By KWGS News
Tulsa, OK – About 100 City of Tulsa Public Works employees reported to work early Thursday to begin removing trees and other debris from arterial streets following early-morning wind storms that caused damage in a large area of the city.
Damage spread from west Tulsa to as far east as 129th, and from downtown to as far south as 121st St. The heaviest damage appeared to be between South Yale and Riverside Drive in the 51st and 61st Streets area.
In the 61st and Lewis area traffic were completely blocked by downed trees and parts of a commercial building roof that had blown into the street.
Crews are responding first to clear arterial streets of debris blocking traffic. After all arterials are cleared the crews will remove debris from streets in residential areas.
City crews will not be removing or hauling debris from private properties.
Traffic Signals Affected
Power outages affected thousands of area residents this morning and traffic signals in some parts of town were also affected. City crews placed four-way stop signs at several intersections where signals were not functioning and crews will be working today to return signals to normal operation as power is restored.
Debris Disposal Options
Tulsans dealing with tree debris on their private properties have several options for debris disposal. Debris can be cut into four-foot or shorter sections and bundled at the curb for refuse collectors to pick it up with the next regular trash collection. It can also be taken to the City's Greenwaste site at 10401 E. 56th St. North. Greenwaste site hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week except on City holidays. The disposal is free for Tulsa residents. Those dropping off tree debris there must show a current driver's license with a Tulsa address