TULSA, Okla. (May 8, 2024) – Significant restoration has been achieved for PSO customers in the Bartlesville and Barnsdall area effected by the May 6th category EF-4 tornado. As of today at noon, approximately 5,864 PSO customers have had power restored with the remaining 3,000 customers estimated to receive power between today and tomorrow at 11 p.m. Thursday.
"I want to thank our customers in those communities as well as all of our hard-working crews out in the field. I know how impactful this has been and we are working around the clock to help those communities get back to a sense of normalcy,” said Leigh Anne Strahler, President and COO of PSO. “The response from community has been incredible toward our teams and all the emergency personnel involved with this effort. Thank you.”
Due to the estimated tornadic wind speeds of 165-175 mph, extensive system damage was seen with snapped poles, broken wire and bent steel structures. As of today at 9 a.m., Distribution crews have replaced over 150 poles, 154 crossarms, 65,000 feet of wire and 20 transformers. Transmission crews have replaced 8 steel structures and are working to replace 32 H-frame structures.
More work is scheduled to occur today with full restoration to all customers who can receive power by 11 p.m. Thursday.
PSO is coordinating with local emergency management authorities and will continue to provide updates as the restoration progresses. If you have questions related to your PSO power, call 1-833-776-7697 (1-833-PSO-POWR) or visit our website at psoklahoma.com/outages.