County escapes worst

Press staff reports

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS May 13, 2008 03:12 pm

— Despite being under a tornado warning for part of Saturday evening, Cherokee County escaped the wrath of what turned out to be a deadly night.
The most significant storm was reported in Picher in Ottawa County, where authorities have confirmed seven fatalities. Tornadoes were also reported in Craig County and near McAlester in Pittsburg County.
“We were lucky this time,” said Tahlequah-Cherokee County Emergency Management Director Gary Dotson.
Dotson said local spotters were activated as the fast-moving storms rolled into the area.
“We had quite a bit of hail and some 50-60 mph winds,” he said. “It [hail] about covered the ground.”
The National Weather Service Web site reported slightly less than a half-inch of rain from the storm and wind gusts of about 40 mph at the Tahlequah airport.
Dotson said more rain, and the possibility of severe weather, returns to the Cherokee County forecast today.