Storm a disaster in many ways

(Undated-AP) -- The winter storm that's blamed for 27 deaths in Oklahoma is a disaster in many ways.

Just more than 11,000 homes and businesses were still without electricity early today and a utility spokesman says the slowest part of the recovery is beginning.

Stan Whiteford says most of the estimated 2, 200 A-E-P - P-S-O customers who are still without power are in scattered, rural areas.

A Department of Civil Emergency Management spokeswoman says officials are still assessing just how many lives were affected by the snow and ice.

Michelann Ooten also says federal disaster aid is not available for individual losses. She says residents should instead contact the American Red Cross or their insurance companies.