Destructive winds equivalent to hurricane strength hit central Oklahoma on Tuesday night, resulting in widespread damage and power outages. The KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team monitored the storms throughout the night into Wednesday morning. As daylight emerges, more damage is expected across the Oklahoma City metro area.
Storm Damage and Debris Cleanup
The storm caused significant damage, with trees snapping and hazardous limbs obstructing roadways. Power lines were downed throughout the Oklahoma City area, scattering debris widely. One notably affected area was Britton Road, where an office building’s roof was destroyed and windows were blown out. In Midwest City near Reno Avenue and Air Depot Boulevard, power lines fell on vehicles at car dealerships, adding to the debris.
From 10 p.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday, the Oklahoma City Fire Department responded to over 150 emergency incidents, including 24 calls for downed power lines and six for storm damage assessment.
Capt. John Chenoweth of the Oklahoma City Fire Department advised, “If you see a downed power line, move away from it and anything touching it. Assume all downed power lines are live and keep your feet together and on the ground while moving away to minimize the risk of electric shock.”
Property damage should be reported at damage.ok.gov.
Road Closures
The damage caused road closures and significant delays. Although many interstates reopened after overnight closures, drivers should expect ongoing delays. Santa Fe Avenue between 122nd Street and Memorial Road closed at 7 a.m. due to downed power lines, and the southbound Broadway Extension off-ramp to Britton Road closed at 7:30 a.m. Westbound I-40 at Douglas Blvd. experienced power outages affecting ramps, and traffic lights at Douglas Blvd. and 29th St., as well as Hefner Road and Kelley Avenue, were non-functional.
Power Outages
By 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, more than 45,000 Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company customers and around 18,300 Public Service Company of Oklahoma customers were without power. OG&E crews worked through the night and resumed full restoration efforts at dawn.
For those without power, OG&E provides cooling zones to cope with the dangerous temperatures expected throughout the week.
Dangerous Temperatures
KOCO 5 Meteorologist Michael Armstrong forecasts Wednesday to be the hottest day of the year, with temperatures expected to reach 102 degrees and feel-like temperatures at 112 degrees. Logan County Fair Ground Educational Building in Guthrie will open at 10 a.m. to offer air conditioning and phone charging for those without power, though pets are not allowed.
More Storms Possible
More severe storms are possible starting Wednesday afternoon, with much of the state at a marginal risk for storms with up to 80 mph winds.
Storm Damage Cleanup
For storm damage and debris cleanup, homeowners in Oklahoma City can rely on BISON Restoration Services, offering comprehensive storm damage cleanup throughout the OKC area. Contact BISON Restoration Services at 405-225-2024 for assistance.
