An unusual winter storm attacked Oklahoma on the last week of October, downing powerlines, trees and putting major traffic on hold. The storm left more than 300,000 homes and businesses without power, some for several days.
According to officials, one of the problems was that it was so early in the fall season that the trees had not shed their leaves, and the ice stuck to the leaves bring limbs down with the additional weight, and in turn bringing powerlines down as well.
The freezing rain was interspersed with sleet, snow and other precipitation.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported many road closures due to collissions, jacknifed eighteen wheelers and powerlines being weighted down with ice, making it unsafe for taller trucks to pass.
On Wednesday, October 28, Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley signed an emergency disaster proclamation for the City of Chickasha following the recent ice storms.
To aid in cleanup and recovery, the City will be picking up limbs damaged due to the storm at no cost to residents. Limbs will need to be cut to a manageable size and placed by the curb. There is no need to call City Hall for limb pickup; trucks will be running routes throughout town over the next few weeks. City employees will not come on to private property to pick up or cut limbs.
It is important that you do not place limbs under power lines or other trees.
Residents may also drop limbs off at Public Works free of charge with the proof of a water or utility bill for the City of Chickasha. The Public Works facility is located at 502 N. Genevieve Street.
In addition to normal weekday hours, Public Works will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. until further notice.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to assist with cleanup can contact Tracey at City Hall. Phone 405-222-6045 or tracey.austin@chickasha.org.
The forecast for Chickasha and the Grady County area for the next few weeks will be for very moderate temperatures and little chance for moisture even into the Thanksgiving holiday.
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