Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Stacie - Bates City, Missouri — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:52:29 GMT

It is an eerie feeling when everything is so silent and the silence is broken by the sound of trees breaking around you. So far so good where I am, but the storm isn't done yet.....

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Angela, Midwest City, OK — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:54:46 GMT

We're one of the lucky ones who still have power (we have buried lines), but almost everyone we know is in the dark. So many of our city's trees are damaged or destroyed. Magnolias that have stood all of my 33 years are in shambles. It's amazing that the storm did all of this damage, but the roads are only wet! The only thing hindering driving at this point are the thousands of limbs & trees in the roads.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Tulsa, Oklahoma — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:22:14 GMT

I am from Tulsa and the amount of destruction in this area is unbelievable. The weather is no longer the issue, it is the 250,000 people in city that hotel/population ratio will not be met. People are traveling up to two hours east of here just to get a room and some heat.
Universities, stores, gas stations, groceries all closed due to electricity that could take up to two weeks to fix.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Drea Walker-Skye — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:26:23 GMT

Every year, one corner or another of Oklahoma has been hit by ice like this, but never before has it been ALL of us at once. so what are we doing? Families are bunking together, neighbors are checking on each other, we're clearing the store shelves of essential during every break in the weather, we're weeping over lost trees to the roar of chainsaws and already planning plantings for spring. We're waving thanks at the linemen struggling to put back our power lines, cable and phone lines. At the chemical dependency treatment center where I work, some 40 patients and staff spent a night without power last night, except for a few lights off a small generator. We handed out flashlights, extra blankets, had some extra impromptu AA and NA meetings on campus, told a ton of stories, got entertained by those who play guitar and can really sing, and are getting t-shirts made that read "The Frozen Chosen" In Recovery, letting our humor out to keep us warm. in short, whether at home or in treatment or at work, we're getting by. The ice is bad, but we're better!

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Wanda Mitchell, Neptune, New Jersey — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:37:49 GMT

I just want to say God Bless You All and try and stay warm if you can all my prayers are going out to you all.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Joseph Schwartz — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:45:32 GMT

Driving up Riverside Drive in Tulsa, looks a bit like a warzone on NBC evening news! No patients for us today!
Dr. Joseph Schwartz

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Toni — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:48:54 GMT

Our beautiful University of Oklahoma campus looks like a tornado went through it. The lovely trees that shade us in the heat of summer are broken in small pieces. It is finals week, the students, faculty and staff are completing their work but the mood as we look out our windows is very somber.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Catherine, Tulsa, OK — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:05:04 GMT

I don't know what's worse...the creepy silence of the night or the shot-gun sound the trees make when they are snapped like twigs. Here at work (we have a generator) people are becoming depressed at the most, or just plain sad at the least. It is becoming hard to carry on a smile much less stay in a Christmas spirit and yet, that is what we all do and will continue to do as the ice does its damage. After all, ice melts...right?

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Jim Quillen, Oklahoma City, OK — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:05:08 GMT

These heavily treed neighborhoods in east OKC look like an F4 tornado ripped through a winter wonderland postcard. Even some of the mature trees are split 5 or 6 ways right down the trunk. You hear a rifle shot in the backyard and then everything thunders to the ground.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Joe R. Monroe — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:09:26 GMT

what you want to ask yourself is this: why are we one of the last developed countries which still puts its power, phone and cable lines ABOVE GROUND? The rest of the world stopped doing that 30 years ago. We go through this every year, and it costs individuals, utilities, and insurance companies billions, but we keep on putting them back up! Kinda reminds you of those folks in hurricane country who keep building their homes, knowing it will all happen again.
Makes you wonder why that is - could it be that someone stands to lose money if we start burying the lines?

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Marsha, Springfield MO — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:37:36 GMT

Springfield MO was hit in just this same way in January of this year. I know exactly what this looks like. I'm glad someone takes notice to put it on the news. we had little or no coverage when ours hit. it was a huge area in and around springfield. what I want to know is where is Al Gore and his warming crap when you need him???

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Dan, Sheridan, OR — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:40:27 GMT

I feel the pain and misery that all these unfortunate people are enduring. I was in Denver in 1994 when that city had an unexpected snow storm in September and thousands of trees snapped and electricity was cut off.

