Friday, June 23rd 2023, 8:32 am
UPDATE June 21, Noon:
Much of Eastern Oklahoma is under a state of emergency on Wednesday, following the severe storms over the weekend.
The declaration was signed on Tuesday and covers 10 counties, including Payne, Choctaw and Tulsa.
It took a few days since both Gov. Kevin Stitt and Lieutenant Gov. Matt Pinnell are out of the state right now.
The Governor's Office says under these circumstances, Senate leader Greg Treat is acting governor, so Treat signed the executive order Tuesday afternoon.
Related Story: Confusion In Oklahoma Chain Of Command Leads To State Of Emergency Delays
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Heat Advisory Monday for several counties around Green Country, as about 100,000 people face power outages in the Tulsa metro.
PSO has been working around the clock to get the power back on for the tens of thousands of people in Green Country.
Related Story: Power Outages Continue For Over 135,000 As Crews Work Around The Clock To Restore Service
On Wednesday morning, just over 103,000 customers are without power, according to PSO. That's 30,000 less than it was Tuesday morning according to the outage map reports posted online.
>>CLICK HERE to view the PSO Outage Map.
The American Red Cross is warning residents to stay alert during the heat. The Red Cross advises Tulsans to check on those who have no air conditioning, spend a lot of their time alone or are likely to be impacted by the heat. Tulsa is also dealing with downed trees around the city.
The city released a map detailing the amount of downed trees.
For more on coverage on the June 17 storms, CLICK HERE.
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EMSA issued the first Medical Heat Alert of 2023 for the Tulsa area Monday evening.
EMSA medics said a they responded to a total of 11 suspected heat-related illness calls on Monday, with five being taken to the hospital.
As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, medics have already responded to two heat-illness calls and one patient is in the hospital.
The Medical Heat Alert will remain in effect through at least June 24.
The Red Cross says those who do not have air conditioning should seek relief in places like libraries, theaters or malls. Tulsans are advised to wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing to stay cool amid the heat.
Those working in the heat are advised to take frequent breaks and perform work using the buddy system.
HERE is a link to a live list of available City/County Government Emergency Services.
On Tuesday, gas stations in the Tulsa metro were dealing with power outages and the stores that did have power were selling out of gas.
QuikTrip shared a lengthy list in the afternoon detailing the stores closed without power and stores without gas, but it was updated in the afternoon as power was restored.
As of 4:50 on Tuesday, here are the QuikTrip stores that are closed or without gas in the area.
Related Story: QuikTrip Shares Updated List Of Tulsa Metro Stores Without Gas, Power
Several businesses in and around the Tulsa Metro are living up to the Oklahoma Standard and opening their stores as cooling stations amid the heat wave and power outages.
The city has several different phone lines set up for residents to report damage and accidents. The city says it uses multiple numbers to keep one number from getting too busy.
Follow the City of Tulsa on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
The Reasor's in Sand Springs at 3829 Oklahoma 97 is giving away a free bag (1) of ice to those in need that were impacted by the storm (while supplies last) on June 21.
This is the store at the intersection of E 38th St and Highway 97.
Reasor's will also have the same deal going on at the store near 15th and Lewis starting at 1 p.m.
"At Brookshire Grocery Company, we are focused on building greater communities by being there for our neighbors not only during times of celebration but also during times of need. In an effort to continue to support those in need, from those affected by the recent storm, Reasor’s is giving away a free bag of ice, now until supplies last, to people who are without power, Tuesday, June 20, at the store located at (21st and Yale) 1885 S. Yale in Tulsa."
Related Story: Tulsa Grocery Store Offers Free Ice As Thousands Face Power Outages
Academy Sports + Outdoors in Tulsa will offer free cases of 24-count bottled water to the public, while supplies last, on Wednesday, June 21 starting at 10 a.m.
This will be available at the Midtown store addressed 6120 E 41st Street South. Customers can drive up to the front of the store to pick up their free case.
The City of Tulsa said a cooling station at Crosstown Church of Christ (3400 E. Admiral Pl.) will be able to accommodate leashed pets thanks to the Humane Society.
The other locations will still be able to accept service animals.
Crosstown Church of Christ at 3400 East Admiral Place is also operating a cooling station that is open 24/7, through Thursday at 5 p.m.
The City of Tulsa is operating several cooling stations on Monday as well. A cooling station will be open at Reed Park Community Center until 8 p.m. on Monday. The address is 4233 South Yukon Avenue.
Another cooling station operated by the city will be open at Lacy Park Community Center until 8 p.m. on Monday. The address is 4233 South Yukon Avenue.
SNAP benefit recipients are eligible to apply for a reimbursement on any food that was destroyed as a result of the weekend storm and the subsequent days-long power outage, according to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
Related Story: SNAP Recipients Eligible For Reimbursement On Food Damaged As A Result Of Storms, Power Outages
The Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma is holding a special take-home meal box distribution on Wednesday, for people who have been impacted by the devastating storm and subsequent power outage.
The drive-through event which is set to begin at 5 p.m., will be available for anyone in need.
Wednesday's event is taking place at the Food Bank location at 1304 N Kenosha Avenue in Tulsa.
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