Tracking all the latest information from around Green Country when it comes to flooding and severe weather impacts in the state.
8:47 p.m.
The state is warning flood victims to be aware of scam artists.
Residents across the state have encountered potential scam artists while trying to clean up their properties. The following tips can help residents avoid being re-victimized by contractors or others trying to take advantage of those impacted by an emergency or disaster.
- Be cautious of anyone coming to your home or business uninvited and offering to do repairs.
- If a volunteer offers to do work on your property, ask if there will be a cost for the work before the work starts. Reputable organizations will never ask for payment for volunteer services.
- Be cautious in dealing with a contractor who asks for a large down payment.
- Don't be pressured into making a quick decision. Try to get three separate bids on the job.
- Ask for references and check them out.
- Insist on obtaining a written estimate or contract.
- Do not pay the final balance until the work is completed to your satisfaction.
- Ask contractors if they have done this type of repair work before, if they will be purchasing necessary permits, and if the work will be inspected. Be sure the contract spells out who will pay for any necessary permits.
- Always pay for repair work by check or credit card in order to keep a record and avoid double charges.
- Be wary of contractors who claim to be state or FEMA certified when, in fact, neither the state nor FEMA certifies or endorses contractors.
- If you suspect fraud, contact the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit at (405) 521-2029
6:25 p.m.
From the City of Coweta:
1. We are past the point of extreme concern; this is Oklahoma, however, and more rain is expected this weekend. PLEASE STAY WEATHER AWARE and continue to pay attention to water levels locally.
2. The Arkansas River level continues to drop and it is projected to be at normal flow in our area by mid to late next week.
3. The Verdigris River is beginning to recede; it remains in flood stage and is projected to stay in flood stage for the next several days to a week.
4. Banks continue to be unstable and areas near the rivers are eroded and unsafe.
5. Some roads may appear to be dry or near dry, but are still barricaded. That is because those roadways have not yet been determined to be safe (water can cause damage to the roadbeds, bridges, etc., that may not be easily apparent to a motorist). Obey the barricades and do not attempt to travel a closed road.
6. The City of Coweta's freshwater (drinking water) system continues to operate via a temporary pump. As flood waters recede, it will become more difficult to move water via the temporary system from the river to the reservoir where it can be treated. So, we expect to encounter some challenging days ahead for water usage when the temporary system will struggle to stay ahead of water needs while we are still working to repair the normal intake system damaged by floodwaters. PLEASE CONTINUE CONSERVATION EFFORTS UNTIL WE RETURN THE SYSTEM TO NORMAL OPERATION.
5 p.m.
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority will be resuming toll collection on the Muskogee Turnpike beginning tonight, May 31, 2019, at 8 p.m. Tolls had been suspended while State Highways remained flooded during the latest severe weather.
4:13 p.m.
Gathering Place reopens Saturday:
"Thanks to the hard work of all city, county and state agencies and our park team, we are happy to announce Gathering Place will reopen on Saturday, June 1."
4:10 p.m.
Tulsa Greenwaste Facility Now Open to Bixby Residents
The City of Tulsa Greenwaste Facility, located at 2100 North 145th E. Ave., is a free, year-round greenwaste removal option open for Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Bixby and unincorporated Tulsa County residents. Those looking to use the facility will need to present a driver’s license or current utility bill. Customers outside of this area can pay $0.55 per cubic yard at the gate to drop-off greenwaste.
The Greenwaste site will be open until 8 p.m. this evening and Saturday from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Starting Sunday, the site will resume normal business hours from 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Greenwaste includes leaves, grass and tree limbs only. Flooding debris and trash are not accepted.
3:59 p.m.
Troop L Road Closings
05/31/2019
15:45 hours
Craig County:
None.
Delaware County:
SH127 west of US59 (expected to be closed for 2-3 weeks due to required repairs from flooding.)
Mayes County:
None.
Nowata:
SH10 eastbound and westbound from US169 to the Craig/Nowata County line
SH28 between US169 and US60
Ottawa County:
SH125 at SH10.
SH10 eastbound @ Elm Street.
US59 at CR540 west of Miami.
Washington County:
None.
Will Rogers Turnpike:
None.
Cherokee Turnpike:
None.
3:09 p.m.
From the City of Tulsa:
From the City of Tulsa:
• Riverside is still closed from 21st to 31st due to flooding.
• No word yet on when it will be reopened.
2:56 p.m.
Troop L Road Closings
05/31/2019
15:00 hours
Craig County:
None.
Delaware County:
SH127 west of US59 (expected to be closed for 2-3 weeks due to required repairs from flooding.)
