State of Emergency declared by Governor

With much of Oklahoma being impacted by an ice storm, Gov. Brad Henry today declared a State of Emergency for all 77 counties in the state.

The executive order marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary. Additionally, the executive order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions.

The Governor also issued an executive order aimed at helping utility crews handle storm-related repairs, allowing a 30-day waiver on permit requirements for use of overweight and oversized vehicles. In the meantime, Gov. Henry is in close contact with state emergency management officials to determine the needs of areas impacted by the storm.

Ice Storm Possible

Click the story title above to go to the NWS enhanced web page.

From the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Norman

ALFALFA-GRANT-KAY-MAJOR-GARFIELD-DEWEY-CUSTER-BLAINE-WASHITA-KIOWA-TILLMAN- Counties

THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CSTTUESDAY.LIGHT FREEZING DRIZZLE OR FREEZING RAIN WILL BE INCREASING OVERTHE AREA THIS MORNING. PERIODS OF LIGHT FREEZING RAIN ANDSLEET... POSSIBLY MIXING WITH SNOW AT TIMES... WILL ALSO BELIKELY THIS AFTERNOON AND OVERNIGHT BEFORE TAPERING OFF DURINGTHE DAY TUESDAY. TRAVEL WILL LIKELY BECOME HAZARDOUS DUE TO LIGHTACCUMULATIONS OF ICE AND SLEET.A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...SLEET...ORFREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FORSLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILEDRIVING.

Steve