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Live updates: Severe weather blog

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Severe storms in Green Country
Severe storms in Green Country
Severe storms in Green Country
Severe storms in Green Country
Severe storms in Green Country
Severe storms in Green Country
Severe storms in Green Country
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Posted at 11:36 AM, May 20, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-21 16:36:46-04

As severe weather updates come in throughout the day, 2 Works for You will be tracking all of the latest information here.

2:43 p.m.

City of Tulsa set to give severe weather update at 3 p.m. Watch live below:

2:02 p.m.

Flood warning issued for the Arkansas River in Tulsa.

1:31 p.m.

Story: Town of Avant 'essentially a lake' after storms, flooding

1:08 p.m.

Flood warning coming for Arkansas River in Tulsa. River expected to rise to 18 feet on Tuesday night.

11:53 a.m.

City of Stillwater severe weather update:

This is an overview of the City of Stillwater’s response to the flooding on May 20-21 as of 11:20 a.m. Tuesday. The City has closed over 26 streets due to rising floodwaters.

The City has been actively engaged in water rescues around Stillwater.

The Stillwater Police Department helped over 20 people out of flooded vehicles last night in various locations.

The Stillwater Fire Department responded to the following calls in the last 24 hours:

Fire alarm responses due to weather related causes (e.g., lightning strikes)

  • 1312 S SANGRE RD at MERIDIAN TECHNOLOGY
  • 260 N KNOBLOCK ST at OSU BOONE PICKENS SOUTH
  • 1224 N HUSBAND ST at STW HIGH SCHOOL
  • Water rescue related calls

Water rescue related calls

  • W LAKEVIEW RD / N VALLEY VIEW DR-REPORTED VEHICLE STALLED IN WATER ON THE ROADWAY. Occupant out on arrival.
  • 311 S BRUSH CREEK RD – Reported parties trapped in their house due to floodwaters. All occupants were out on arrival.
  • N COUNTRY CLUB RD / W MCELROY RD
  • 924 S DEVON ST – Two people trapped in their house due to high water. Both rescued from occupancy.
  • 1724 S HUSBAND ST
  • W MCELROY RD / N REDLANDS RD
  • 905 W. 11th – rescue/trapped
  • 1724 S. Husband – rescue/trapped
  • 2017 S. Husband – rescue/trapped
  • 2021 S. Husband – rescue/trapped
  • 1500 S. Western – rescue/trapped
  • 1925 S. Husband – rescue/trapped
  • 6th and Sangre – vehicle rescue
  • Overview of Lake Flooding

The water coming from Lake Carl Blackwell and the other lakes is causing significant challenges. Additionally, our drainage way for all this water is the Cimarron River. The river is at flood stage and rising, which slows our water from escaping.

The water coming from Lake Carl Blackwell and the other lakes is causing significant challenges. Additionally, our drainage way for all this water is the Cimarron River. The river is at flood stage and rising, which slows our water from escaping.

  • Lake Carl Blackwell has water raised 4.5 feet over the spillway
  • Lake McMurtry is more than 2 feet over its spillway
  • Boomer Lake overtopped the primary spillway

11:33 p.m.

City of Tulsa severe weather update:

The City of Tulsa is currently helping with damage assessment following a possible tornado that touched down in North Tulsa this morning.

Peoria to Delaware and Marshall to Pine streets are closed while first responders assess the damage. Damage is confined to a five to six block area.

Currently, flooding is a primary concern for the city of Tulsa and Tulsa County due to the amount of rain received from the recent storms. The Army Corps of Engineers plans to increase the release of Keystone Dam to 100,000 cubic feet at noon today. Based on weather predictions, the discharge will be increased to 160,000 cubic feet at 6 p.m. this evening. Minor flooding along the Arkansas River could occur due to the discharge.

There will be a media update at 2 p.m. today at Tulsa Police Headquarters in the Compstat Room, 600 Civic Center.

The Tulsa Area Emergency Management Association (TAEMA) Emergency Operations Center is at full activation for the damage assessment, recovery needs and the potential of minor flooding.

Currently, Mohawk Park and the Tulsa Zoo are closed due to high water and the City of Tulsa has barricades up throughout the city due to localized flooding.

