OG&E Says Current Ice Storm Different From Past Storms

According to OG&E, this ice storm is unlike any other they've seen in years past.

This historic event will remind a lot of Oklahomans of the winter ice storm in January of 2007.

With it only being October, trees are still covered in foliage that’s now wrapped in heavy ice.

“We heard these trees cracking and falling, it was crazy. We looked outside and the plants are just froze over,” said Moore resident Dana Powell.

“Power went off this morning, trees were crashing everywhere. It was just falling on the lines until it finally blew them out,” said Norman resident James Dragg. 

With flowers and trees still in bloom winter came roaring in ahead of schedule.

“This is a different type of storm because it came so early in the year, so, that’s what makes this one so unique,” said OG&E Senior Communications Specialist David Kimmel.

With more widespread damage and wind OG&E said restoration and cleanup will bring more challenges.

“The wind dies down it will help our crews get going with the restoration process a little faster,” said Kimmel.

In some of the older neighborhoods massive trees were no match under several hundred pounds of ice. Many of them snapped like twigs and fell onto cars and into roadways.

Thanks to a generator he bought after the 2007 ice storms James Dragg wasn’t left in the dark.

“I got it out this morning, put it on the back deck, fired it up, tied it in, so we could have electricity,” said Dragg.

Powell has yet to lose power and hopes it stays on as temperatures drop.

“Oh God. I can't imagine with no power. No, can't do that,” said Powell.

OG&E said efforts were slowed down because of the pandemic. They're having to work with masks while also safely social distancing.