2/26/23 Norman Weather Event and Response

*** CLICK HERE FOR STORM DEBRIS COLLECTION INFORMATION ***

 

 

2 PM 3/30/23: Last passes of storm debris removal are underway in Norman, following instruction for final setouts this week. Residents are kindly reminded of program instruction and details; the program is scheduled to end on April 8, 2023. The City of Norman appreciates the coordination and cooperation of all Normanites affected. Please note the following:

 

  • Pickup continues in zoned areas and must be separated properly in the right-of-way to be eligible for removal.
  • In order to be picked up, debris piles cannot be blocked by personal or contractor vehicles.
  • Disposal of debris created as a result of demolition or rebuilding processes is the responsibility of the property owner; such debris is ineligible for pickup as part of the City’s program.

Questions may be directed to 405.329.2524.

 

 

3 PM 3/24/23: Debris Removal operations are scheduled to end 4/8/23. Residents are reminded that only initial debris generated from storm are eligible for removal. Private demolition and recovery efforts will be the responsibility of property owners and their contractors. Residents are asked to place any remaining debris along rights-of-ways per previous guidance by Tuesday, March 28, 2023 to guarantee removal. Additional debris piles generated following this deadline may be ineligible for removal and the responsibility of property owners to remove.

 

 

4:25 PM 3/15/23: 

Through special circumstance as part of the declared Disaster of Emergency in the City of Norman following the February 26 tornado, storm debris pickup will occur on private roads (by request) in addition to public right-of-ways through April 8. Debris pickup will continue being executed by contractors and will take place in zoned areas. To date, more than 600 tons of debris has been collected.

City of Norman utility customers wishing to utilize private road storm debris removal services must do so in accordance with standard guidelines and, to ensure pickup, must contact the City of Norman Streets Division by 4:30 p.m. 3/20/23 to request assistance per below instructions:

  • Call 405.329.2524 or visit during traditional business hours the Streets Division Administrative Office, 668 E. Lindsey, with the following information – name, utility customer number (at the top of sanitation or water bill), address.
    • After the phone call or during the visit a Right of Entry agreement must be completed. It may also be printed and signed and dropped off at the Streets Divisions Administrative Office. The form requires a witness to signing/completion.
    • Form must be completed by 4:30 p.m. 3/20/23.
  • Access and complete an online submission form with the following information – name, utility customer number (at the top of sanitation or water bill), address.
    • Complete a Right-of-Entry agreement during the online submission process, which will require a witness.
    • The online form must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. 3/20/23.

“Emergency Management officials relay that thresholds have not been met to qualify for assistance at a state or federal level, but we recognize there are neighbors in great need of assistance,” said City Manager Darrel Pyle. “Through Rainy Day funds and special permissions, we want to help our neighbors as best we can so we are moving forward with plans to assist with storm debris removal on private roads as well as public right-of-ways.”

The Streets Division estimates that, in total, between 20 and 30 miles of private road can be found within zoned pickup areas.

All property owners eligible for storm debris removal are kindly reminded that the debris pickup program has been coordinated to assist in initial relief efforts in order to allow residents the opportunity to begin recovery. As contractors hired by Norman residents begin work on private properties to demolish items for repair, the materials generated from these activities will not be considered eligible for debris removal. The altering of burn permit requirements for vegetative debris also remains in place at this time. 

Call 405.329.2524 for additional information.

 

 

4:40 PM 3/10/23: 

Debris collection reminders for residents in pickup zones

City of Norman residents are kindly reminded that debris removal operations are intended only for debris generated directly from the tornado that affected Norman on February 26, 2023. Pickup is currently occurring in designated zones. As residents begin to recover, there will be different needs that will result in volumes of demolition required to rebuild. The City’s debris management program has been coordinated to assist in initial relief efforts in order to allow residents the opportunity to begin recovery. As contractors hired by Norman residents begin work on private properties to demolish items for repair, the materials generated from these activities will not be considered eligible for debris removal. Residents are also reminded that this operation is not part of the citywide Spring Residential Cleanup, which is slated to begin in April. Items meeting the criteria for spring cleanup that are not directly relatable to storm debris will not be eligible for pickup as a part of the current storm debris removal process. Questions about storm debris operations may be directed to 405.329.2524.