For those who keep repeating that Hallelujah "God Bless America", this is proof positive that the opposite may be the case. Your god is certainly getting a really bad reputation with all the floods, tornadoes, ice storms, wildfires and Katrina. Phooey on all the gods.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

disgusted, Tulsa — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:41:54 GMT

Another example of the US infrastructure being ignored. We have the technology to put these electrical lines underground, yet how many times do we go back into an area that has been destroyed and just put poles back up. New Orleans and Mississippi are prime examples. Just stick utility poles back up and wait for the next storm. We all need to unite and demand the money be spent on infrastucture improvements rather than using utility poles in the same manner we have since the 1920's. Tulsa looks like a bomb went off here. I have (or had) 75 oak trees on my property that were probably 80-100 yrs old. The canopies are over 50% destroyed and will have to come down. Sure these trees would have come down regardless of the infrastructure in place but we need to wake up. We can put man in space but we can't put electrical lines underground? Come on America!

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Deb Cody, Cedar Hill, TX — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:44:46 GMT

My heart goes out to everyone in the ice storm. We had a similar storm on New Year's Eve 1978 and into the New Yer. I was living alone in an old apartment, and fortunate to have gas heat. I spent the first night of the storm lying in the dark listening to the trees crack and, not knowing what the sound was, wondering if a war had started! Another almost two weeks without power - going in to work late because I had to wait for daylight to get dressed. Coming home in the dark and feeling my way to my door in the pitch black hallway. Sitting in the dark with my 3 cats curled up next to me. Everyone, I hope you have power soon and stay safe!

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Brent Nyberg, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:49:42 GMT

We live in the heart of Oklahoma City and it looks like a war zone or a tornado has torn through our neighborhood. Trees have crushed cars, fallen on houses and block the roads. A cold rain continues to fall and I can still hear the sounds of limbs breaking. Almost everyone we know is without power, but as always, Oklahomans are not waiting for rescue and are helping themselves and their neighbors with gloves and chainsaws. It makes one proud to be an Oklahoman.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Todd, Wichita, KS — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:57:45 GMT

Sounds like wichita, KS 2 years ago and Kansas City 4 years ago. Just part of being in the midwest

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Stephanie, Casper, WY — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:01:31 GMT

Just want you to know that the rest of the country has all of you in our thoughts and prayers. We would like to be able to do something to help out. Any ideas?

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Lauren Helmke, Tulsa, Ok — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:09:50 GMT

I was jolted awake more than ten times in the past two nights due to trees breaking and landing on the apartment building I live in. When I walked my dog in the morning, it was both beautiful and horrifying. The trees that stand are like ice sculptures, but the amount of trees that could not take the weight were devastating. I was one of the lucky ones who only lost power for five or six hours. Others I know still don't have power, thirty-six hours later.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Bobby, Chickasha, Ok — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:12:10 GMT

we live 30 minutes southwest of Oklahoma city and it is the same way here. my wife was in our kitchen yesterday and heard snap crackle pop and 4 huge trees fell on power lines ripping the meter off of our garage, best estimate for power is December 18 or 19th. have never seen anything like this

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

karen hale springfield ill — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:55:11 GMT

My heart goes out to each and everyone that has been effected by this horrible Ice Storms. We had one 1978 and I know what everybody is going through.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Janie Quillen — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:01:01 GMT

God Bless all of you! I wish I could share my heat with you....

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Paul Ramirez, Verden Ok — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:15:18 GMT

I've never heard of a airport running out of de-icer. But Will Rogers in OKC ran out and Tulsa International is without power. My flight was delayed 2 days but I finally escaped OKC headed back to the deserts of the Middle East but I know no one will believe the stories I have of whole trees being split wide open from ice. Glad I have pics to prove it.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

james r sharp — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:27:13 GMT

If you think a big, bad ice storm will bring Oklahoma to its knees, then you don't know Oklahomans. They will get past it big time.
James
Garland, Texas

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Kelley, Seattle, WA — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:31:09 GMT

I live in Washington, where a windstorm blew out power last year, right before Christmas. My heart and prayers go out to the folks in the Midwest. We've had our share of wild weather lately, and we're pulling for you.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Chris Koenigsberg, Norman, OK — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:49:30 GMT

There was another big ice storm here last winter.

So I'm surprised that this current one has done so much damage. One would think that tree limbs etc which were weakened would have already broken last year.

Perhaps it's because we had such a wet summer this year?

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Michelle, Becket Mass — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:16:53 GMT

Mmmm Normally I would offer my sympathies to all of the storm victims. Being from Massachusetts we can relate to what you are going through. But in this instance, i'm sorry to say, you don't. When the government tried to regulate gas prices nationwide I believe that it was Oklahoma that had bumper stickers that read...Massachusetts, let em freeze in the dark. The shoe (or boot) is on the other foot...what would the people from OK think now?

