worse and expecting the Keystone Dam will potentially reach 300,000 cubic feet per seconds from the Keystone Dam. Residents are encouraged to be vigilant, aware, and ready to take necessary precautions as warranted. We strongly advise keeping track of the flooding via your local municipality or Tulsa County.
Although it has not been confirmed and as a precautionary measure, Tulsa is planning for the worse and expecting the Keystone Dam will potentially reach 300,000 cubic feet per seconds from the Keystone Dam. Residents are encouraged to be vigilant, aware, and ready to take necessary precautions as warranted. We strongly advise keeping track of the flooding via your local municipality or Tulsa County.
It is recommended residents living in affected neighborhoods along the Arkansas River and in a 100-year floodplain should:
It is recommended residents living in affected neighborhoods along the Arkansas River and in a 100-year floodplain should:
• Prepare immediately for evacuations.
• If you leave your home, take all electric precautions by switching off the main breaker to electricity and disconnect any emergency power system, like generators.

• Have a packed bag with prescriptions and clothing for a multiple-day period
• Charge your cell phones and place them in low-power mode, put valuables in a higher place, bring your pets with you
• Charge your cell phones and place them in low-power mode, put valuables in a higher place, bring your pets with you
• Leave your home with important identification for you and any members of your family and take videos/pictures of your home for insurance purposes
• Leave your home with important identification for you and any members of your family and take videos/pictures of your home for insurance purposes
• If you are an evacuee or someone you know is evacuated and requires home health care and/or in-home hospice care, you need to let your health care agency know where you are sheltering so you can continue to receive services.
• If you are an evacuee or someone you know is evacuated and requires home health care and/or in-home hospice care, you need to let your health care agency know where you are sheltering so you can continue to receive services.
• It is important to have a two-week supply of prescription medication on hand and ready if/when you evacuated. In addition, have copies of all prescription medication with dosage, prescribing doctor, and pharmacy. This includes mental health medications. Communicate this message with those in your life who may need assistance with this.
• It is important to have a two-week supply of prescription medication on hand and ready if/when you evacuated. In addition, have copies of all prescription medication with dosage, prescribing doctor, and pharmacy. This includes mental health medications. Communicate this message with those in your life who may need assistance with this.
• Communicate with members of your family who need to take these precautions but have physical limitations that may prevent them from doing so.
• Communicate with members of your family who need to take these precautions but have physical limitations that may prevent them from doing so.
Once evacuated, residents might not be able to get back to evacuated areas for a week or longer.
Once evacuated, residents might not be able to get back to evacuated areas for a week or longer.
All residents in Tulsa County with questions or concerns related to this flooding event can call 211, 24/7.
All residents in Tulsa County with questions or concerns related to this flooding event can call 211, 24/7.
There is an evacuation shelter at Crosstown Church of Christ, 3400 E. Admiral Place and Tulsa Animal Welfare advises those with ADA service animals can take them to this location. All other pets can go to the temporary shelter at Tulsa Expo Square Fairground Pavilion (south entrance) from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
There is an evacuation shelter at Crosstown Church of Christ, 3400 E. Admiral Place and Tulsa Animal Welfare advises those with ADA service animals can take them to this location. All other pets can go to the temporary shelter at Tulsa Expo Square Fairground Pavilion (south entrance) from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Pedestrians and motorists should not congregate, park, or slow traffic near bridges or overpasses that cross the Arkansas River. This creates a traffic hazard, especially on high-speed interstates. Do not drive into high water and do not drive around barricades for your safety and for the safety of our first responders.
Pedestrians and motorists should not congregate, park, or slow traffic near bridges or overpasses that cross the Arkansas River. This creates a traffic hazard, especially on high-speed interstates. Do not drive into high water and do not drive around barricades for your safety and for the safety of our first responders.
6:24 p.m.
6:24 p.m.
LIST: Highway closures across Oklahoma due to flooding
LIST: Highway closures across Oklahoma due to flooding
5:51 p.m.
5:51 p.m.
Evacuations list: Some communities forced to leave for higher ground
Evacuations list: Some communities forced to leave for higher ground
5:50 p.m.
5:50 p.m.
If you are in Webbers Falls, you are asked to go to the shelter in Warner at Church on the Word - 1511 Culwell.
If you are in Webbers Falls, you are asked to go to the shelter in Warner at Church on the Word - 1511 Culwell.
5:20 p.m.
5:20 p.m.
TULSA -- Situation Update on Flooding Impacts to County Roads and Facilities
TULSA -- Situation Update on Flooding Impacts to County Roads and Facilities
Since flooding conditions have persisted, and with current releases of 215,000 cubic feet/second at Keystone Dam, the following conditions exist with Tulsa County Roads and Facilities.
Road closures and/or blockades at the following:

