Okmulgee County residents endured a terrifying Monday afternoon as a fast-moving system of severe thunderstorms carved a destructive path across eastern Oklahoma. The storm front brought high winds, large hail, reports of a tornado and widespread power outages, prompting emergency responses from local agencies and utility providers. As cleanup efforts continue, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant during what has already proven to be an active and dangerous storm season.

— Early Alerts & Swift Response

Warnings began early Monday, as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning just after 12:45 p.m., placing parts of McIntosh, Wagoner, Cherokee, Okmulgee and Muskogee Counties under imminent threat. Radar indicated a dangerous thunderstorm located southeast of Hoffman, moving rapidly northeast at 60 miles per hour. Forecasters warned of 60 mph wind gusts and half-dollar to tennis ball-sized hail, along with significant risks of roof and tree damage.

By 1 p.m., Okmulgee County Emergency Management had issued an urgent advisory: “If you are outside and in southern Okmulgee County please seek shelter now. A tornado-warned storm is approaching Okmulgee County with reports of large hail and high winds. There was an observed tornado. Reports of 3-inch hail on the western sides of the storm.”

Residents of Raiford, Dewar, Morris, Schulter and Eram were among those in the direct path of the storm. Authorities advised citizens to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building and avoid travel during peak storm activity.

In anticipation of tornadic conditions, known public storm shelters were opened at several locations: • Beggs Public Schools – North Dome

• Henryetta Elementary – Kindergarten wing between Troy Aikman and Division

• Morris Elementary – North side of drive off 5th Street

• Schulter – Behind the fire department • Wilson Public Schools – Library Hospitals were not open to the public for sheltering, and Emergency Management emphasized the importance of having a family preparedness plan in place.

Emergency Management issued a statement underscoring their commitment to public safety: “We do not share information to scare anyone but to prepare and give the urgency needed. Our job includes preparedness not just for Okmulgee County Government but for you – our citizens and community we love and serve.”

The fast-moving storms knocked out power to thousands across Okmulgee and surrounding counties. East Central Electric Cooperative (ECE) and Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) both reported widespread outages that persisted well into the night.

East Central Electric Cooperative provided near-hourly updates throughout Monday:

• At 1:15 p.m., over 4,900 members were without power after three substations went offline.

• By 4:30 p.m., outages surged to 5,600 members.

• At 7:30 p.m., ECE had reduced that number to 792 members, still scattered across 80+ locations.

• Crews continued working overnight and into Tuesday morning, focusing on 37 sites with 407 members still out as of 11:30 p.m.

• As of press time, East Central reported 13,135 power outages, with only 23 members off, and crews were working hard to get that number to zero.

ECE reminded residents: “Please use caution when cleaning up storm debris. Just because equipment is down doesn’t mean it’s dead.”

PSO reported a total of 561 customers without power across 193 outage cases Tuesday morning, as their crews worked to restore service to impacted areas.

In addition to wind and hail, the storm dropped torrential rains that caused localized flooding. District 2 crews in Okmulgee County were dispatched to Preston Road and 210 & Celia Berryhill Road, where flooding and rock washouts from nearby railroad beds blocked roads.

An update issued shortly after midnight on May 20 stated:

• 210 & Celia Berryhill Rd. was closed for repairs but expected to reopen with continued work in the morning.

• Preston Rd. underpass remained closed due to flood debris.

• Other portions of Preston Rd. had reopened after cleanup operations.

Okmulgee County Emergency Management is now asking residents to report any storm-related property damage to homes, businesses, or agricultural facilities. This can be done online via their storm damage self-reporting tool at: https://tinyurl.com/5ysuutd7.

Officials emphasize that community reports help coordinate disaster response and secure potential state or federal assistance. For non-emergency information or disaster assistance, Oklahomans can dial 2-1-1. For true emergencies, call 9-1-1.

— Important Safety Reminders During Storm Season With Oklahoma now deep into peak severe weather season, Okmulgee County Emergency Management and power providers are urging residents to review and follow these essential storm safety precautions:

Tornado & Severe Weather Preparedness

• Have a family emergency plan and identify your safest shelter space.

• Use a battery-powered NOAA weather radio and keep mobile devices fully charged.

• Wear closed-toe shoes, bring identification, medications and any necessary items to the shelter.

• Avoid windows and stay on the lowest interior level of your home.

— Power Outage Reporting Lines • East Central Electric Cooperative: 918-756-0833

• PSO (Public Service Company of Oklahoma): 1-888-218-3919

• OG&E (Oklahoma Gas & Electric): 405-272-9595 or text “OUT” to 32001

• Do not call 9-1-1 for outages reserve 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies only — Storm Kit Checklist

• Flashlights & spare batteries

• Water (1 gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food

• First aid kit

• Prescription medications

• Pet food and supplies

• Portable phone chargers

• Important documents in a waterproof container Also, check on neighbors, especially elderly or disabled residents, once conditions are safe.

— A Community Prepared, A Community United

Despite the frightening conditions on Monday, Okmulgee County weathered the storm with a unified and coordinated response. Emergency managers, school districts, utility crews and community members worked in tandem to ensure safety and minimize harm. As one Emergency Management official noted: “We hope nothing occurs within our area today but we are ready.”

For now, the skies have cleared, but officials warn that more severe weather is possible in the coming weeks. The message is clear: stay weather aware, report damages and, above all, stay safe.