Following the storm, PSO reported 2,500 people in the Tulsa city limits are out of power. Currently, PSO is reporting 1,322 outages. In some cases, weather heads may be pulled away from homes. If this is the case, residents will need to get an electrician before power can be restored.

Follow the City of Tulsa on Twitter for storm updates and more information: @cityoftulsagov

11 a.m.

Water rescues near Avant


Water rescues near Avant
10:44 a.m.

Bartlesville road closures:

SH123 between Bartlesville and Dewey is closed due to flooding.

10:36 a.m.

Mohawk Park and the Tulsa Zoo are closed Tuesday due to high water.

10:17 a.m.

Skiatook road closure:


Skiatook road closure:
10:13 a.m.

Please be advised if you are a resident in the Caney River Valley area we have been advised that the river is expected to flood around noon today. The Bird Creek area is also expected to flood by 1 p.m. Please take appropriate precaution. If at all possible avoid these areas. Water is expected to shut down road ways as well as enter homes in these areas. Be safe and DO NOT drive into high water. Remember Turn Around Don't Drown.
TCSO Deputies will be patrolling the affected areas advising residents in Tulsa County of the flood advisory.

10:12 a.m.

The following roadways in Craig County are closed due to flooding:

US60 eastbound and westbound at SH82
US66 eastbound and westbound between 4420RD and 4430RD
US69 & US66 Junction

9:33 a.m

The Washington County SPCA evacuated all their animals in the early morning hours Tuesday. The shelter is located in a flood plain near the Caney River. SPCA staff had been in communication with Washington County Emergency Management on the flood levels, and received a phone call at 1 a.m. that the river was rising fast, and the road would be closed in two hours.
“All the animals are safe, and that’s the most important thing,” Washington County SPCA Manager Tonya Pete said. “I’m not sure exactly what the damage to the building, our supplies and equipment will end up being.”
The shelter had 181 animals in their care, but 56 were already in foster homes, so 125 animals had to be evacuated. The Humane Society of Tulsa was able to take 35 adoptable dogs, and foster homes are being sought for the adoptable cats.
“All the animals are safe, and that’s the most important thing,” Washington County SPCA Manager Tonya Pete said. “I’m not sure exactly what the damage to the building, our supplies and equipment will end up being.”
The shelter had 181 animals in their care, but 56 were already in foster homes, so 125 animals had to be evacuated. The Humane Society of Tulsa was able to take 35 adoptable dogs, and foster homes are being sought for the adoptable cats.
9:16 a.m.

Flooding in El Reno area:

Flooding in El Reno area:
8:36 a.m.

Storm damage in north Tulsa.


Storm damage in north Tulsa.
8:33 a.m.

Skiatook road closures:

52nd West Avenue is impassible from Oak Street to 133rd Street North. The only access to 52nd West Avenue to Tulsa or Sperry is Lake Road also known as CR1215. This turns in to 103rd Street North after Tall Chief Cove and you will take it to 52nd West Avenue where you will turn south.

Highway 20 east bound traffic is closed at Highway 11 and the west bound traffic of Highway 20 is closed at Lewis Avenue per O.D.O.T.

O.D.OT. also informed me that Highway 11 is also closed near 106th Street North and near the Skiatook Animal Clinic.

The National Weather Service had predicted earlier that Bird Creek would Crest at 1:00 PM tomorrow at 31 feet however, it is already at 28 feet which is 11 feet over flood stage and we will be looking at a long duration flood event. This is due to the heavy amount of rainfall north of Skiatook.

I will try to keep you updated as road closures are reported to us.

I will try to keep you updated as road closures are reported to us.
8:30 p.m.

Photo gallery: Monday, Tuesday severe storms

8:15 a.m.

All tornado warnings in Green Country have expired.

7:42 a.m.

House collapse in north Tulsa.