District 1 – North and East Tulsa County

56th Street North between Highways 75 and 169

76th Street North between Highways 75 and 169

86th Street North between Highways 75 and 169

Bird Creek and Hominy Creek watersheds

District 2 – West and Southwest Tulsa County

17th Street & 145th West Avenue

7th Street between 65th West Avenue & 72nd West Avenue

257th West Avenue between 49th Street South & 47th Street South

Low water crossing on Dip Creek Road

33rd West Avenue from 91st Street to 111th Street South

District 3 – South Tulsa County

171st Street South and Memorial

181st Street South and Garnett

191st Street South and Mingo

185th East Avenue and Highway 64

County Parks

O’Brien Park 6149 N. Lewis Avenue. Park is currently inundated with water. The community center building currently has 2 ½ feet of standing water. All fields and facilities have been impacted by standing water.

Mack Taylor Park in Sperry is completely under water and not accessible due to water impacts to Highway 11.

Haikey Creek Park South playground impacted

Bixby Community Center has been sand bagged and will likely be safe from water impacts in Bixby.

Tulsa County Social Services, Juvenile Justice, Central Garage and Parks Administrative Office Complex

Facilities are prepared for possible flooding, but have not been impacted with water yet.

Levees

Drainage District 12 Tulsa/West Tulsa Levee System has been pushing out sandbags all day. Only sandbags left are for critical infrastructure. At the current release of 215,000 cubic feet/second, there will be two to three feet of water against the levee wall. Most pump stations are working as designed. However, issues with pump station #4 have impacted the Charles Page Neighborhood with water moving into several yards.

Neighborhoods

Many residents of Tulsa County are being evacuated for safety precautions in and around the Arkansas River Corridor in West Tulsa County, Jenks area and Bixby area.

Areas such as Town and Country, Riverside West, Riverside Estates, Garden Spot Acres may be affected and are in very low areas. Approximately 600 residents are impacted.

Candlestick Beach at 209th West Avenue and the north bank of the Arkansas River has historically never flooded, but residents are monitoring and taking precautions.

Candlestick Beach at 209th West Avenue and the north bank of the Arkansas River has historically never flooded, but residents are monitoring and taking precautions.
5:15 p.m.
Candlestick Beach at 209th West Avenue and the north bank of the Arkansas River has historically never flooded, but residents are monitoring and taking precautions.
Muskogee residents brace for overflowing river

4:31 p.m.

Tornado warnings issued. Watch live coverage here.

4:06 p.m.

A news conference with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith, Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum and other city officials and emergency responders will be held today, May 22 at 6 p.m., Tulsa Police Compstat Room, 600 Civic Center in Tulsa.

The city's emergency management team has a list of frequently asked questions about flooding,which you can access by clicking here.

4:01 p.m.

Leaders set up shelters as flooding threat grows

3:50 p.m.

Please be aware that the flood sirens along the Arkansas River will be going off every 30 minutes, starting at 4:00 PM today. They will continue to do this every 30 minutes until approximately 10:00 PM tonight.

This DOES NOT mean to evacuate your homes. The City of Jenks has still not received and evaluated the updated maps of the projected flooding based on the new release numbers.

These sirens are to make the public aware that flooding is happening near the river and to take caution and be aware. Especially for the public that may not have access to social media or other ways to receive this information.

