Oklahoma State Emergency Operations Center
January 27, 2026 – 5 p.m.
WINTER WEATHER IMPACTS STATE
The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains activated due to the ongoing winter storm. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers across the state and coordinating with agencies and organizations including Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma Forestry Services, Oklahoma Insurance Department, Oklahoma National Guard, National Weather Service, Tribal Nations, Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and others.
WATER IMPACTS & INFORMATION
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is monitoring water/wastewater systems. DEQ reports 25 water and wastewater systems have been affected by the winter storm and freezing temperatures. Ten of the impacted systems have returned to normal operations.
The Oklahoma Water Resources Board’ Emergency Grants are available to help cities, towns, municipalities and rural water districts repair infrastructure and restore vital services, including water and wastewater utilities. Jurisdictions’ that have has suffered water system damage or sudden failure due to the winter storm may be eligible for up to $100,000 in emergency funding.
Learn more at oklahoma.gov/owrb/financing/emergency-grants or email FADGrants@owrb.ok.gov.
As temperatures rise and fall this week, Oklahomans are reminded to protect their pipes and use water wisely. Additional water line breaks and pipe bursts are expected over the next 24-48 hours as temperatures warm during the day and refreeze overnight.
Areas dealing with water issues may experience low or no water pressure until repairs can be made. Residents can help by:
- Protect pipes while temps are still freezing by dripping indoor faucets on exterior walls and leaving cabinet doors open
- Avoid using appliances like washers and dishwashers that have high water usage
- Take shorter showers
- Make sure outdoor sprinklers and other automatic water features are off
- Know where your water shutoff valve is located and promptly fix leaks
- Thaw frozen pipes slowly to prevent additional damage
Residents and businesses with fire suppression sprinkler systems also need to take actions to prevent pipes from freezing:
- Maintain a minimum temperature of 40 degrees for your sprinkler system to prevent freezing
- Make sure all low point and auxiliary drains are empty
- Insulate exposed pipes and seal drafts in attics, crawl spaces, and soffits
- Never shut off sprinkler systems as a means of preventing freezing
- If a sprinkler system appears frozen or damaged, contact a licensed fire sprinkler contractor immediately
RESOURCES AND AID
Oklahoma Employment Security Commission will host a Rapid Response Event in Madill from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, January 30, to assist employees impacted by business damages or closures related to the winter storm. The event will be held at the Marshall County Extension Center at 11545 Hwy 70 in Madill and will include a variety of resources and assistance for impacted workers.
Beaneighbor.org, through the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority, provides access to local support including financial assistance, shelter and warming center locations, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost help. Search for aid in your area at Beaneighbor.org.
GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub housing all verified fundraisers related to Winter Storm Fern, as well as nonprofits providing on-the-ground relief. Donate to individual families impacted by the fires, verified by GoFundMe. Visit the centralized hub housing and search for Oklahoma to find local fundraisers. Additional fundraisers will be added as verified.
Power Outages
There are approximately 200 outages remaining in McCurtain County.
Shelters and Warming Stations
American Red Cross and the Salvation Army have been supporting shelter operations and feeding in locations across the state, in coordination with local emergency management agencies.
At least 27 shelters and warming stations remain open across the state.
The following shelters are open for overnight stays:
- All Saints Episcopal Church, 325 E Washington St. McAlester
- Ardmore Salvation Army, 123 A Street SW, Ardmore
- Bartlesville B the Light, 219 N Virginia Ave, Bartlesville
- C3 - Cross Connection Church, 329 N Pesotum Ave, Shawnee
- Coalgate First Baptist Church, 106 w Hanover, Coalgate,
- Crosspoint Community Church, 12776 West US 270, McAlester
- Durant Hands of Hope Food and Resource Center, 724 W. Main St. Durant
- Elk City First Baptist Church, 1600 W. Country Club Blvd; Elk City
- Enid Salvation Army, 516 N. Independence, Enid
- Grove Community Center, 104 West 3rd Street, Grove
- Higher Ground Church, 214 W. Farrall St, Shawnee
- Lawton Salvation Army Corps, 1404 SW E Avenue, Lawton
- Marshall Co. HFMC/ New Beginnings Shelter, 518 N First St, Madill
- Miami North, 600 Olive Street North, Miami
- Okmulgee First United Methodist Church Rowe Center, 315 S Okmulgee
- Pawhuska B the Light - 621 Leahy Ave, Pawhuska
- Resurrection House, 701 W Colorado Ave, Chickasha
- Snyder Community Center/Senior Citizens Center, 1100 F St., Snyder
- Pleasant Ridge School, N. Commercial Ave and W. Oregon St., Temple
- Tom Volunteer Fire Department, 90 Granite Ridge Rd, Haworth
The following warming centers are open for daytime use:
- Altus Community Center, 401 E Falcon Rd, Altus
- Chickasha Soup Kitchen, 520 W Pennsylvania Ave, Chickasha
- Devol First Baptist Church, 900 Wichita Ave, Devol
- Durant Feeding Hope Warming, 424 E. Florida St., Durant
- Hugo Compassion of Christ Ministry, 504 South F St, Hugo
- Jay Community Center, 432 South 9th St, Jay
- McCurtain County Memorial Hospital, 1301 Lincoln Rd, Idabel (12-4pm)
See also OG&E Warming Centers list and PSO Warming Centers list.
Additional shelters and warming stations are open locally for people experiencing homelessness, including in Tulsa and Oklahoma City:
City of Tulsa Warming Centers and Shelters
City of Oklahoma City Warming Centers and Shelters
If you do not see a location in your area, check the Be a Neighbor website.
RESIDENTS ASKED TO REPORT DAMAGES
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management continues to ask residents and business owners who have been affected by the winter storms to report online at damage.ok.gov. Reporting helps local and state emergency managers better understand the impacts to Oklahoma communities and can help connect residents to resources. Specifically, please report roof damage from heavy sleet or snow, damage from frozen pipes, whether you have been displaced from your home due to the storm, or other significant impacts.
DIAL 211
For Oklahoma residents seeking non-emergency disaster or health and human service information, please contact your local 2-1-1. Services are available 24 hours a day by dialing 2-1-1 from your home or cellular telephone. Please only call 911 for emergencies.
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