7:24 a.m.
Union Public Schools says they have delayed start times by an hour and a half.
7:24 a.m.
7:15 a.m.
Jenks Public Schools delay start by one hour:
Intermediate sites begin at 8:45 a.m.
Elementary sites begin at 9:30 a.m.
Middle School/Freshman Academy/High School begin at 10:15 a.m.
ALL buses will run one hour later than the normal time.
Middle School/Freshman Academy/High School begin at 10:15 a.m.
6:43 a.m.
NWS confirms a tornado was located over Tulsa Int'l Airport, moving northeast at 50mph. Take shelter now!

NWS confirms a tornado was located over Tulsa Int'l Airport, moving northeast at 50mph. Take shelter now!
6:39 a.m.
Tulsa Public Schools pushing start time back to 9 a.m. Claremore Public Schools just announced they are closed.

6:18 a.m.
Tornado Warning for Rogers and Tulsa Counties in until 7 a.m.
6:18 a.m.

6:11 a.m.
NWS Tulsa posted on Twitter that rainfall has resulted in record flooding for Bird Creek at Avant. They are also reporting major flooding at Bird Creek in Owasso, Caney River near Collinsville, Verdigris River near Lenapah, Spring River near Quapaw, and Neosho River near Commerce.

6:02 a.m.
TCC Metro Campus says their Main Academic Building, Student Union and Philips Health Sciences Center will be closed today. Officials said at approximately 1:30 a.m. they were notified of an electrical issue as a result of last night’s storm, at the Tulsa Community College Metro Campus. The issue was isolated to an electrical room in the basement. Tulsa Fire Department responded to the call as well as representatives from the Public Service Company of Oklahoma. As a result of the incident, they will be closed.
6:02 a.m.
TCC Metro Campus says their Main Academic Building, Student Union and Philips Health Sciences Center will be closed today. Officials said at approximately 1:30 a.m. they were notified of an electrical issue as a result of last night’s storm, at the Tulsa Community College Metro Campus. The issue was isolated to an electrical room in the basement. Tulsa Fire Department responded to the call as well as representatives from the Public Service Company of Oklahoma. As a result of the incident, they will be closed.
5:44 a.m.
Bixby Public Schools announced via Facebook that they are closing today "due to extensive flooding and additional heavy rainfall predicted this morning."
5:44 a.m.
5:29 a.m.
Flash Flood Warning for Mayes, Osage, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner Counties until 11:30 a.m.

5:26 a.m.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Creek, Okfuskee, Okmulgee and, Tulsa Counties until 6:15 a.m.
5:26 a.m.
5:13 a.m.
Tulsa Public Schools says they will be open today. "We want to remind our families and team members to use caution on the roads this morning to ensure that you arrive to work and school safely," the district said in a news release.

5:12 a.m.
Tornado Watch for Adair, Cherokee, Creek, Delaware, Haskell, Latimer, Le Flore, McIntosh, Mayes, Muskogee, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Pittsburg, Rogers, Sequoyah, Tulsa and Wagoner Counties until noon.
5:12 a.m.
5 a.m.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Creek and Okfuskee Counties until 5:45 a.m.

4:52 a.m.
Tornado Watch for Hughes County until 7 a.m.

4:51 a.m.
Flash Flood Warning for Osage County until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday.
4:51 a.m.
4:28 a.m.
US64 east of Pawnee from SH18 to CR3560 is back open.
4:28 a.m.
US64 east of Pawnee from SH18 to CR3560 is back open.
3:15 a.m.
Pryor Public School's Superintendent Don Raleigh says Pryor schools are closed Tuesday due to their junior high being flooded and unsure about bus routes due to flooding. Today is their last day of school and they said they do not plan on making it up.

ODOT says SH20 between Memorial Drive and 97thE Ave is back open.
3:12 a.m.
ODOT says SH20 between Memorial Drive and 97thE Ave is back open.
2:42 a.m.
Flash Flood Warning for Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Nowata, Ottawa, Rogers and Washington Counties until 8:45 a.m. Tuesday.
2:42 a.m.
2:39 a.m.
Flash Flood Warning for Creek and Tulsa Counties until 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

