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TAEMA Emergency Operations Update – May 26 at 10:30 a.m.

5/26/2019
This article was archived on 5/28/2019

As it stands currently, the Army Corps of Engineers will release 250,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) from Keystone Dam through Thursday, May 30 due to the rain overnight. With more severe weather expected this week, officials will continue to monitor the outflow and duration of the Keystone Dam. The Arkansas River flooding event is staying relatively stable, but erosion and undercutting due to ground saturation is occurring. The River Parks Trail system along River Parks is closed.

With the tornado that moved through the Tulsa metro last night, there are downed trees and power lines in the Tulsa area. Assume that any downed utility line is energized with deadly electric current.  Stay away from the line and do not touch it with anything.  Report downed wires to PSO at 1-888-218-3919.

Shelters and Donations

There are now three evacuation shelters in place - Crosstown Church of Christ, 3400 E. Admiral Place, Faith Church, 1901 West 171st St. in Glenpool and Chandler Park, 6500 W. 21st St. ADA service animals can be taken to the shelter locations. All other pets can go to the temporary shelter at Tulsa Expo Square Fairground Pavilion (south entrance) from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The temporary pet shelter at the Fairground is accepting pet food, blankets and towels. For large animal shelter requests, please contact 211.

Residents in Tulsa County with questions or concerns related to this 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.

Levee A and B Update

Currently, the levees are working as they should and there have been no levee breaches at this time. With the volume of water being discharged through the levee system, seepage around the levees are normal, but first responders continue to monitor the levees around the clock in the event of a potential levee compromise.

Evacuation and contingency plans should be in place for residents that live near Levee A, south of the Keystone Expressway/Hwy412, east of River City Park Rd. and west of 65th W. Ave. For residents that live near Levee B, between 65th W. Ave. to Newblock Park and south of Keystone Expressway/Hwy412.

Residents should begin to prepare for a possible voluntary evacuation and remain vigilant to this evolving situation. If a breach occurs, a message will be broadcast over the emergency alert system. It is highly recommended that all residents who live near Levees A and B pay attention to local officials and news coverage, listen to weather radios, be observant of local weather apps, and seek higher ground if necessary as a levee comprise would inundate the areas quickly.

Levee maps can be found at: www.cityoftulsa.org/rivermaps

Arkansas River Flooding Update

Residents are advised to stay away from floodwater and standing waters as they can be dangerous. Tulsa Police are patrolling neighborhoods that have already been evacuated in the Tulsa city limits to thwart looters and keep homes secure. 

Those returning to their homes where the power was disconnected are advised to call an electrician for the inspection of weather heads and for any repairs.

Current sand bag locations in the Tulsa metro are:

Tulsa – Oral Roberts University Mabee Center parking lot, 7777 S. Lewis Ave., open 24/7

Jenks – Jenks Softball Field, 1701 N. Birch St.

For the Jenks location, bags are available to fill, but the public is responsible to bring their own shovel(s). The weekend hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Stay Updated on the Flooding Event

Follow the City of Tulsa on Twitter @cityoftulsagov and visit www.cityoftulsa.org for updates. Live feeds from news conferences are available on the City of Tulsa Gov Facebook.

The City of Tulsa will update the website for updated road closures.

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.

All maps for the flooding event can be found at: www.cityoftulsa.org/rivermaps