Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Tornadoes wreaked havoc in Oklahoma early Sunday morning, causing extensive damage across the state. The National Weather Service confirmed the touchdown of as many as seven tornadoes, with the three largest ones causing destruction in Newcastle, southeast Oklahoma City, Harrah, and Choctaw.

The aftermath of the storms revealed significant damage to multiple homes, power lines, traffic lights, and trees in various areas. The tornadoes left a trail of destruction near Sooner Road and Interstate 240, with neighborhoods near Southeast 89th Street and Peebly Road bearing the brunt of the devastation. The Oklahoma Heart Hospital and Newcastle Elementary School were among the structures that sustained damage.

Injuries were reported, with eleven individuals transported to hospitals in Oklahoma City. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported, and those with minor injuries did not seek medical treatment. Assistance and shelter were provided to the affected residents, with Choctaw Elementary and Hillside Baptist Church opening their doors to those in need.

Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency for several counties due to the tornadoes, straight line winds, and flooding caused by the storms. The executive order included the suspension of size and weight limits for oversized vehicles and equipment aiding in power restoration efforts.

Power outages affected a significant number of customers, with OG&E reporting outages across the state. The company emphasized the importance of staying away from downed power lines and provided guidelines for reporting and monitoring outages.

Road closures were implemented in various areas, including major highways like I-44 and I-40, due to flooding and storm damage. Residents were urged to avoid the affected areas to allow responders and power crews to work efficiently.

The community rallied together to support those impacted by the storms, with shelters opened for temporary relief and various organizations coordinating assistance efforts. The resilience of the affected communities was evident as they navigated through the aftermath of the destructive tornadoes.