Citizens urged to report damage

Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore gave an update this week on the severe weather and flooding event that occurred over the weekend, spanning from Sept. 23-24. This storm system, characterized by 3-inch hail in the Henryetta area, high winds, torrential rainfall ranging from 2.5 to almost six inches in various parts of the county, and severe flooding, has significantly impacted the community.

— Hailstorm Strikes Henryetta Area The Henryetta area bore the brunt of a fierce hailstorm, with hailstones reaching an astonishing three inches in diameter. This intense weather event caused considerable damage to property and posed a substantial risk to public safety.

— Widespread Strong Winds and Heavy Rainfall Across Okmulgee County, strong winds prevailed, toppling trees and limbs throughout the region. The force of these winds also led to the snapping of power poles and the downing of power lines, resulting in extensive power outages. Rainfall varied across the county, with some areas receiving between 2.5 to nearly 6 inches of rain, exacerbating the flooding situation.

— Communities Submerged in Floodwaters Communities in Okmulgee County, including Okmulgee, Henryetta, Dewar, and Morris, experienced severe flooding. Streets, homes, and businesses were damaged, causing damage and disrupting daily life. The dedicated emergency services personnel have worked tirelessly to provide assistance to affected residents, Moore said.

— Numerous Vehicles Stranded in Floodwaters The widespread flooding led to the stranding of at least 15 vehicles in flooded waters, placing considerable strain on our emergency response system. First responders bravely and swiftly carried out rescue operations to ensure the safety of those affected.

— Unified Response from Okmulgee County Agencies Okmulgee County Emergency Management extends heartfelt gratitude to all local agencies, including law enforcement, fire departments, and volunteer organizations, for their remarkable collaboration and rapid response during this crisis. Their unwavering commitment has played a pivotal role in managing this emergency efficiently.

— Transitioning to Recovery

At this juncture, Okmulgee County is transitioning from the immediate response phase to recovery.

“We acknowledge that the recovery process will be arduous and time-consuming, but we remain unwavering in our commitment to support the resilience of the Okmulgee County community,” Moore said.

— Reporting Damage

For those who have experienced property damage or require assistance, please report it to Okmulgee County Emergency Management by email at em@okmulgeecounty.gov or by calling 918-759-9984. Your reports are crucial in helping the agency assess the extent of damage and allocate resources effectively.

Director Jeffrey Moore and the entire team at Okmulgee County Emergency Management are dedicated to working tirelessly to ensure the safety and recovery of our community members.

“We implore all residents to prioritize safety, heed local authorities’ guidance, and extend support to their neighbors during this challenging time. As we embark on the challenging journey of recovery, we have full confidence that the resilience of the Okmulgee County community will prevail.”