OKC Zoo Back Open Thursday Afternoon, Transformer Replaced

The Oklahoma City Zoo is back open at 2:30 p.m. Thursday after crews repaired a transformer that was blown out during Wednesday night's storms.

The animals and employees at the zoo were not hurt during the storms. Crews were able to replace the transformer Thursday morning.

Officials will offer free admission for everyone coming to the zoo for the rest of the day. The zoo will close at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Strong winds caused sporadic power outages across the metro as storms pushed through the area early Thursday morning.

Nearly 17,000 homes around the Oklahoma City metro were reportedly out of power just after midnight Thursday. Reports of downed power lines have steadily came in as the storm passes through.

See OG&E's coverage of power outages.

The city is still reeling from the severe storms Tuesday night that brought large hail, flooding and reports of tornadoes.

5/31/2012 Related Story:Strong Winds Cause Power Outages Around OKC