🌱 Severe Storms Cause Bridge Washout + Morning Fire Extinguished

Hey, friends. It's Tuesday in Oklahoma City and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Humid with a stray t-storm. High: 98 Low: 75.

Here are the top three stories today in Oklahoma City:

1. On Sunday, Jul. 9, severe storms caused a partial bridge washout during the early morning hours in Oklahoma City. According to the Office of Emergency Management, the bridge on Britton Road between Post Road and Midwest Boulevard will remain closed until the damage has been further assessed and all repairs have been made. The partial washout was likely caused by flooding in the Canadian River (KOCO)
2. During an early morning fire in Oklahoma City, one firefighter sustained injuries when trying to battle the flames with their crew. According to the fire department, flames started sparking around 5:30 a.m. on Monday and once crews arrived on the scene, they spotted two individuals running out of the house away from the dangerous flames. Luckily, the fire was able to be contained quickly and crews are still trying to determine the cause. (KOCO)
3. Due to the severe weather this past weekend, residents of Oklahoma City woke up to thousands of dead or injured birds scattered around the area. There are numerous videos going viral of a giant group of black birds lying motionless in a parking lot within the city, as well as visuals of the golf ball-sized hail that are likely responsible. Oklahoma WildCare Medical Director Dr. Kyle Abbott says most of the impacted birds are Purple Martins, which are susceptible to hail damage due to their small size. (KFOR)

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Today in Oklahoma City:

Tuesday, July 11

• Wedding Pro Networking Event At Parlor OKC (4:00 PM)
• The Prom At Civic Center Music Hall (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Oklahoma City Police Department confirmed that a man is in custody after a victim was found dead on the city’s southwest side on Sunday. According to the incident report, the body of 32-year-old Eddie Lucas was found near SW 22nd St. and S McKinley Ave just before 8:30 p.m., and they say the attack was made in a homeless camp. Michael Newman, 45, has been arrested and now sits at the Oklahoma County Detention Center on charges of first-degree murder without bond. (KOCO)
• Preservation Oklahoma has released its full list of endangered buildings throughout the state for the 2023 year. There are numerous locations in the Oklahoma City area that made the list, including Bryant Center and Capitol Hill High School. (OKCFox.com)
• The Oklahoma City Fire Department is celebrating the retirement of Lieutenant Eric Black after 33 years of service. The Lieutenant officially retired at the beginning of this month and the department is wishing him the best of luck on this next chapter of life. (Oklahoma City Fire Department via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday! I'll see you soon.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.