Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has declared a state of emergency after tornadoes, severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding wrought devastation throughout her state on May 18 and 19.
Beginning on Saturday, numerous Oklahoma counties were hit with tornadoes, straight-line winds, damaging hail and flooding. Initial reports show damage in communities including Bethel Acres, Carney, Edmond, Little Axe, Norman, Shawnee and Wellston.
At least two individuals in Pottawattomie County died as a result of the storms, according to media reports.
The counties included in the declaration are: Caddo, Cleveland, Comanche, Creek, Garfield, Grant, Greer, Kiowa, Lincoln, Logan, McClain, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Pawnee, Payne and Pottawatomie.
Further damage assessments are ongoing. The declaration can be amended to add additional counties if conditions warrant.
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.
Today, Fallin and state Insurance Commissioner John Doak are visiting communities affected by the storms.
The National Weather Service says severe thunderstorms will continue today over parts of the southern plains into the Ozarks and middle Mississippi Valley today and tonight.
The NWS storm prediction center in Norman, Okla., is forecasting the further development of tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds.
According to the NWS, the areas most likely to experience this activity include: northwest Arkansas; far southeast Kansas; southern Missouri; southern, central and eastern Oklahoma; and far north Texas.
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