OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – A series of severe storms and tornadoes wreaked havoc in Oklahoma early Sunday, causing widespread damage and leaving thousands without power. As the storms swept through the state capital of Oklahoma City and surrounding areas, numerous injuries were reported, with 11 individuals requiring hospitalization. The destructive weather event prompted tornado warnings that extended south to the Arkansas state line, while heavy rains led to flash flooding in some regions and even sparked a house fire.
By Sunday afternoon, more than 99,000 homes and businesses in Oklahoma were plunged into darkness due to power outages, a number that had decreased to around 24,000 by late in the day. Despite the significant destruction, no fatalities had been reported. According to Richard Thompson, the forecast chief for the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma, at least six tornadoes hit the state overnight, with forecasters cautioning residents to brace for further heavy rain and potential severe weather expected to continue into Monday.
A tornado watch remained in effect for central and southeast Oklahoma until 8 p.m. Sunday, while other areas were under warnings for thunderstorms or floods. In Choctaw, east of Oklahoma City, emergency personnel went door-to-door inquiring about injuries and assessing the impact of the storm. Choctaw’s mayor, Chad Allcox, described a neighborhood that had been leveled by the severe weather, with debris obstructing search and rescue efforts, road closures due to fallen trees, and downed power lines creating hazardous conditions.
The Oklahoma City Fire Department faced challenges in carrying out search and rescue operations amid heavy rainfall, darkness, and the ever-present threat of tornadoes. Scott Douglas, a department spokesman, highlighted the difficulties encountered by emergency workers, including the need to free individuals trapped in an overturned mobile home. As daybreak revealed the extent of the damage, images from local television stations showcased the aftermath – downed power lines, damaged homes, overturned vehicles, and debris-strewn streets.
Despite the chaos, a concerted effort was made to assist those affected, with shelters opened for displaced residents by organizations like the American Red Cross. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management reported damage to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital South, underscoring the widespread impact of the storms. University of Oklahoma officials had issued urgent warnings to students and staff to seek shelter as the inclement weather approached, emphasizing the importance of taking immediate safety measures. As the state grappled with the aftermath of the storm, the potential for further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms lingered, keeping residents on edge.
