Fallin declares state of emergency

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Gov. Mary Fallin has declared a state of emergency in 12 Oklahoma counties hit by tornadoes, severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding.

Fallin issued the order on Thursday, a day after as many as a dozen tornadoes and severe flooding caused widespread property damage across parts of Oklahoma. The storms injured at least 12 people.

The counties included in the governor’s emergency declaration are: Alfalfa, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Cleveland, Dewey, Garfield, Grady, Grant, Major, McClain and Oklahoma. The order says more counties may be added to the declaration.

Fallin and state emergency management officials plan to survey areas damaged by tornadoes and flooding in the Bridge Creek area in Grady County.

Meteorologists say 5 to 8 inches of rain fell in central Oklahoma as storms passed through, causing local flooding.