Additional Helpful Links:

 

Burn permit requirements altered, effective immediately

Due to special circumstances as a result of damage incurred by the 2/26/23 tornado, Norman Fire Department officials have altered burn permit requirements to allow people in rural areas more opportunities to get rid of vegetative debris. Please see temporary changes, effective immediately and until further notice:

  • The wind speed can be no higher than 12 mph
  • Humidity has to be 35% or higher
  • All fires need to be observed at all times and with 10 p.m. as the time for fires to be extinguished.

 

For permits, call 405.307.7200 on weekdays or 405.321.1444 on weekends.

 

 

2:37 PM 3/9/23: The Development Services Division has published FAQs pertaining to Storm Damage Repair Permits, which can be accessed here.

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4:08 PM 3/7/23: The Red Cross is now meeting with affected individuals on an appointment-basis; appointments can be made by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Donations needed most at this time are: Leather gloves, eye protection, lawn and garden rakes, and wheelbarrows. Donations can still be delivered to Sooner Mall, 3301 West Main Street. 

Storm debris collection operations are ongoing and Public Works reports that first day collections yielded 70 tons of debris.

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3:55 PM 3/6/23: To help in cleanup efforts, plans to make the City of Norman Compost Facility (398 Bratcher Mind Road) more accessible have been put into place by Utilities Management. The compost facility will be open to all residents and commercial businesses on Saturdays beginning March 18, 2023. Learn more here.

48th SE between Alameda and E Lindsey Street has been reopened.

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9:15 AM 3/6/23: American Red Cross services, to include case management, is available again today for affected individuals. They will be set up at CrossPointe CHurch (2601 24th Avenue SE) from 9 AM to 6 PM. Emergency supplies will be available. Individuals can also call 1-800-RED CROSS for assistance.

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9:55 AM 3/4/23: Emergency Management officials report that routine storm siren testing will occur throughout the city at noon today 3/4/23. It is confirmed that one siren, located at Lindsey & 36th, is not functional at this time. The siren will be replaced as soon as possible. Although severe weather is not expected today, residents are encouraged to always have multiple avenues of tornado forewarnings and can sign up here for alerts through the City of Norman system (via email, text or call) or can learn more about Weather Radios here.

The Red Cross reports that certain households in the pathway of the tornado may qualify for disaster-relief assistance from their organization. To inquire about recovery assistance, please visit a caseworker at CrossPointe Church (2601 24th Avenue SE) on 3/4/23 until 6 PM or on 3/5/23 anytime from 9 AM to 6 PM. Individuals may also call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Norman Roundup Club, located at 600 S. 60th Street, will serve as an after-storm "Lost & Found." Volunteers are currently being sought to run the center from 10 AM to 9 PM daily. Those seeking items will need to bring a photo ID or proof that given items belong to them. Interested persons can visit the "Ward 5 Recovers" Facebook page or reach out to Ward 5 Councilman Rarchar Tortorello.

 

 

3/3/23 2:30 PM: Emergency Management officials relay additional donation needs by way of: Leather gloves, eye protection, lawn and garden rakes, and wheelbarrows. 

Those wishing to volunteer can visit or contact CrossPointe Church, 2601 24th Avenue SE or call 405-329-0823; those wishing to drop off donations can contact or visit Sooner Mall, 3301 West Main Street or call 405-360-0341; those wishing to obtain assistance can call 1-800-RED CROSS or contact Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief through the request phone line of 844-690-9198 or digitally at www.okdisasterhelp.org.

Receive emergency alerts through the City of Norman by signing up here.

 

 

3/2/23 5:30 PM: An interactive map for storm debris collection has been created and can be accessed here. The map outlines collection zones and includes a tool where addresses can be entered to determine if given addresses are within collection zones. FAQs regarding storm debris collection, slated to begin in Norman on 3/6/23, can also be found here.

