Oklahoma governor declares state of emergency for 35 counties

The counties included in the declaration are Alfalfa, Blaine, Bryan, Caddo, Canadian, Cleveland, Comanche, Cotton, Creek, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Grant, Harper, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Latimer, Lincoln, Logan, Love, Major, McClain, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Pittsburg, Pottawatomie, Stephens, Tillman, Tulsa, Washita, Woods and Woodward.

The declaration can be amended to add additional counties if conditions warrant.

The emergency declaration also activated Oklahoma's price-gouging statute, which prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent in the price of most goods and services.

Under the executive order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. The declaration also marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance, if necessary.

The severe storms that hit Tuesday night and Wednesday morning resulted in damage to homes, businesses and vehicles, as well as numerous power outages. Damage assessments continued late Wednesday.