Storm damage reported around Oktaha, Wainwright
May 22—Wednesday morning storms damaged houses, toppled sheds and caused flooding around Wainwright, Oktaha and other areas, officials said.
Muskogee County Emergency Management Director Jeff Smith said he saw damage around South 144th Street West and Wainwright Road. He said 10 houses had minimal damage. There also was roof damage to travel trailers.
"There were some where the roof was totally removed," Smith said. "And I cannot begin to say how many out buildings were damaged, laying against the roads."
Smith said he did see a funnel, however, he is working with the National Weather Service to determine if there was an actual tornado, gusty surface winds or a downdraft.
District 3 Muskogee County Commissioner Kenny Payne said several power poles snapped.
District 1 Muskogee County Commissioner Ken Doke said he saw a lot of down trees and structure damage around Wainwright.
"They did have downed trees and power lines in the town of Oktaha," he said.
Doke said crews spent much of Tuesday night getting roads back open.
"OG&E was contacting us as they were getting power lines out of the trees, help them get the power back on," he said. "Most of the power was back on this morning and most of the roads were open."
District 2 Muskogee County Commissioner Keith Hyslop said there were some washed-out spots around Briartown in the far southern part of the county, "but nothing really bad."
