Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin Declares Emergency as Winter Storm Approaches

Some of you that read this are probably laughing because our temps are 45 today but they were 79 on Saturday and going to single digits by Tuesday morning. Tonight we are supposed to get clobbered with ice changing to snow. After that blizzard that hit us the day before Christmas in 2009 no one is going to take a chance this year including yours truly.

Very happy to see Gov Fallin get a jump on this storm declaring an emergency before it hits as it is supposed to be really nasty -- people need to stay home after the storm starts so she has given everyone plenty of warning.

Have been to the grocery to stock up -- couldn't believe how crowded it was! Picked up some more wood for the fireplace in case we lose power so at least we can stay warm. Went around and gathered up all the candles I have in glass containers -- my kids did a really good job of stocking me up after our ice storm the other year when we lost power for 4 1/2 days since I went through most of the candles I had on hand. Flashlights are ready to go. My SUV and I are now hibernating until the roads are cleared off.

With all the preparation this time, watch us get missed by the major part of the storm -- that would suit me just fine. The biggest problems are going to be to the north and east of us as our storm out of the Four Corners links up with the major storm and blizzard that will be hitting Chicago. The Weather Service is predicting St. Louis is going to be getting a lot of snow. Earlier a guy told that Tulsa OK to the NE of us about 115 miles could get up to two feet of snow! YUCK!

One thing everyone was right about when we moved to Oklahoma with the closure of Kelly AFB, TX, by the BRAC -- if you don't like the weather just wait as it will change. Temps overnight in the single digits is something I could do without which is supposed to happen Tuesday and Wednesday morning before warming back up above freezing. Ready for Spring! My granddaughter in Fort Collins, CO, told me this morning on the phone she is tired of snow and wants spring with flowers. I second her wish!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 31, 2011

Governor Mary Fallin Declares Emergency as Winter Storm Approaches

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today declared a State of Emergency for all 77 Oklahoma counties as state officials continued their emergency response preparations for a dangerous winter storm heading toward the state.

Because the latest weather event could include blizzard conditions and possible power outages, emergency management authorities recommended issuing this declaration before the storm arrived so weight and size limits on state roadways could be waived to allow heavy power company vehicles to position themselves across the state.

“The winter storm heading toward Oklahoma has the potential to cause dangerous travel conditions and sub-freezing temperatures,” Fallin said. “This disaster declaration will make sure we can prepare for the winter weather ahead of the storm.”

The declaration provides a formal mechanism for local governments to seek reimbursement for recovery costs through the state’s disaster public assistance program, should conditions warrant. The executive order is also the first step toward seeking federal aid should it be necessary.

“We encourage all Oklahomans to prepare for the storm before it arrives. Make sure you have the proper storm supplies in advance, such as flashlights, batteries, bottled water and non-perishable food,” Fallin said.

The Department of Emergency Management is also reminding all citizens to replace batteries in NOAA all-hazard weather radios. This will ensure continued weather updates directly from the National Weather Service. Once the storm arrives, please heed the recommendation of public safety and transportation officials regarding travel conditions.

Stay tuned to local media and National Weather Service stations for updates as forecasts can change as the winter storm approaches.