Tuesday, August 22, 2017
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today added Sequoyah County to a state of emergency declaration issued earlier this month due to tornadoes, severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that have impacted eastern Oklahoma since Aug. 5.
Heavy flooding in Sequoyah County caused dangerous travel conditions and significant road damage during the storms.
The counties listed earlier in the governor’s declaration are Mayes, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner, where four tornadoes were confirmed Aug. 5-6, and more than 170 businesses and homes were damaged. Thirteen people were transported to local hospitals due to storm-related injuries.
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.
The declaration can be amended to add additional counties if conditions warrant.