Ice storm death toll hits 15; thousands left powerless

A record number of Oklahomans are without power and 15 people are dead in the aftermath of this weekend's ice storm.

Tuesday, December 11th 2007, 10:53 am

By: News 9


NEWS 9

A record number of Oklahomans are without power and 15 people are dead in the aftermath of this weekend's ice storm.

City crews worked throughout Monday night to keep roads clear for morning commuters.

"It's still going to be slick and hazardous, if more rain comes in we'll be in trouble and we've got a lot of water on the streets," city spokeswoman Kristy Yager said.

Oklahoma City has about 7,000 tons of salt on hand and more is on the way.

Electric crews also are working to repair damage from the storm.

Oklahoma Gas & Electric is reporting nearly 286,000 outages this morning while Public Service Company of Oklahoma has nearly 253,000 outages in what's being called the biggest power outage in state history.

And almost 66,000 customers of rural electric cooperatives are also without power as heavy ice snapped power poles and sent tree limbs crashing into transmission lines.

Authorities say 13 people have died in auto accidents on slick roadways and the state medical examiner's office says a 46-year-old transient died overnight in Oklahoma City from hypothermia. Tulsa officials also say a person died from smoke inhalation in a fire caused by the storm.

Utility officials said it could be a week or more before power is fully restored.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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