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Teresa L. OKC, OK — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:18:57 GMT

The really bad thing about all of this is no one can escape it. everyone from the mayors to the common folk have been affected. some cities seem to be doing better than others in getting their electricity back on, but it's like our state leaders have said before "we may bend, but we won't break"

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Colleen, NY — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:27:54 GMT

I am sorry to hear of your hardships in OK... it is sad to read stories of others struggling. It's nice, though, to hear optimistic stories of hope and people coming together. God bless you...

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Gabriel Gonzalez, Hayward, CA — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:29:10 GMT

Wow...It's 49 degrees here in sunny California and it's already too cold for me...I don't know how you people put up with weather like that...We'll pray for you.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Susan — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:37:41 GMT

Just a few short nights ago I commented to my husband how many homes in Tulsa were so exquisitely decorated with Christmas lights, more than ever it seemed, but now.....the lights, the limbs, the lines, are all one tangled, dark and dreary mess. It is cold, and the nights are long, but the spirit of Oklahomans working together will keep us warm and provide a glow from within, a Christmas to remember.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

MBronner in Tucson — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:39:14 GMT

Hello All, My hopes and wishes for a speedy end to your weather related problems. We should all be so fortunate as to have a happy holiday and a healthy New Year.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Donna, Oklahoma City, OK — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:45:21 GMT

We're at the far north edge of Oklahoma City, and we still have power (and are quite thankful for it). We've checked on family and friends today, offering a bunk at our place to those who are without light and heat. Other friends have called us, making sure we are okay. That's one of my favorite things about being an Oklahoman: we get knocked over, but we get back up and look after each other, just like Drea said. Heck, our governor even came back from Hawaii to be with us through this. How many other states have a guy like Brad? Fair warning to anyone who is in this storm's path ... get your water bottles, gas grill, flashlights, extra blankets, and cell phones ready, get with loved ones and work out a plan.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Frank Hill, Port Townsend, WA — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:55:15 GMT

Drea Walker-Skye should be nominated for a Pulitzer!

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

pat allgood, lockhart, texas — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:20:35 GMT

I am so very sorry that this has happened to my home state. I lived in Southeastern Oklahoma the year that an ice storm came on Christmas day and another one on New Year's eve. The breaking trees broke my heart. All night long it sounded like gunfire. Like a battleground. A beautiful tall pine where a hawk sat every morning in the early sunlight was destroyed. My heart is with everyone in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Ricky, Norman, Oklahoma — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:32:25 GMT

Monday morning I took three photos of Pradford Trees that split in half while smashing my stockad fence.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Ken — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:46:07 GMT

Good luck to all of you.
I remember the last time there was an ice storm in North Louisiana (and we don't have many). Trees were just falling to pieces. Power was out for a day or so, and the silence was almost deafening. Fortunately we still had natural gas and could turn on the stove and oven. Driving?? Forget about it.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Eddie King Southaven Ms — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:59:44 GMT

My mom and stepfather lives in vinita oklahoma annd they are without power, cable tv and one of my friends i had to call him on his cellphone to check on my roomates father who is in a elderly home and have no power but runs on gas powerd generators thank god for cellphones in emergenceys but everything will be ok.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Anne, Clifton, VA — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:16:14 GMT

Wow, great story! Felt like I was there. I can feel for those without our comforts of heat and electricity.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Anne, Clifton, VA — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:18:21 GMT

Hello! People should already be prepared to be stuck in their houses for several days. Blankets, batteries, food, bottled water---your fault if you don't have a home emergency plan!

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

UofM Poster — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:35:55 GMT

I live in Michigan and we had one of these events about four years ago, in April! The power was out for a week and, oddly, the temperature stayed at a uniform 31 degrees for about 4 days, night and day. It was sureal and I lost all of the creatures in my three very large saltwater tanks. A real trture, especially with the power out for that long.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Annie Moore, Oklahoma City Oklahoma — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:49:27 GMT

Hopefully the next storm is just snow. I don't know how much more ice we can handle. The roads are just wet right now, but tonight we are supposed to be getting temperatures below freezing again. So we will see where we are tomorrow, and hope we still have power. We wish everyone well.

Oklahoma under nearly one inch of ice

Kathy Herrington, Holdrege, Nebraska — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:53:43 GMT

Dear family and friends in Oklahoma you all are in our thoughts and prayers. We also endured an ice storm and power outages at the beginning of this year. We were with out power for 22 days. We pray that God will protect each and every person that is going through this dark and cold time. The men and women who have to be out in this weather to work are heroes.