Mayes County:
None.
Nowata:
SH10 eastbound and westbound from US169 to the Craig/Nowata County line
SH28 between US169 and US60
Ottawa County:
SH125 at SH10.
SH10 eastbound @ Elm Street.
US59 at CR540 west of Miami.
Washington County:
None.
Will Rogers Turnpike:
None.
Cherokee Turnpike:
None.
2:47 p.m.
Tulsa Army Corps of Engineers release statement about rainfall forecast for next week:
"The Tulsa District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is monitoring weather patterns and running models in preparation for potential rainfall. Since the previous rain event we have regained some storage capacity in our reservoirs. Our reservoirs and dams continue to perform as designed by storing flood water to reduce risk. We are following our water control manual and will make determinations regarding any changes to our releases based upon the water on the ground."
2:15 p.m.
Greenwaste Collection Underway for Residents Affected by Wind Storms
The City’s Streets and Stormwater crews completed the first special greenwaste collection sweep for the May 21 wind event. The special greenwaste collection for the May 26 event begins on Monday, June 3. During this special greenwaste collection, the City will make one greenwaste sweep at no cost. Residents in the affected area should put their greenwaste to the curb at the beginning of the collection period since there will only be one greenwaste pass.
Greenwaste must be cut into pieces less than six feet long and 18 inches in diameter. Greenwaste should be within four feet of the curb and residents must avoid placing greenwaste near utilities and fire hydrants. The City cannot pick up greenwaste from the curb if it is contaminated with other debris.
For the May 26 wind event location, residents from Riverside Dr. to Memorial Dr. from 81st St. S. to 111th St. S. and Memorial Dr. to Mingo Rd. from 81st St. S. to 101st St. S. from June 3 – June 14 will receive a special greenwaste collection.
www.cityoftulsa.org/media/10269/windeventcleanupsouthtulsa.pdf
Residents that received storm damage near the affected area that do not fall within the identified boundaries and believe they should qualify for the special greenwaste collection can call (918) 596-9777 and a supervisor will assess the situation.
Residents that called for a bulky waste service to dispose of greenwaste within the boundary areas will now be covered within the special greenwaste collection.
The City of Tulsa Greenwaste Facility is located at 2100 North 145th E. Ave. and is a free greenwaste removal option year-round for Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks and unincorporated Tulsa County residents. The Greenwaste site is open today to 8 p.m. A current driver's license or a recent utility bill is required to use the site. Customers outside of these areas can pay $0.55 per cubic yard at the gate to drop-off greenwaste.
Storm Debris Dumpsters
City crews have been removing trees and debris out of roadways from the May 21 wind event and placed dumpsters in the neighborhoods for residents to remove storm debris.
The same option is being offered for residents impacted by the May 26 wind event. The locations of the dumpsters for the May 26 event are:
• 5707 E. 109th Pl.
• 93rd S. Lakewood Ave.
• 9711 S. Darlington
• 99th & S. Irvington
• 9737 S. Joplin Pl.
• 5700 E. 98th St.
• 9037 E. 95th St. S.
• E. 88th Pl. & S. 90th E. Ave.
• 9711 S. 88th E. Ave.
****Greenwaste should not be placed in the dumpsters.****
For storm debris, bulky waste fees for the May 21 and May 26 wind event areas are also waived through June 28. To request a bulky waste service, call (918) 596-9777.
Tulsa Citywide Refuse and Recycling
The City did not collect recyclables this week due to the potential shortage of CNG due to operational challenges during the flooding event.
Beginning June 3, extra recycling that does not fit in the blue recycling cart can be placed next to the cart in a cardboard box or paper sack (extra recyclables cannot be placed in plastic bags).
We ask residents to please be patient as the safety of residents and workers are the first priority.
1:50 p.m.
Results from the City of Tulsa’s 2019 Water Quality Report show that the City’s water system continues to deliver high quality, good-tasting water that is safe to drink and free of bacteria.
The annual water quality report is required to be mailed to all water customers under the provisions of the federal 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act and its amendments. The City samples and analyzes its treated drinking water throughout the year to make sure it meets or exceeds federal standards.
The report concluded that tests conducted on treated water during 2018 showed that the levels of all contaminants continued to fall below the regulatory levels prescribed by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Water Quality Report is included with the June utility bills mailed to customers within the City of Tulsa and is also provided to municipal water systems that purchase water from Tulsa. Anyone who does not receive a copy and wishes to see one can request it from the City of Tulsa’s Customer Care Center by calling 311, or (918) 596-7777 from outside the city limits. The water quality report also can be viewed in either English or Spanish at www.cityoftulsa.org/waterquality [cityoftulsa.org].