2:02 a.m.
SH18 and Lake Road, just north of Fairfax, is closed due to flooding. ODOT is en route for barricades.
2:02 a.m.
SH18 and Lake Road, just north of Fairfax, is closed due to flooding. ODOT is en route for barricades.
1:51 a.m.
Skiatook police posted on their Facebook page that Highway 20 east bound traffic is closed at Highway 11 and the west bound traffic of Highway 20 is closed at Lewis Avenue per O.D.O.T. O.D.OT. also informed them that Highway 11 is also closed near 106th Street North and near the Skiatook Animal Clinic. The National Weather Service had predicted earlier that Bird Creek would Crest at 1 p.m., however, it is already at 28 feet which is 11 feet over flood stage and we will be looking at a long duration flood event. This is due to the heavy amount of rainfall north of Skiatook.
1:51 a.m.
1:47 a.m.
Pryor Creek Police Department reporting the following roads are closed to normal traffic due to flooding: Park and South Mill intersection, Park and Coo-Y-Yah, Gates at Whitaker Park, and Gates at Dog Pound Road. Several officers are stationed at these and other areas of town until flood waters subside.

1:38 a.m.
ODOT says SH20 between Memorial Drive and 97thE Ave has been shut down due to flooding.
1:38 a.m.
1:35 a.m.
I just spoke to Delaware County Emergency Management. They said 2 homes were damaged in the storms. No reports of injuries. They are still going house to house. They will definitely know more in the morning

1:28 a.m.
ODOT closing SH20 westbound at Lewis and SH20 eastbound at SH11 due to flooding.

1:09 a.m.
Hominy police said the Nazarene church and The Methodist Church have announced they will utilize their buildings as public shelters for yesterday’s storms: First United Methodist Church (110 E. 3rd Street) and Church of the Nazarene (224 S. Wood Ave.)
1:09 a.m.
12:54 a.m.
18 flights departing from Tulsa International Airport have been canceled.
12:54 a.m.
12:45 a.m.
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is shutting down the Creek Turnpike at 51st St South to 31st St South due to high water. Traffic is being diverted off of the turnpike at 51st St South and back on at 31st St South.
12:45 a.m.
12:41 a.m.
Delaware County Emergency Management said in they are out in Leach, Okla. They said chicken houses are damaged, several trees are on homes, but there are zero reports of anyone injured. They are still out assessing and power lines are down.
12:41 a.m.
Monday

11:59 p.m.

A possible significant tornado ripped through the small community of Leach earlier tonight. Authorities now are going home to home to do safety checks and clearing debris from roads.

11:45 p.m.

Hominy emergency officials have been conducting water rescues people in Hominy for a couple of hours. Up to 5 feet of water has been reported in some homese. The Christian Church is open for displaced residents.

11:34 p.m.

State Highway 20 and Quapaw Creek, just west of Skiatook, is closed due to water on the roadway.

11:27 p.m.

ODOT is closing State Highway 20 westbound at Peoria in Tulsa County due to flooding.

11:24 p.m.

Cushing Police Department says it is opening the Cushing Youth and Community Center, 700 S. Little Avenue, as a temporary emergency shelter. Officials say the creek system is flooding and it is affecting some homes. CPD is discouraging travel around Cushing. For questions about the temporary shelter, call 918-225-1212.

11:22 p.m.

Tulsa Public Schools says it is monitoring weather conditions. "Based on the current forecast, all schools and district office sites will be open Tuesday, May 21. If anything changes, we will share an update not later than 5 a.m. on Tuesday," a spokesperson said.

11:13 p.m.

Evacuations underway at Lakeshore Mobile Home Park in Dewey by Coon Creek. Shelters are in progress to be opened for flood victims.

10:58 p.m.

Bixby police say they have not received any reports of injuries or damage in Leonard.

10:49 p.m.

Stonebluff fire chief reports no injuries, no damage reported so far after potential tornado spotted in area.

10:20 p.m.

Public Service Company of Oklahoma reports there are about 6,400 power outages in the Tulsa area. Please click here for updated outage numbers.

9:55 p.m.

U.S. Highway 60 from Bartlesville to County Road 410 is under water and has been closed by Washington County Emergency Management.