Road closures update per Public Safety Departments-

  • 48th SE between Alameda and E Lindsey St
  • 60th NE between Rock Creek and Tecumseh (due to construction project that started before storms)
  • Alameda Street between 36th Ave SE and 48th Ave SE (due to construction project that started before storms)

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3/2/23 2:15 PM: Homeowners with private water wells who have concerns that storms damage may have compromised the safety of their well water for drinking may reach out to the staff at the Vernon Campbell Water Treatment Plant to discuss well disinfection or to discuss testing. Citizens with storm damage may have their private well water tested without charge. Interested parties may call 405-321-2182.

Community partnerships through United Way of Norman, Red Cross (1-800-RED CROSS); Crosspointe Church in Norman (405-329-0823), 2601 24th Avenue SE; and Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (https://www.okdisasterhelp.org/ or 844-690-9198) remain in place to assist those in need and direct volunteer/donation efforts. Sooner Mall, 3301 West Main Street, has also coordinated a Severe Weather Community Relief Drive in partnership with United Way of Norman and will accept the following items for first responders and those affected by storms at the Mall Office & Security Office located near Champs Sports: Bottled water, sports drinks, snacks, plastic tubs, gallon zip locks and sharpie-type markers. To schedule a large donation or learn more, call 405-360-0341. Those wishing to make a financial donation in lieu of supplies can do so online through United Way of Norman (designate: Disaster Fund).

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3/2/23 7 AM: NPD reports 24th Ave SE has been reopened.

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3/1/23 8:15 PM: A Disaster Emergency in the City of Norman has been declared through proclamation by Mayor Larry Heikkila and storm debris removal operations are set to begin 3/6/23. See details and community instruction here.

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3/1/23 10:15 AM: Road closures update per Public Safety departments -

  • Imhoff between Oakhurst and 24th Ave SE
  • 24th Ave SE from Wheatland to E State HWY 9
  • 48th SE between Alameda and E Lindsey St
  • 60th NE between Rock Creek and Tecumseh (due to construction project that started before storms)
  • Alameda Street between 36th Ave SE and 48th Ave SE (due to construction project that started before storms)

The Resource Center, located at 12th Avenue Recreation Center (1701 12th Avenue NE), is open until 2 PM today 3/1/23.

Those needing assistance can also reach out to the Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS. Crosspointe Church in Norman, 2601 24th Avenue SE, has identified themselves as a resource center to those affected by storms and will have meals, shelter and access to showers available throughout the day: 405-329-0823 (phone lines staffed by volunteers). 

The Red Cross reports that crews in Norman are working to complete damage assessments; teams are around 70% complete and teams are hopeful to reach 100% today.

OG&E reports that all Norman customers should have power restored by noon today 3/1/23.

Individuals can report storm damage through these avenues:

Stay aware of fraud and scams following disaster.

Receive emergency alerts through the City of Norman by signing up here.

 

 

2/28/23 6 PM: Public Safety officials report that beginning the morning of 3/1/23, OG&E will begin work on a significant project along 48th Avenue. This will result in a closure of the roadway for several days from the south side of Washington Elementary (600 48th Avenue SE) to Lindsey. From 7 AM until 4 PM each day access to the school will be maintained from Alameda.

The 12th Avenue Recreation Center (1701 12th Avenue NE) is open and available again this evening for anyone needing shelter. 

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2/28/23 12:15 PM: Traffic update per Public Safety departments -

  • State Highway 9 is now open
  • 24th Ave SE South of SH9 is also now open
  • 24th SE Ave north of SH9 remains closed
  • 12th SE Ave north of SH9 is also closed at Oaktree

Be advised the area is still very congested and restricted to one lane in many areas.

Sooner Mall, 3301 West Main Street, has coordinated a Severe Weather Community Relief Drive in partnership with United Way of Norman and will accept the following items for first responders and those affected by storms at the Mall Office & Security Office located near Champs Sports: Bottled water, sports drinks, snacks, plastic tubs, gallon zip locks and sharpie-type markers. To schedule a large donation or learn more, call 405-360-0341.