The City of Tulsa Water and Sewer Department operates two water treatment plants that receive their water from lakes Oologah, Spavinaw, Eucha and Hudson. Water samples from these lakes also are analyzed to determine source water quality.
Water and sewer operations and policies are overseen by a public trust organization created by City charter, the Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority (TMUA). In addition to the water quality results, the 2019 Water Quality Report also provides information about TMUA and its meeting schedule. Online information about TMUA is available at www.cityoftulsa.org/TMUA [cityoftulsa.org]
1:18 p.m.
12:32 p.m.
Broken Arrow Situation Update 5/31 at 12 p.m.
Water has dramatically receded from the area. All neighborhood streets appear passable.
PSO has crews in the flood-affected areas inspecting and re-energizing their infrastructure where possible. Some transformers remain underwater so not all residents will receive power at one time.
ONG also has crews in the area restoring gas service. If water is in a home, ONG will not connect gas service until a City inspection is done. Please contact the One Stop Division at 918-259-8333, option 0, if an inspection is necessary. If you smell natural gas, please leave the area immediately and call 911 and 800-458-4251.
The Police Department will continue to maintain a presence in the neighborhood as residents make their way back into their homes.
As floodwaters begin to recede, make sure you stay safe as you return home - look for hazards, know your personal limitations, wear protective gear, circulate air & prevent further damage, & remove all wet items. View more tips at bit.ly/2HNbswd [t.co]
Daily updates will continue around midday through the weekend on the City website, Facebook Twitter and NextDoor.
Water level:
The US Army Corps of Engineers continues to reduce the discharge from Keystone Dam. As of 11 a.m. the rate was 195,000 cfs. Water levels in south Broken Arrow continue to recede.
Forecast:
The National Weather Service indicates Friday and Saturday should be dry. A 50 percent chance of rain or storms returns late Saturday with 40-50 percent chances Sunday-Thursday.
The potential for flash floods, especially along creeks and streams, still exists with continued rainfall.
Debris pickup:
The City will begin picking up green waste related to the recent storms on June 10. For complete details visit www.brokenarrowok.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=806.
Current road closures:
Hillside Drive remains closed between Charlestons and Hobby Lobby. Do not attempt to drive around barricades. Pedestrians and joggers must also keep out of the area.
Dial 211:
For Oklahoma residents seeking non-emergency disaster or health and human service information, please contact your local 2-1-1. Services are available 24 hours a day by dialing 2-1-1 from your home or cellular telephone. Please only call 911 for emergencies.
Residents who experience damage to their home, business or farm should also complete a state reporting form at http://damage.ok.gov [damage.ok.gov].
Clean-up assistance:
From now until June 14, several relief agencies are staffing a free hotline for muck-out, debris removal and home cleanup from the recent statewide storms and flooding. This hotline will connect survivors with reputable and vetted relief agencies that will assist in debris cleanup and mucking out, as they are able. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the expected overwhelming need. The public may call 800-451-1954 to request help with storm and flooding related cleanup. Those requests will be shared with relief organizations at crisiscleanup.org.
Residents can also register for assistance with Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief at www.okdisasterhelp.org [okdisasterhelp.org].
The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs reports that veterans who have been impacted by the recent weather may be eligible for a Financial Grant. Visit their website at okvets.ok.gov [okvets.ok.gov] and click on the "get help" tab to find a service officer or location near you to assist. You can also call 918-781-7766 or 405-523-4000 to locate a service office or location near you.
Highway closures:
For official information about highway closures due to flooding, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation posts updates in the Traffic Advisory section of www.odot.org [odot.org]. An interactive map showing highway conditions and closures can be found at www.okroads.org [okroads.org].
EOC Active:
The Broken Arrow Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will stand down as the water recedes and power is restored to homes.
Emergency Declaration:
An Emergency Declaration remains in effect for the area south of Jasper (131st) Street between Garnett Road to 23rd Street (County Line Road).
Non-residents must stay out of the area as it is an emergency area. Police posted in the area will verify residency before allowing access.
Stay out of floodwaters, as there are many contaminants in the water that are hazardous to your health. Also be cautious of additional wildlife, such as snakes, that will be seeking higher ground.
12:31 p.m.
Sign up for River Parks flooding cleanup
11:48 a.m.
