9 Oklahoma Counties Under State Of Emergency

NewsOn6.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Governor Brad Henry Wednesday issued a State of Emergency for nine Oklahoma counties impacted by tornadoes, severe storms and flooding that have battered sections of the state since Saturday.

Counties included in the declaration are: Alfalfa, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, Kay, Major, Woods and Woodward. Other counties can be added as conditions warrant.

"Many communities throughout our state have been hit hard by severe storms that began over the weekend and are continuing to cause significant damages," Henry said. "It is critical that city and county governments have all available resources at their disposal."

Under the executive order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. In addition, the declaration serves as a first step toward seeking federal assistance, should it be necessary.