Okmulgee County Declares State of Emergency After Severe Storms

Commissioners take action to protect public health and safety following tornadoes, flooding, and damage.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 4:01pm

The Okmulgee County Commissioners have declared a state of emergency in the county following severe storms on March 6 that included high winds, hail, heavy rain, flooding, and tornadoes. The storms caused known human fatalities and injuries, as well as considerable damage to public and private property. The commissioners have directed the implementation of the County Emergency Operations Plan to coordinate relief efforts and protect public welfare.

Why it matters

The emergency declaration allows the county to access state and federal resources to assist with disaster response and recovery efforts. It also enables the implementation of the county's emergency plan to coordinate critical services and protect public safety in the aftermath of the storms.

The details

According to the emergency proclamation, the severe storms on March 6 and continuing have caused known human fatalities and injuries, as well as significant damage to public and private properties in Okmulgee County. The commissioners have determined that immediate action is required to protect public health, reduce further damage, ensure public safety, and provide emergency relief.

  • The severe storms began on March 6, 2026 and are ongoing.
  • The Okmulgee County Commissioners declared a state of emergency on March 9, 2026.

The players

Michael Wallace

Chairman of the Okmulgee County Commissioners.

Steven Ward Sr.

Vice-Chairman of the Okmulgee County Commissioners.

Ernie Ferreira

Member of the Okmulgee County Commissioners.

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What they’re saying

“We the, County Commissioners of Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, do find that the aforementioned conditions constitute a threat to the safety and welfare of the county, and create an emergency disaster situation within the meaning of Section 683.3, Oklahoma Emergency Management Act of 2003, as amended.”

— Okmulgee County Commissioners

What’s next

The county will continue to coordinate emergency response and recovery efforts through the implementation of the County Emergency Operations Plan.

The takeaway

The emergency declaration in Okmulgee County highlights the importance of preparedness and coordinated disaster response to protect public safety and facilitate recovery efforts following severe weather events.