Receive emergency alerts through the City of Norman by signing up here.

 

 

2/28/23 10:45 AM: Road closure update per Public Safety departments -

  • E Franklin between 60th NE and 72nd NE
  • 60th NE between Rock Creek and Tecumseh 
  • 72nd NE between Robinson and Rock Creek Rd
  • Oaktree from E Hwy 9 to Constitution
  • E. Lindsey Street between 36th Ave SE and 48th Ave SE
  • Alameda Street between 36th Ave SE and 48th Ave SE
  • Robinson between 60th NE and 72nd NE
  • Imhoff between Oakhurst and 24thAve SE
  • E State HWY 9 from 12th Ave SE to 48th Ave SE
  • 24th Ave SE from Wheatland to E State HWY 9

Residents should expect rolling closures to accommodate for utilities work. Note that certain roads closed, though located in Norman, are not owned or maintained by the City of Norman. Staff will continue to work in concert with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and applicable agencies to assist in all roadway reopenings.

The Resource Center at 12th Avenue Recreation Center (1701 12th Avenue NE) remains open for those in need. Services available through partner agencies include: Tetanus shots and first aid assistance, mental health assistance or counseling, case management, volunteer effort coordination, service requests pertaining to assistance with home repairs (https://www.okdisasterhelp.org/ or 844-690-9198), OG&E walk-up center for customers with questions or concerns. The Resource Center will be open until 5 PM.

NFD reports that 481 homes have been determined to be in the pathway of the storms that struck; 48 of those homes incurred major damage. Utility restoration is ongoing and residents can learn more about such efforts through applicable companies OGE; OEC; or ONG.

Mobile Cantenes through Salvation Army is providing food and water to affected residents, as well, and assistance continues to be provided by the National Guard, Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, and various partner agencies. Those needing assistance can also reach out to the Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS. Crosspointe Church in Norman, 2601 24th Avenue SE, has identified themselves as a resource center to those affected by storms and will have meals, shelter and access to showers available throughout the day: 405-329-0823 (phone lines staffed by volunteers). 

Report storm damage through these avenues:

Stay aware of fraud and scams following disaster.

Receive emergency alerts through the City of Norman by signing up here.

 

 

2/27/23 5 PM: Public Safety officials report that road closures will remain in place through the night. Major roads are expected to be open tomorrow at some point tomorrow 2/28/23. Updates on traffic advisories will continue to be posted to this webpage. In partnership with the Red Cross, 12th Avenue Recreation Center (1701 12th Avenue NE) continues to be available for those seeking shelter through the night. 

While last night’s tornados popped up quickly, Emergency Management and the Norman Fire Department wish to remind residents that the outdoor warning system in Norman operated exactly as it was designed, sounding the alarm just before the tornado touched down on the southwest side of Norman.  As tornadic activity was confirmed, sirens were activated again to give east Norman an additional warning to take cover.

As additional information becomes available pertaining to this event, it will be posted to this webpage. The City of Norman appreciates the support and partnership of area nonprofits, state and local agencies, the faith-based community and elected officials during recovery efforts.

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2/27/23 2:05 PM: Residents are reminded that property damages may be reported through these avenues:

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2/27/23 12:25 PM: Emergency Management partners report that Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, a community partner, will be set up to offer assistance at Bethel Baptist (1717 W. Lindsey Street) beginning 2/28/23.This group will offer home tarping, chainsaw services and general debris cleanup services. They are currently set up today among community partners at the Resource Center located at 12th Avenue Recreation Center (1701 12th Avenue NE). Requests for service can be made in-person or online at https://www.okdisasterhelp.org/.

Receive emergency alerts through the City of Norman by signing up here.

