STWOK News

(STILLWATER, OKLA. / May 20, 2010) — The City of Stillwater is in a restoration and recovery mode for two major events from yesterday: One caused by the storm and one unrelated. First, a tornado caused tree and power line damage, and, second, a break in the 16-inch water transmission main that feeds the 19th and Range water tower.

Powerline
The city’s Electric Utilities Department had 30 employees working through the evening to restore power. All customers within the city, who did not have damage to their service drop were restored by midnight. The customers located outside of the city along McElroy west of the city were restored by approximately 2 a.m.

According to Stillwater Utilities Authority Director Dan Blankenship, “The west end of the tornado damage area within city limits started at Lincoln Street, and it followed a path from west to east along the approximate alignment of Eskridge Avenue. The east end of the damage area stops approximately at N. Star Street, one block west of Perkins Road. The damage area is approximately 2.5 to 3 blocks wide.” Read the rest of this entry →

This amazing time lapse video was create Michael Biddy. LeBiddy on Twitter. Follow him.

It may sound crazy to outsiders but being so close to such a potentially destructive force of nature is a unique feeling.

I was able to capture a few photos, mostly after the storm. But many others around town have posted their photos. Some are just absolutely stunning. Cred goes to rob3atc, News9, and Spmag on Twitter for posting these great pics.

If there is more that should be added please let me know. You can also add them to the STWOK News Flickr Group.

(STILLWATER, OKLA. / Jan. 26, 2010) — With the potential for ice storms in the forecast, Stillwater Electric Utility would like to review basic steps that our customers should follow if their electric lines are affected by icy weather.

• If you have overhead electric lines, they may be damaged from ice accumulation and/or falling tree limbs.  After the storm passes, visually inspect the wire from the house back to the power pole.  Look at the meter and equipment mounted on the house.  DO NOT TOUCH ANY LOW HANGING WIRES OR THE SERVICE!
• If the electric meter, or equipment connected to it, is pulled from your house, bent, or damaged, then it will need to be checked by an electrician.  Please call your landlord and/or electrician and have it checked as soon as possible.
• If there are branches hanging from the power line between your house and the pole, you are responsible for having a tree trimming company remove them. Please contact your landlord and/or a tree trimmer as soon as possible to have them cleared.
• If the service wire is hanging low or on the ground, or you are without power, call Stillwater Electric Utility at 372-3292 to report your problem.

Please be aware that due to safety code requirements, and to insure safety of your home, if the service equipment is damaged or the electric line is low (or on the ground), Stillwater Electric Utility may have to disconnect electric service to the residence until an electrician makes repairs.

We hope the ice storm predicted passes us by. Should an ice storm occur this week or later on this winter, we hope that any damage or resulting power outages are minimal.  Thank you. — Jeff Tullis, Director, City of Stillwater Electric Utility

For more information contact:
JEFF TULLIS jtullis@stillwater.org
Director, Electric Utility