State of Emergency Includes 59 Counties in Wake of Flooding

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY – A state of emergency has been declared for 59 counties following severe storms and flooding that began Sunday.

At the request of Gov. Henry, who is out of state, Lt. Gov. Jari Askins approved the paperwork declaring the emergency.

"We urge everyone to use caution as storms continue across our state," Lt. Gov. Jari Askins said. "Once again our heroic responders have demonstrated the ‘Oklahoma Standard.' I want to extend my thanks to the emergency crews and the news media for keeping the public safe and informed during this life-threatening crisis."

Counties included in the release are: Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Carter, Cherokee, Cleveland, Comanche, Cotton, Craig, Creek, Custer, Delaware, Dewey, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Grant, Greer, Harmon, Hughes, Jackson, Jefferson, Kay, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Lincoln, Logan, Major, McClain, McIntosh, Mayes, Murray, Muskogee, Noble, Nowata, Oklahoma, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Payne, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Roger Mills, Rogers, Seminole, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, Tulsa, Wagoner, Washington, Washita, Woods and Woodward.

The declaration allows local governments to seek reimbursement for recovery costs through the state's disaster public assistance program and could lead to federal aid if necessary.

Additional counties could possibly be added to list if necessary.

More rain and severe storms are possible throughout the night into Tuesday.