Please stay tuned for more updates as we receive them.

3:33 p.m.

PDS TORNADO WATCH UNTIL 11 PM. for Tulsa, Cherokee, Craig, Creek, Delaware, McIntosh, Mayes, Muskogee, Nowata, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Rogers, Wagoner and Washington counties.

3:31 p.m.

Red Cross volunteers at the Crosstown Church of Christ at 3400 East Admiral who are ready to help those who choose to evacuate. They have places to sleep, hot food and bathrooms.

3:30 p.m.
The QuikTrip at 151st and Memorial in Bixby is CLOSED. Staff say they want to take every precaution and they won’t re-open until the flood risk in this area goes down.
The QuikTrip at 151st and Memorial in Bixby is CLOSED. Staff say they want to take every precaution and they won’t re-open until the flood risk in this area goes down.
3:22 p.m.
3:22 p.m.
Update from Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum:
Update from Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum:
Just met with our emergency operations team. Some updates:
Just met with our emergency operations team. Some updates:
We’ve been promised maps showing the impact of 215,000 CFS releases from Keystone late this afternoon. I will share those as soon as we receive them.
We’ve been promised maps showing the impact of 215,000 CFS releases from Keystone late this afternoon. I will share those as soon as we receive them.
The Army Corps is releasing 215,000 CFS because that is the minimum rate they can release to keep Keystone Lake from topping their floodgates. If the latter happened, the floodgates wouldn’t work and the dam could fail.
The Army Corps is releasing 215,000 CFS because that is the minimum rate they can release to keep Keystone Lake from topping their floodgates. If the latter happened, the floodgates wouldn’t work and the dam could fail.
Riverside Drive is already being closed in some locations due to flooding. If you don’t have to drive on Riverside over the next few days, please don’t.
Riverside Drive is already being closed in some locations due to flooding. If you don’t have to drive on Riverside over the next few days, please don’t.
Tulsa Police are already visiting specific neighborhoods at risk and a encouraging evacuation. These are in the immediate vicinity of the river.
Tulsa Police are already visiting specific neighborhoods at risk and a encouraging evacuation. These are in the immediate vicinity of the river.
North Tulsa around Bird Creek is also at very high risk. If you live around there, please stay vigilant. It is not impacted by Keystone releases, but our data indicate significant flooding in that area.
North Tulsa around Bird Creek is also at very high risk. If you live around there, please stay vigilant. It is not impacted by Keystone releases, but our data indicate significant flooding in that area.
We are receiving strong support from our state and federal governments.
We are receiving strong support from our state and federal governments.
3:10 p.m.
3:10 p.m.
PHOTOS: Severe storms, flooding in Oklahoma May 22
PHOTOS: Severe storms, flooding in Oklahoma May 22
2:42 p.m.
2:42 p.m.
Due to possible flooding, Wednesday is last day of school for Jenks Public Schools. Jenks has issued State of Emergency. Graduation is still on for tonight.
2:24 p.m.
Due to possible flooding, Wednesday is last day of school for Jenks Public Schools. Jenks has issued State of Emergency. Graduation is still on for tonight.
After careful deliberations between Jenks Public Schools and GradFest committee members, GradFest has been canceled for the safety of our students, staff members, and volunteers. Graduation is still taking place at 7:00 p.m. at the Mabee Center.

1:59 p.m.
Oklahoma Alliance for Animals partnering with Neighbor for Neighbor and Spay Oklahoma to set up a temporary shelter for people who have animals affected by flooding that need a place to stay temporarily. They can take in early any kind of pet in need.
• They are setting up now and should be able to start accepting animals about 4 p.m. today
• 575 East 36th Street North – east end old Northland Shopping Center
NEEDS FROM COMMUNITY:
• Crates, blankets, pet food, wipes, toys, paper towels, towels etc.
• Volunteers to work shifts to help with animals: 7 to 11, 11 to 3, 3 to 7
• Crates, blankets, pet food, wipes, toys, paper towels, towels etc.
WEATHER ALERTS | RADAR | CURRENT CONDITIONS | DAILY FORECAST
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