WHEREAS, 30 tornadoes occurred in Oklahoma during the April 27–28, 2024, tornado outbreak and flash flooding event; and

WHEREAS, the communities of Sulphur and Holdenville were hit with EF3 tornadoes, taking the lives of three Oklahomans, accounting for hundreds of injuries, and resulting in millions of dollars in damage and destruction to homes, local businesses, and other structures; and

WHEREAS, the KTEN Weather Team, comprised of Chief Meteorologist Mandy Bailey and Meteorologists Hunter Donahoe, Amber Nowaski, and Cathy Corbett, provided coverage throughout the severe weather on April 27–28; and

WHEREAS, by utilizing technology from the Weather Company during their on-air tornado coverage, the KTEN Weather Team provided accurate information to area residents, giving them time to prepare and seek shelter; and

WHEREAS, their minute-by-minute coverage kept residents informed, preventing further injuries and loss of life; and

WHEREAS, their coverage reached a larger audience and warned more people through their Max technology, which includes the Max Engine, allowing the team to send out personalized mobile app videos and geotargeted information to send severe weather updates directly to viewers' smartphones; and

WHEREAS, Chief Meteorologist Mandy Bailey is a University of Oklahoma (OU) graduate who has an extensive severe weather background, and her analyses are strengthened through her experience in her meteorology coursework at OU; and

WHEREAS, following their comprehensive severe weather coverage, which undoubtedly played a critical role in saving thousands of lives, the KTEN team has provided continued coverage of the relief efforts in Sulphur, Holdenville, and beyond, as these communities recover and rebuild following much loss and devastation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 59TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate recognizes the KTEN Weather Team for their coverage of tornadic weather events occurring in south-central Oklahoma on April 27–28, 2024.

THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to KTEN–TV.