TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — Wicked weather rolled through Cherokee County Monday night, creating some tense moments for local residents.
Portions of the county were placed under tornado warnings during the storm. Tahlequah-Cherokee County Emergency Management Director Gary Dotson sounded warning sirens in Tahlequah after receiving information of a possible tornado, aloft and headed for the city. Authorities in Hulbert also sounded warning sirens when the storm neared their town.
There were no reports of any tornado touchdowns in Cherokee County. But the same storm that produced the tornado warnings here spawned twisters that did drop from the sky in Benton County, Ark.
“We were fortunate nothing made it to the ground here,” Dotson said. “There were some tense moments for all of us at the emergency operations center and the spotters we had in the field.”
Dotson said Monday night the emergency operations center received few reports of structure damage caused by the storm. One report indicated Tahlequah High School Principal Dr. Nick Migliorino’s home, north of Tahlequah, sustained some storm damage. A damage report was also received at Mark Martin’s home.
Spotters and other emergency personnel reported downed power poles and lines in various sections of the county. Early this morning, utility crews were removing trees and other debris from power lines just north of the Log Cabin Store on U.S. Highway 82.
The National Weather Service also placed parts of the county under a flash flood warning due to heavy rainfall in a short period of time. Reports of heavy hail were made during the course of the storm.
The NWS web site showed 1.58 inches of rain fell at the Tahlequah airport between 6:34 p.m. and 8:55 p.m. Monday. Some parts of the county received larger amounts.
Two to 3 feet of water were flowing over a road southwest of Peggs Monday night.
Dotson warned against driving through water standing on roadways. He said it’s easier and safer to take an alternate route to your destination.
Local News
Wind, hail drive through county
- Local News
-
-
Cherokee Nation releases economic impact report
The Cherokee Nation on Tuesday released its economic impact report for 2010, which shows the tribe provides over 9,000 jobs, $831 million to Oklahoma state output and more than $257 million in income to Oklahoma residents.
-
Botts to run for re-election
Bobby Botts, a lifelong resident of Cherokee County, has announced his plan to run for re-election as District 2 County Commissioner.
-
Hulbert bond issue fails
A bond issue that would have funded needed elementary classrooms, a boys’ and girls’ athletic facility and air conditioning for a gymnasium, while providing a new roof for a leaking auditorium, has been voted down again.
-
Former UKB health services director facing rape charge
A former health services employee for the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma is facing a first-degree rape charge in Cherokee County.
-
TPS may create new curriculum position
Tahlequah Board of Education members this week adopted a job description for what could be a new administrative role within the district.
-
Boy Scouts go co-ed
When Jeff Carroll first got involved with the Boy Scouts back in 1980, the only women involved were den mothers. Times have changed.
-
Voters boot Baker
Tahlequah I-35 voters overwhelmingly voted out the sitting school board president Tuesday night.
Seat 2 incumbent Tim K. Baker received 487 votes, or 34.13 percent, compared to challenger David Morrison’s 940 votes, or 65.87 percent. -
Cool jazz with Cole
At 79 years old, Freddy Cole, younger brother of Nat King Cole, still has his jazz chops.
-
TPS approves districting plan
Tahlequah Public Schools board members Monday night approved a plan to divide the district into two zones beginning next year.
-
Hospital grows as training facility
Tahlequah City Hospital is gaining recognition as a training ground for new physicians, and hospital officials hope their experience here will move them to open their practices in Tahlequah.
- More Local News Headlines
-
More Than 350 Die in Honduran Prison Fire
Defiant Iran Loads Own Fuel Rods Into Reactor
Lawmakers Move to Cusp of Payroll Tax Cut Deal
Raw Video: Syrian Army, Rebels Battle in Homs
Video Essay: Saving the Miami Blue Butterfly
NYPD Officer Shot During Subway Confrontation
Obama's Valentine's Advice: 'Go Big'
San Francisco's Valentine's Gift to Tony Bennett
Iranian Boats Shadow US Aircraft Carrier in Gulf
Hundreds Rally Against Alabama Immigration Law
Whitney Houston Funeral to Be Invitation Only
New Details in Search for Missing Utah Mom
Raw Video: Protesters, Security Clash in Bahrain
Obama: Good US-China Ties Help the Whole World
School Pays Students to Attend Class
Raw Video: 5 People Injured in Bangkok Blasts
Trial Opens for Ala. Man in Bride's Diving Death
Baltimore's 'Crime Stopper' Is a Basketball Star
Arm Wrestler Not Guilty Plea in Wife's Death