Read the latest update from the Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency below:
(Tulsa, OK) – The Keystone Dam release rate is gradually decreasing and at 11 am. this morning, the release rate from Keystone Dam is 190,000 cubic feet per second. The levee system continues to be the primary focus for emergency personnel as the levee system is oversaturated with water and has been holding historic levels of water for more than a week. The levee system continues to be monitored 24/7. Residents living behind the levees and evacuees from behind the levees need to remain vigilant.
The flooding threat along the Arkansas River remains as the water is still out of its banks in certain areas. Listen to first responders in your area, monitor updates from TAEMA, and stay plugged into your local media.
Damage assessments will begin once the flood water recedes throughout Tulsa county. The damage assessment process is one aspect of the recovery cycle, and TEAMA expects this to be a lengthy process. TEAMA will work with state and federal officials to get residents the help they need as quickly as possible while being mindful these areas are still flood zones.
Residential Reentry
In neighborhoods with receding floodwaters, inspections will be made before allowing residents back to their homes. During this period, law enforcement will continue to patrol those neighborhoods until residents have returned.
Residents inquiring about when they will be allowed to go back to their homes should be aware of the re-entry process. Neighborhoods that are cleared for re-entry will be shared on the City of Tulsa’s social media sites and website, as well as through local media outlets. Residents will be asked for identification from law enforcement upon arrival so that officers can vet those requesting to enter the reopened area.
Residents re-entering evacuated neighborhoods should remain vigilant as they are allowed back to their homes. Residents should ask any contractor for their credentials as well as contact information for their company’s home office. There will be many unfamiliar workers in these neighborhoods – these workers will not use aggressive behavior or language with residents nor will they ask for any form of payment for their services. Police will be in these neighborhoods and should be alerted if residents see this happening.
Volunteer Opportunities and Cleanup Efforts
The Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency is seeking volunteers to assist with cleanup operations at the Town and Country neighborhood at 145th and Highway 51 from June 1-2, from 8 a.m. to dark.
Volunteers should show up wearing boots and heavy leather work gloves. Anyone who comes without these will be turned away.
It’s strongly advised volunteers have tetanus shots prior to volunteering. Residents can receive tetanus shots from the Tulsa Health Department at any of their immunization locations or Tulsa Health Department will be at Town and Country tomorrow from 9 a.m. – noon for residents and volunteers who want tetanus shots on site.
Cleanup efforts will start in affected homes beginning with interior item removal like furniture, bedding and other normal interior contents. Mud, muck and silt deposits will need to be shoveled out and thrown away. Then drywall, sheetrock, insulation and any electric materials that were covered with water will need to be removed. Volunteers and homeowners will have to scrub, clean and bleach the homes. Once everything has been removed, the doors and windows to the home will need to be left open for them to dry out and fans used if you have them.
Donations
Tulsa Community Foundation (TCF) and Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW) have established a Disaster Relief Fund for Eastern Oklahoma to provide assistance to nonprofit organizations which are providing services and support to residents of eastern Oklahoma affected by recent
flooding and weather events. Donations can be made securely at www.TulsaCF.org/2019storms [gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com].
Donations by check should be made payable to Tulsa Community Foundation and include: “Disaster Relief Fund for Eastern Oklahoma” in the memo of the check. Mail checks to Tulsa Community Foundation, 7030 S. Yale Ave., Suite 600, Tulsa, Okla., 74136. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Storm Victim Protection
Storm victim’s insurance cannot be cancelled for the next 30 days. A bulletin issued by Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready on May 24, 2019 to all insurance companies directs them to keep coverage in effect for storm victims for the next 30 days. This applies to Oklahomans who have insurance residing in the affected zip codes [gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com].
The bulletin addresses health maintenance organizations, accident and health insurers, third party administrators, discount medical plan organizations, property and casualty insurers, surplus and excess lines insurers and county mutual insurers. It includes property and casualty insurance, life insurance, accident and health insurance, disability insurance and all lines of coverage regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department.
Some key points of the bulletin are:
• All coverage for storm victims shall continue under all insurance policies for the next 30 days.
• Storm victims can get a copy of their insurance policy free of charge.
• Any rate increases for policies in the affected areas filed on or after the effective date of the bulletin will be deferred.
Shelters
Currently, the Red Cross is encouraging evacuees to its shelter at Faith Church, 1901 West 171st St. in Glenpool. The Red Cross shelter at Crosstown Church of Christ, 3400 E. Admiral Place, is at capacity. Levee evacuation transportation routes have ended, and buses will be used in the coming days for resident reentry when evacuated neighborhoods are deemed safe.