 

 

2/27/23 10:45 AM: Road closures update per Public Safety departments -

  • E State HWY 9 from 12th Ave SE to 48th Ave SE
  • 24th Ave SE from Wheatland to E State HWY 9
  • E. Lindsey Street between 36th Ave SE and 48th Ave SE
  • Alameda Street between 36th Ave SE and 48th Ave SE (Construction)
  • Imhoff between Oakhurst and 24th Ave SE
  • The ST JAMES neighborhood is accessible via Ann Brandon Blvd
  • Robinson 60th to 72nd 
  • Wheatland Drive from 24th SE to Ladara

Residents should expect rolling closures to accommodate for utilities work during the day.

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2/27/23 10:10 AM: The City of Norman provided a situational briefing alongside community partners at a Press conference at 9 a.m. today 2/27/23. View the Press Conference here. Significant information regarding City operations and collaborations shared at the event includes the following:

  • City officials and community partners continue to survey and assess damage, which has been primarily observed in areas of SE and East Norman.
  • A Resource Center has been opened at 12th Avenue Recreation Center and will remain open as long as there is a need. Services available through partner agencies include: Tetanus shots and first aid assistance, mental health assistance or counseling, case management, OG&E walk-up center for customers with questions or concerns. Those wishing to volunteer can also visit the Resource Center.
  • No new injuries have been reported per last injury update; no fatalities have been reported.
  • Utility repair in impacted areas is ongoing.
  • City of Norman Public Works is working with contractors to solidify plans for storm debris collection and management. As more information or instruction becomes available for the community on this, it will be posted to this webpage.

Residents in need of assistance are also welcome to visit https://www.okdisasterhelp.org/ to request assistance or dial 1-800-RED CROSS.

Receive emergency alerts through the City of Norman by signing up here.

 

 

2/27/23 8 AM: Road closures update per Public Safety departments -

  • E State HWY 9 from 12th Ave SE to 48th Ave SE
  • 24th Ave SE from Wheatland to E State HWY 9
  • Alameda Street between 36th Ave SE and 48th Ave SE
  • E. Lindsey Street between 36th Ave SE and 48th Ave SE
  • The ST JAMES neighborhood is accessible via Ann Brandon Blvd
  • Wheatland Drive from 24th SE to Ladara

Several areas have damaged traffic signals at this time, or areas with temporary signage. Please proceed with caution in these areas, if open.

The 12th Avenue Recreation Center (1701 12th Ave NE) remains open for those needing shelter. The Red Cross is on scene providing snacks/food and working on shelter for those who may need it.

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2/27/23 2 AM: After conferring with local hospitals, staff has confirmed 12 weather related injuries. None of these are critical and we have no reported fatalities at this time. East State Hwy 9 from 12th Ave SE to 36th Ave SE is currently closed as is 24th Ave SE is also closed from Wheatland Dr south to HWY 9. This is mostly due to downed power lines. Norman PD, Norman Fire, Cleveland County Sherriff’s Office, Norman Regional EMSStat are currently canvasing the damaged area looking for injuries. The extent of damage will likely not be known until daylight. At this time, the 12th Ave Recreation Center (1701 12th Ave NE) is open and available for anyone needing shelter at this time. Additional resources will be available during daylight hours and updates will continue to be posted to this webpage. City officials intend to hold a Press Conference for media partners to help keep the community apprised at 9 a.m. 2/27/23 at Reaves Park.

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2/27/23 12:15 AM: Current road closure details per public safety personnel - E Hwy 9 from 12th Ave SE to 36th Ave SE is currently closed. 24th Ave SE is also closed from Wheatland Dr south to HWY 9.

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2/27/23 12:10 AM: 12th Avenue Recreation Center, 1701 12th Avenue NE, is open for anyone who may need shelter during this time.

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2/26/23 11 PM: Due to area storms, there are multiple roads closed secondary to downed power lines and debris in the south/east parts of Norman. Travelers should avoid areas with any damage. Public safety officials are assessing damage from the event. The City of Norman is working in concert with community partners in response to this event. More information will be posted to this webpage as it becomes available.

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| Media inquiries can be directed to: PublicAffairs@normanok.gov |