City of Tulsa reports localized street flooding right now. Please stay inside and avoid driving, city officials urge.
City of Tulsa reports localized street flooding right now. Please stay inside and avoid driving, city officials urge.
9:45 p.m.
City of Tulsa reports localized street flooding right now. Please stay inside and avoid driving, city officials urge.
State Highway 10 and State Highway 2, near Welch in Craig County is currently under water.

8:30 p.m.
State Highway 10 and State Highway 2, near Welch in Craig County is currently under water.
Per Washington Co Emergency Mgmt: "Multiple water rescues taking place in Bartlesville due to stranded motorists. Please stay off the roadways until the water recedes."

6:56 p.m.

U.S. Highway 77 at Frontier, located southwest of Perry, is under water. ODOT is responding to close the road.

6:26 p.m.

Noble County has received reports that the following roadways are under water:
- State Highway156/County Road 170
- U.S. Highway 177 North of Sooner Lake – multiple spots
- Marland area
- Marland area
ODOT is responding to put out barricades and close the roadway.
6 p.m.
ODOT is responding to put out barricades and close the roadway.
ODOT has closed US77 from Fountain Road to SH15 in Kay and Noble Counties indefinitely due to flooding.
5:58 p.m.
ODOT has closed US77 from Fountain Road to SH15 in Kay and Noble Counties indefinitely due to flooding.


ODOT has closed US77 from Fountain Road to SH15 in Kay and Noble Counties indefinitely due to flooding.
Timeline for tornado-warned storm.
Tornado Warning for Osage and Pawnee County until 6:15 p.m.
Timeline for tornado-warned storm.
5 p.m.
Funnel formations earlier near Oklahoma City:
5 p.m.
4:35 p.m.
Web story: Public shelters are limited in counties across Oklahoma

3:49 p.m.

Storm damage in Cleora:

Storm damage in Cleora:


The threat for severe weather is negatively impacting the Oklahoma Blood Institute's supply of blood, officials say. Info below from Oklahoma Blood Institute:

Many blood drives have been canceled or postponed, which will affect inventory for days or weeks. The need for blood is constant, and our crews must continue to transport blood for patients who need it.
Our Tulsa donor center is open for regular hours. Donors also have a special opportunity to give this week at our Pre-Memorial Day Blood Drive event, located at our Tulsa donor this Thursday, May 23 & Friday, May 24, 9a.m. – 4 p.m. Please see below for information on that drive.
Many blood drives have been canceled or postponed, which will affect inventory for days or weeks. The need for blood is constant, and our crews must continue to transport blood for patients who need it.
3:06 p.m.
Our Tulsa donor center is open for regular hours. Donors also have a special opportunity to give this week at our Pre-Memorial Day Blood Drive event, located at our Tulsa donor this Thursday, May 23 & Friday, May 24, 9a.m. – 4 p.m. Please see below for information on that drive.
Live look at storms developing in western Oklahoma:
Our Tulsa donor center is open for regular hours. Donors also have a special opportunity to give this week at our Pre-Memorial Day Blood Drive event, located at our Tulsa donor this Thursday, May 23 & Friday, May 24, 9a.m. – 4 p.m. Please see below for information on that drive.
Live look at storms developing in western Oklahoma:
Our Tulsa donor center is open for regular hours. Donors also have a special opportunity to give this week at our Pre-Memorial Day Blood Drive event, located at our Tulsa donor this Thursday, May 23 & Friday, May 24, 9a.m. – 4 p.m. Please see below for information on that drive.
2:57 p.m.
Live look at storms developing in western Oklahoma:
Particularly dangerous conditions today:

Particularly dangerous conditions today:

2:01 p.m.
Live update from Chief Meteorologist Mike Collier:
Particularly dangerous situation tornado watch until 10 p.m.
Live update from Chief Meteorologist Mike Collier:
1:40 p.m.
Particularly dangerous situation tornado watch until 10 p.m.
Tornado Watch for Creek, Hughes, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Pawnee, Payne and Tulsa counties until 10 p.m.


Tornado Watch for Creek, Hughes, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Pawnee, Payne and Tulsa counties until 10 p.m.
1:37 p.m.
2 Works for You wants to keep you safe when severe weather strikes.

That's why we've created a weather safety guide, which outlines what you need to do in the event of severe weather.

VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE WEATHER SAFETY GUIDE HERE

1:25 p.m.

From PETA:
Animals should never be left chained or penned up outside, where they have no escape from rising waters, strong winds, flying debris, and collapsing structures. Dogs have been sucked into the air—doghouse and all—during tornadoes, so please advise listeners to bring animal companions indoors to safety. If anyone sees animals in distress and is unable to help, they should note their locations and alert authorities immediately.
From PETA:
1:13 p.m.
Animals should never be left chained or penned up outside, where they have no escape from rising waters, strong winds, flying debris, and collapsing structures. Dogs have been sucked into the air—doghouse and all—during tornadoes, so please advise listeners to bring animal companions indoors to safety. If anyone sees animals in distress and is unable to help, they should note their locations and alert authorities immediately.
Photos: Severe weather May 20
Animals should never be left chained or penned up outside, where they have no escape from rising waters, strong winds, flying debris, and collapsing structures. Dogs have been sucked into the air—doghouse and all—during tornadoes, so please advise listeners to bring animal companions indoors to safety. If anyone sees animals in distress and is unable to help, they should note their locations and alert authorities immediately.
12:49 p.m.
Photos: Severe weather May 20
Tracking intense thunderstorm southwest of Vinita. Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Nowata, Ottawa and Rogers counties until 1:30 p.m. Radar here.
Photos: Severe weather May 20
12:43 p.m.
Tinker Air Force Base recommends staff don't come to work:
12:43 p.m.
Due to inclement weather conditions, the Tinker Installation Commander has authorized LIBERAL LEAVE for ALL shifts, beginning with 1st shift (Day), May 20, for Tinker AFB personnel except those designated weather essential/emergency. The policy will remain in effect for remaining shifts (Swing / Mid (Grave). Military members should coordinate with supervisors, but liberal leave is recommended.

12:38 p.m.
Due to inclement weather conditions, the Tinker Installation Commander has authorized LIBERAL LEAVE for ALL shifts, beginning with 1st shift (Day), May 20, for Tinker AFB personnel except those designated weather essential/emergency. The policy will remain in effect for remaining shifts (Swing / Mid (Grave). Military members should coordinate with supervisors, but liberal leave is recommended.
What to do if you're caught driving during severe weather:

What to do if you're caught driving during severe weather:


12:30 p.m.
What to do if you're caught driving during severe weather:
Read: How to cope with anxiety in bad weather
What to do if you're caught driving during severe weather:
12:23 p.m.
Read: How to cope with anxiety in bad weather
The Tulsa Emergency Management Agency activated at Level 3 today at 10 a.m. in advance of potentially dangerous thunderstorms with a significant tornado threat.12:23 p.m.
Read: How to cope with anxiety in bad weather
12:06 p.m.
The Tulsa Emergency Management Agency activated at Level 3 today at 10 a.m. in advance of potentially dangerous thunderstorms with a significant tornado threat.

12 p.m.
The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in communication with city, county, tribal, and private sector emergency managers and other partners across the state. State agencies will have emergency management liaisons staffing the EOC through the day.
Governor Kevin Stitt is urging Oklahomans to be prepared for severe weather across the state today, including strong tornadoes, damaging winds, very large hail, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding.
The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in communication with city, county, tribal, and private sector emergency managers and other partners across the state. State agencies will have emergency management liaisons staffing the EOC through the day.
11:40 a.m.
The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in communication with city, county, tribal, and private sector emergency managers and other partners across the state. State agencies will have emergency management liaisons staffing the EOC through the day.
Highest tornado threat today in purple. All areas need to heed the warning as significant violent tornadoes will be possible.

Highest tornado threat today in purple. All areas need to heed the warning as significant violent tornadoes will be possible.

11:30 a.m.
Along with the tornado threat being high, there is the potential for very large hail up to baseball size across the area. Flash Flooding could be incredibly significant later today.


Along with the tornado threat being high, there is the potential for very large hail up to baseball size across the area. Flash Flooding could be incredibly significant later today.
WEATHER ALERTS | RADAR | CURRENT CONDITIONS | DAILY FORECAST

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