TULSA — As warmer weather arrives, the Tulsa Health Department is ramping up efforts to monitor mosquito activity through its vector control program—and residents may start noticing unusual-looking devices in yards, parks, and public spaces.

One such device is the gravid trap, a surveillance tool used to track the number and types of mosquitoes present in a specific area. Health officials stress that these traps play a critical role in preventing the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus.

“Don’t be alarmed if you come across a trap like this in your neighborhood,” the department said in a statement. “These devices help us monitor mosquito populations so we can respond effectively to any potential health threats.”

The Health Department urges the public not to tamper with or move the traps. Damaging or disturbing them can delay crucial testing and force inspectors to wait for new location approvals—a process that could leave areas unmonitored for weeks.

Each trap is clearly marked with a yellow label reading “Mosquito Surveillance – Monitoreo de Mosquitos” and includes contact information for those who have questions or concerns. The Tulsa Health Department reminds residents that leaving these devices undisturbed helps protect the health of the entire community.

For more information about mosquito control and prevention, visit Tulsa Health Department’s website or call 918-595-4200.

TULSA — With severe weather season in full swing, local officials are urging residents to take time now to prepare for potential tornadoes and other dangerous storms.

The Tulsa Health Department, along with guidance from the National Weather Service, is reminding the public that having a family emergency plan in place could save lives. That plan should include knowing the safest place in your home to take shelter, such as a basement or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Exterior rooms, top-floor rooms, and anywhere outdoors are not safe during a tornado.

In addition to identifying a safe shelter location, families should designate a meeting place to reunite in the aftermath of a disaster, especially if communication lines are down.

Equally important is preparing an emergency supply kit. The kit should be stored in a place that is easy to reach during an emergency and should contain items such as:

• Food and water (3-day supply)
• Flashlights and batteries
• Medications and hygiene products
• Basic tools and chargers
• Baby supplies and pet items (if applicable)
• Clothing and bedding
• Important documents stored in a waterproof and fireproof container

Officials recommend customizing your kit to meet your family’s specific needs and checking it regularly to ensure all items are in working condition and not expired.

For a complete checklist and preparedness resources, visit ready.gov/kit.

As storms approach, remember: no place outside is safe from a tornado. Plan ahead and stay weather aware.

TULSA — The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a Tornado Watch for a large portion of Oklahoma, including the cities of Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Muskogee, and Lawton. The watch is in effect until 7:00 p.m. CDT on Monday, May 19, 2025.

According to forecasters, several tornadoes are likely across the watch area, with widespread hail up to softball size and scattered wind gusts up to 70 mph also expected. The alert covers over 4.4 million residents, affecting 1,803 schools and 161 hospitals in the region.

Communities from Ardmore to Ponca City, and from Fort Smith to Enid, are urged to remain weather-aware throughout the day and be prepared to act quickly if warnings are issued. Conditions are favorable for the development of dangerous and fast-moving storms that could produce significant tornadoes.

Emergency officials recommend residents have multiple methods to receive warnings, including NOAA weather radios, mobile alerts, and local media.

“This is a volatile weather situation,” meteorologists warned. “Have a plan in place and be ready to take shelter if conditions deteriorate.”

For the latest updates and real-time alerts, follow the National Weather Service or visit weather.gov.