The Latimer County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency on Wednesday following Monday’s severe weather as area counties await a disaster declaration by Gov. Kevin Stitt.
During Wednesday’s emergency meeting, commissioners declared that “immediate attention is required to protect public health, reduce further damage, ensure public safety, and render emergency relief due to tornadoes, severe storms, and flooding.”
The county reported zero fatalities and zero injuries after Monday evening’s severe storms.
Latimer County Emergency Management reported 10 to 20 homes sustained “some level of damage” and that the county is experiencing water issues due to power outages. Pittsburg County Emergency Management provided a water buffalo to assist.
The National Weather Service in Tulsa will have the final say on whether the reported damage was from a tornado or damaging winds.
Wednesday’s disaster declaration now entitles the county to aid, relief, and assistance, and do hereby direct the implementation of the county/city emergency operation plan.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Office had not declared a state of emergency.
DAMAGE IN SURROUNDING COUNTIES
Atoka County Emergency Management reported widespread tree and powerline down across the county. The hardest-hit areas were located southeast of Caney, Bently, Harmony, and Lane.
Okmulgee County Emergency Management reports one mobile home destroyed.
Pontotoc County Emergency Management reports several large trees down, including one that struck a home. At least two carports were destroyed.
RESIDENTS ASKED TO REPORT DAMAGE
To help identify all areas of damage across the state, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is asking residents impacted by severe storms or flooding to report damages to their property at damage.ok.gov. Reporting damage helps local and state emergency managers better coordinate response and recovery efforts and can help connect residents to resources. Residents can report damage to homes, businesses, or agriculture through the online survey.
Near Allen, a survey crew from the National Weather Service Office in Norman found evidence of EF-1 damage to the south and east of the town.
According to NWS Norman, additional information is needed to determine if there are multiple tornado paths or just one.
NWS Norman also confirmed a tornado touched down in northern parts of Atoka County “before moving northeast into Pittsburg County.”
“This tornado has been confirmed, but no rating has been given yet, “NWS Norman said in a public information statement. “More information on these tornadoes and others will be provided as the investigations continue.”
NWS Tulsa said in a social media statement on Tuesday that the office has two damage survey teams working across eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas.
“The surveys will take time,” the statement said. “We appreciate all your reports and help during and after the event. Updates as soon as the teams confirm information.”