• Cynthia (Cindy) Fuller

Winter Storm Impacts Arkansas and Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (December 6, 2013) – Governor of Oklahoma, Mary Fallin, and Governor of Arkansas, Mike Beebe, issued States of Emergency for Arkansas and Oklahoma in advance of the Winter Storm that has impacted both states.  The weather maps show Winter Storm Warning, Winter Weather Advisory, Ice Storm Warnings and Freezing Rain Warnings issued in counties across Arkansas and Oklahoma.  Although the weather is slowly clearing in Oklahoma, precipitation continues to fall throughout much of Arkansas.

Travel is possible but highly discouraged in many parts of Arkansas and Oklahoma.   As the snow and ice pass, the temperatures will fall with potentially record setting lows on Friday evening.  Loss of power could result in a humanitarian crisis as temperatures drop into the single digits.

The Salvation Army in the Arkansas-Oklahoma Division took steps in advance to alert all Corps and Commands of the predicted weather as well as placing all 21 canteens (mobile feeding units) on standby for disaster response.   Currently, Warming Centers are open and community centers have all shelters open and are taking necessary steps to allow for additional accommodations of men, women, and children should it be as necessary. 

Salvation Army personnel are working with State emergency management officials and other VOAD agencies to coordinate services and provide assistance to residents in both Arkansas and Oklahoma due to current weather and road conditions.  

Monetary donations are welcome and can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or online at www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Updates will be provided as additional information is forthcoming.

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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.