Oklahoma Power Outages Continue After Severe Storm Damage

Oklahoma Power Outages Continue After Severe Storms Damage Dozens Of Utility Poles

The Oklahoma power outages caused by severe thunderstorms Monday continue to affect northeastern Oklahoma as utility crews rebuild damaged infrastructure while temperatures climb back into dangerous summer heat.

Storms that moved through the region Aug. 17 produced damaging winds of up to 70 mph, bringing down trees and power lines and leaving more than 40,000 customers without electricity at the height of the outages. Some of the most extensive damage occurred in the Ozarks Electric Cooperative service territory, where crews identified at least 81 broken utility poles.

Oklahoma Power Outages Leave Thousands Waiting For Restoration

By Tuesday morning, crews had restored electricity to thousands of customers, but approximately 2,255 Ozarks Electric members remained without service.

Some of the hardest-hit areas are connected to the North Greasy, Titanic and Stilwell substations, where widespread physical damage means restoring electricity requires more than simply reconnecting power.

An Ozarks Electric Cooperative restoration update explains that crews are replacing broken poles, repairing lines and clearing storm debris throughout affected portions of the cooperative's system.

Contractors and mutual aid crews from other electric cooperatives have joined local line workers in the restoration effort. Crews are working around the clock, but extensive damage in some locations could keep customers without electricity into Tuesday.

Tahlequah Among Communities Hit Hard By Storms

The Tahlequah and Cherokee County area experienced widespread damage as powerful winds brought down trees and utility infrastructure.

Storm-related problems resulted in early dismissals and closures at several Tahlequah Public Schools locations Monday as officials dealt with power outages and debris.

Damage was not limited to electrical infrastructure. High winds also damaged a communications tower and shattered windows at area businesses.

Customers still without electricity can monitor restoration progress and report problems through the Ozarks Electric outage system while crews continue assessing individual lines and damaged equipment.

Extreme Heat Complicates Power Restoration Effort

The timing of the outages creates another concern as temperatures return to the 90s and triple digits across Oklahoma.

Extended outages can quickly create unsafe indoor temperatures for residents without air conditioning, particularly older adults, young children and others vulnerable to extreme heat.

Ozarks Electric is encouraging customers facing extended outages to consider staying with family or friends or finding another air-conditioned location while restoration work continues.

The National Weather Service Tulsa provides current heat forecasts and weather alerts for northeastern Oklahoma as residents deal with the combination of storm recovery and high temperatures.

Utility crews say restoration work will continue until damaged poles, lines and other infrastructure are repaired and remaining customers can safely be reconnected.

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