Storms Bring Emergency Declaration in Oklahoma

Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb has declared a state of emergency in nine counties after weekend storms brought flooding, tornadoes and strong winds to the state.

The declaration issued Tuesday includes Caddo, Carter, Comanche, Cotton, Garvin, Grady, McClain, Murray and Stephens counties.

Lamb said in a news release that damage is reported in Apache, Cyril, Lawton, Maysville and Walters and that damage assessments are ongoing.

The order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases related to disaster relief and preparedness and is the first step toward seeking federal aid should it be necessary.

The order by Lamb comes as Gov. Mary Fallin was out of state.