For animals, a temporary shelter at Tulsa Expo Square Fairground Pavilion (south entrance) is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The temporary pet shelter at the Fairgrounds is accepting pet food, blankets and towels. For large animal shelter requests, please contact 211. Animal rescue assistance requests can be made by calling Tulsa Animal Welfare at (918) 596-8000, press option 6, beginning at 9 a.m.
Residents in Tulsa County with questions or concerns related to the flooding event or evacuations can call 211. 211 is also equipped to take damage assessments and answer questions about donations to those affected by the floods. As of yesterday, the 211 Center has taken more than 2,000 calls and continue to staff up to handle the additional load.
PSO
PSO will be notified to restore power to areas that were disconnected when authorities deem neighborhoods safe. As of 11 a.m., residents in the Cherry Hill area are returning home. Wind River residents who self-evacuated returned home yesterday. PSO is working to restore power to the area east of Garden City. Candlestick Beach in Tulsa County returned home.
If you requested PSO to disconnect your service, call PSO to begin the reconnection process. If authorities requested your disconnection, an inspection may be necessary. If you have any questions about whether an inspection is necessary for your electrical system and weather heads, call PSO at (888) 218-3919. Beware of scammers that want to inspect your home and do not have any city identification, vehicles or other verification. To ensure the electrician you are hiring is licensed, visit: cibverify.ok.gov/clients/okcib/public/licenseesearch/licenseesearch.aspx [gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com].
Barricade Safety
Police continue to urge people to not drive around barricades. These barricades are put up for the safety of everyone. River Parks and The Gathering Place remains closed. This area should be avoided, has unstable ground and any attempt to drive around barricades, especially in this area, is dangerous and puts your life and the lives of our first responders at risk.
Health Advisory
Residents are advised to stay away from floodwater and standing waters as they can be dangerous. Floodwaters can contain harmful debris, sewage and snakes. The Tulsa Health Department is offering tetanus shots at no cost at any of its immunization clinics during normal working hours. For hours and locations, call (918)-582-9355. You can also visit www.tulsa-health.org/flood-safety [gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com], which contains a multitude of resources, including information about our no-cost tetanus shots, floodwater precautions, tips for safely re-entering your home, and recommendations for food establishments.
In the aftermath of a traumatic event, such as a flood or tornado damage, the initial focus is on the physical impact of property. As time goes on, the emotional impact begins to surface. It is critically important Oklahomans are able to access care and assistance for their physical and mental health during these difficult times in our state. Mental Health Association Oklahoma and their partners stand ready to help in their recovery. For more information visit https://mhaok.org/ [gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com].
Road Closures
Flooding continues to impact roads in the Tulsa metro. For local road closures, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/rivermaps [gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]. For highway closure information, visit: www.okroads.org [gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com], with a complete list of closures at www.odot.org [gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]
Stay Updated
Follow the City of Tulsa on Twitter @cityoftulsagov and visit www.cityoftulsa.org [gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com] for updates. Live feeds from news conferences are available on the City of Tulsa Gov Facebook.
The City of Tulsa website has a Google translator that can translate all web pages in more than 121 languages. The City of Tulsa is also adding translations of this briefing in various languages to the City’s Facebook page when available.
10:28 a.m.
Tulsa, OK (May 31, 2019): The Tulsa Metropolitan Salvation Army staff and volunteers continues to provide food support to those impacted by storms and floods by providing meals to evacuees who are sheltering at the Crosstown Church of Christ, 2400 E. Admiral Place. The Army’s Mobile Food Service Canteen is roving through hard hit communities providing snacks and hydration to residents and emergency personnel. Over 1500 meals, 2700 drinks, and 600 snacks have been provided to residents of Green Country.
The Salvation Army is providing food service in the hardest hit areas of Sand Springs. The Army’s Incident Management Team is prepping to serve evacuees once flood waters recede and it becomes safe for residents to return to their homes. As neighborhoods become accessible and individuals begin assessing the damage, The Army will be ready to provide food service and cleaning kits.
8:57 a.m.
TAEMA will hold a news conference today at 11 a.m. this morning in the Compstat Room, 600 Civic Center regarding an operations update and the beginning of the recovery process for the affected areas in the Tulsa metro.
8:28 a.m.
Arkansas River falls into 'minor' flood stage in Tulsa area
7:58 a.m.
Vast Bank donates $50,000 to flood relief, creates flood relief fund. Click here to donate, or donate by visiting any of the bank locations in Tulsa, Bixby, Catoosa, Collinsville, Ketchum, Langley, Oologah and Owasso.
7:54 a.m.
Proceeds from "Bixby Strong" t-shirt to be donated to Bixby Outreach Center. Click here to purchase.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
