Power Outage Information
Approximately 1,500 members of Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative living in portions of northern Craig and Ottawa Counties lost electric service in the aftermath of a deadly tornado Saturday evening. NEOEC crews worked through the night to restore power and were being fortified by fresh crews and contract help early Sunday morning. Over 400 homes saw power restored overnight.
Cooperative officials say early damage assessments indicated 100 broken poles and scattered individual services system-wide. They reported no primary distribution facilities—substations and main feeders—were affected.
"Our disaster recovery plan has been implemented," said Rick Shurtz, NEOEC's Manager of Operations. "Damage in these areas is significant, however, and has made initial progress difficult."
NEOEC officials assured all service, right-of-way, and contract crews will continue working until the last home is restored. They warned that great caution should be exercised in storm-damaged areas, and that areas where downed lines are present should be avoided at all cost.
Outages can be reported by calling Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative toll-free at 1-800-256-6405.

Statement from Senator Inhofe
Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) traveled to the site of last night's tornado to assess the damage and ensure all resources and assistance is offered. He has spoken with the Director of FEMA, Mr. David Paulison, and has been assured that FEMA will be immediately available.
"Kay and I offer our deepest sympathies to the victims and those who suffered loss in this tragedy," said Senator Inhofe. "I have visited the site and have seen firsthand the devastation wrought by this storm. I will work closely with Governor Henry and state emergency response to make sure Oklahoma has every resource it needs as quickly as possible to aid the residents of Picher.
"Additionally, I will work to ensure that relocation assistance that is presently being provided to these communities is not impeded due to this disaster"
During his visit, Senator Inhofe met with the Mayor of Picher and offered any additional assistance that may be needed. While on the ground, he traveled with Ed Keheley and John Sparkman, Director of Picher Housing Authority, to the homes hit by the storm.
Senator Inhofe is working with the FEMA Operations Center (FOC) as well the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) and state officials to determine the scope of the damage and coordinate state and federal assistance.
"I want to thank all of the volunteers, emergency responders, and officials who have come together to help the residents of Picher," said Senator Inhofe. "While the devastation from this storm is great, Oklahomans always come together to help their fellow citizens and I know this situation will be no different."

Statement From Governor Brad Henry:
" Oklahoma City - Gov. Brad Henry made the following remarks today after surveying tornado-ravaged sections of Picher, Oklahoma. At least six deaths and more than 150 injuries occurred as the result of a tornado that swept through the Ottawa County town Saturday, May 10. The Governor toured Picher with state Department of Emergency Management director Albert Ashwood, Oklahoma Secretary of the Environment Miles Tolbert, state Department of Public Safety Commissioner Kevin Ward and state Adjutant General Harry M. Wyatt III. "The extent of damages in Picher is both breathtaking and profound. Like all Oklahomans, my thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones and those who sustained injuries in this tragedy. "Picher was the most severely hit among several Oklahoma communities ravaged by Saturday's storms. We will do everything in our power to ensure that those impacted by the tornadoes receive the assistance they need to recover from this ordeal. My office and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management are working closely with FEMA and members of Oklahoma's congressional delegation to receive all eligible federal assistance. I have spoken with President Bush, and he has said the federal government stands ready to help the states impacted by yesterday's tornadoes. Oklahoma already has declared a state of emergency in Ottawa County and we are closely monitoring the situation in other counties. "I am particularly grateful to the extraordinary men and women who are helping Picher through this difficult time, including the National Guard, law enforcement agencies, medical personnel, civil emergency management officials, the Red Cross and other relief organizations. Everyone involved in this rescue and recovery effort has done amazing work. "In my tour of the tornado-damaged area, I was struck by the strength and resolve of people who refuse to be cowed by tragedy. Sadly, this community is no stranger to adversity, and there is no adequate preparation to face devastation of this magnitude. But Oklahomans are an exceptional people. We band together and help our friends and neighbors. We forge ahead and persevere, and that is exactly how we will get through this, too."

Tornadoes Rake Oklahoma
PICHER, Okla. (AP) - Crews and search dogs are looking for survivors and bodies today in the piles of debris left after a tornado splintered homes and tossed cars through the air in northeastern Oklahoma At least seven deaths have been blamed on the storm in Picher, and 14 more were killed across the state line in Missouri. Governor Brad Henry is due to tour the storm damage this afternoon. Ottawa County emergency manager Frank Geasland says some lives may have been spared because a government-sponsored buyout of homes in the town left some residences vacant. The tornado is the deadliest in Oklahoma since a May 3rd, 1999, twister killed 44 people in the Oklahoma City area. Man pleads guilty to manslaughter in crash that killed soldier