Gov. Kevin Stitt issued a state of emergency declaration for 12 counties across Oklahoma.
The counties included in that declaration include Carter, Cotton, Garfield, Hughes, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Murray, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Payne and Pontotoc counties.
The declaration was issued after storms spawned multiple tornadoes across Oklahoma on Saturday, from the mid-morning hours through overnight hours into Sunday. It suspends the rules for “size and weight permits of oversized vehicles transporting materials and supplies critical to recovery efforts, emergency relief, and power restoration.”
During a press conference Sunday afternoon, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said the damage to Sulphur was the “worst damage he’s seen” during his tenure as governor, and said one person was confirmed to have been killed as a result of the tornado.
At least three additional deaths across Oklahoma have been reported from the day and evening of storms on Saturday into early Sunday morning.
Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, issued the following statement after severe storms hit several communities in Oklahoma this weekend:
“My prayers go out to the citizens of Sulphur, all of Murray County and those across the State of Oklahoma affected by the severe weather this weekend. As our neighbors survey the damage and begin to rebuild, my office is available to provide individuals and businesses with guidance on how to access necessary resources. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can provide assistance throughout the cleanup and rebuilding process.” McCall has represented Sulphur during his entire tenure in the Oklahoma House.
Meanwhile– word comes from Attorney General Gentner Drummond that the state Price Gouging law has kicked in for the impacted areas.
The Emergency Price Stabilization Act is in effect in the 12 Oklahoma counties hard hit by last night’s tornadoes. The counties are Carter, Cotton, Garfield, Hughes, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Murray, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Payne and Pontotoc.
The law, also referred to as the price gouging statute, prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent for the price of goods and services and helps protect citizens from unfair price hikes. Attorney General Gentner Drummond warned that anyone who violates the Act is subject to facing legal consequences.
“Our prayers are with the communities that have experienced such tragic loss and now face the hard work of recovery,” Drummond said. “In the aftermath of these devastating storms, unscrupulous actors should know that my office will absolutely not tolerate exorbitant prices on goods and services desperately needed by Oklahomans during this difficult time.”
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit is placing signs in counties affected by last night’s severe weather. Drummond encourages citizens to be on the lookout for contractor fraud in these areas and to report suspected fraud by calling toll free 833-681-1895.
