Okmulgee County Courthouse evacuated after bomb threat
Officials are following up on leads after a bomb threat at the Okmulgee County Courthouse Wednesday.
Okmulgee County Undersheriff Fred McGuire Jr. wrote in a news release Thursday that deputies responded shortly before 8:30 a.m. Wednesday to the courthouse at 314 W 7. He said the bomb threat was called into the clerk’s office. (more…)
Court says Oklahoma ban on Islamic law is unconstitutional
The Associated Press reports that an amendment that would ban Oklahoma courts from considering international or Islamic law discriminates against religions and a Muslim community leader has the right to challenge its constitutionality, a federal appeals court said Tuesday.
Live chatting about Oklahoma news
Live chatting is not a new concept in journalism, but it’s one the NewsOK breaking news team is looking into using more.
You’re probably familiar with our sports team chatting with fans on the Sports page in a Cover It Live window. It’s a pretty simple way to communicate with readers and allow them to be part of the conversation.
Recently, the breaking news team has tried to use the chats as a way to provide real-time information. (more…)
December Winter Storm Chat
I-44 exit ramps reopen Tuesday
Exit ramps between Classen Boulevard and Interstate 44 were reopened Tuesday afternoon.
The westbound I-44 exit ramp to Classen Boulevard and the eastbound entrance ramp from Classen to I-44 were closed all day Monday, said Cole Hackett, an Oklahoma Department of Transportation spokesman.
“We knew with that rain coming in this weekend that these problems might come up,” Hackett said. “We were doing some inspections in that area about a month ago. Where it is supposed to drain, there is a pipe. We noticed the flow wasn’t very good. Once we looked into it, we realized that pipe had been damaged and was pinched off where no water could get through there.”
Crews were able to pump the water out of the area and clear the ramps.
Photo by Paul Southerland: Westbound off ramp and eastbound on ramp to I-44 closed at Classen Boulevard due to flooding from weekend rains in Oklahoma City Monday, Oct 10, 2011.
Families rebuild after tornado damage
I’m visiting residents in Piedmont today to talk about the recovery process since the May 24 tornadoes. It’s part of my weekend story about financial assistance and people rebuilding their homes.
If you’re a resident in Piedmont or were affected by the tornadoes, I’d like to hear from you. Or if you have questions or concerns regarding the recovery process, send me an email at tgibson@opubco.com or comment below.
Photo by Jim Beckel: Kiley Witte, 34, far right, is comforted by a woman as they look at what remains of his home on SH 74 east of Cashion after a tornado destroyed it Tuesday afternoon, May 24, 2011, Witte and his dog were in a storm cellar in his front yard.
Some Oklahoma Mesonet rainfall total in the last 12 hours
Just took a look at Oklahoma Mesonet station rainfall totals in the last 12 hours.
The Ada area received a few inches – Vanoss, 4.06 inches of rain, Ada, 3.96 inches and Fittstown, 2.26 inches. Just east of there, Stuart has received 2.91 inches in the last 12 hours, while Wilburton received 2.34 inches. Lane received 2.44 inches.
But there was certainly rain in many other areas as well. For example, Foraker in northern Oklahoma received 1.99 inches and Ringling in southern Oklahoma received 1.97 inches.
Again, these are totals for the last 12-hours, so some of stations may have received rain before that as well.
Thanks for reading the weather blog,
Bryan Painter
On this Wednesday morning
Good morning this Bryan Painter, columnist of The Oklahoman.
No severe thunderstorms are expected today in the National Weather Service’s Norman Forecast Office area.
Now there may be some isolated thunderstorms occur east of Interstate 35 before noon, but again I don’t think they are expecting these to be severe.
If you are wondering about the days to come, the NWS Norman office says there is a chance for thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday in association with the arrival of a cold front.
I’ll do a quick check of the Oklahoma Mesonet for rainfall totals and post that in a few minutes.
Have a great day.
Bryan Painter
Weather update
The National Weather Service’s Norman Forecast Office reports that there is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms through tonight across portions of Oklahoma and western-north Texas.
The slight risk area is west of a line from Ponca City to Watonga to Lawton to Waurika and includes all of western-north Texas.
The most likely time for severe thunderstorms will be through 3 a.m. Wednesday.
Hail to 1 inch in diameter and wind gusts to 60 mph will be possible.
Bryan Painter
NWS reports more Oklahoma tornadoes this February than May
Typically the month of May features the most tornadoes in Oklahoma of any month with an average of 20 tornadoes or about 38 percent of he annual total.
However, this wasn’t the lowest total for May. In May 2005 no tornadoes were reported in Oklahoma and in May 1988 the state had two tornadoes.
But here’s another interesting fact. February, which usually doesn’t have many or any tornadoes, had six this year.
These numbers are still preliminary and subject to change, according to the National Weather Service.
Bryan Painter
