(Cushing) — Area residents continue to cope with problems caused by the ice storm which has knocked out power to a half million people across Oklahoma, and all 77 counties are under a state of emergency. Shelters have been set up in Cushing, Yale, and Agra.
In Cushing, a shelter has been set up at Cushing Middle School. Residents should use the northeast entrance, and bring blankets and pillow and any other bedding items they may need.
In Yale, a shelter has been set up at the Yale Senior Citizens Center.
In Agra, a shelter has been set up at the Agra Fire Department. Volunteers are asking for blankets, pillows and food donations to assist those without power.
Meanwhile, some progress is being reported in the battle to restore electricity. Cushing School Superintendant Eddie Williams says that most of the schools that lost power, have now had it restored, with Deep Rock elementary the only school still in the dark. Williams expressed hope that power would be restored there on Wednesday, and that classes in Cushing could resume on Thursday. Williams canceled classes for Wednesday in Cushing.
Central Rural Electric Cooperative released a statement today about the effort to restore power to its members.
“CREC has continued making progress in the continued effort to restore electricity for the estimated 3,500 members without power. Warming temperatures and rain have caused melting on the lines. This is good news, but on the other hand, rain has worsened ground conditions making it more difficult to get in to some places to set new poles. It is now estimated that 300 poles are down. While CREC is making progress, it is important to know that weather conditions continue to slow progress. The total number of electric cooperative consumers in Oklahoma without power was reported at 73,420 on Tuesday morning. Pole losses total 776, and more than 325 extra right-of-way and construction personnel have been enlisted to help restore power to Oklahoma cooperatives. The President has declared all 77 counties in Oklahoma a state of emergency. Everyone is reminded to stay away from down power lines and trees that have fallen into power lines. Always assume a power line is energized; even if you are without electricity.”
Other major power providers are reporting the arrival of crews from Arkansas and Indiana to assist in the restoration effort.
