Oklahoma City, Oklahoma woke up to widespread devastation in several counties on Sunday, following a night of severe weather that left a trail of destruction in its wake. Reports of multiple tornadoes touching down overnight led to significant structural damage, closed highways, power outages, injuries, and at least one fatality.

With the threat of severe weather looming, twenty-seven million people remained at risk on Sunday, facing potential dangers such as strong wind gusts, large hail, flooding, and the possibility of more tornadoes. The aftermath of Saturday’s severe weather came swiftly after more than 100 tornadoes wreaked havoc in six states the day before, with Nebraska and Iowa bearing the brunt of the damage.

The National Weather Service office in Norman, Oklahoma confirmed the presence of multiple tornadoes in the area, including one near Davenport and several in Sulphur, a small town located 80 miles south of Oklahoma City. Footage circulating on social media depicted extensive damage in Sulphur, with uprooted trees, scattered debris, and buildings left in ruins.

Reports from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol indicated injuries among residents, although the exact number and severity were not immediately clear. In response to the disaster, the Red Cross in Oklahoma announced the opening of a shelter in Sulphur and coordinated relief efforts in more than a dozen counties to assist affected residents.

The impact of the severe weather extended to neighboring Hughes County, where four people were reported injured, one casualty, and numerous structures damaged or destroyed by a tornado. Communities in Garfield, Grant, Kay, Payne, and other counties in Oklahoma also suffered property damage and loss due to the destructive storms.

As cleanup efforts began, the Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company revealed that approximately 28,000 customers were without power, primarily in southern Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation issued warnings of road closures, including Interstate-35 in Love County, due to storm damage cleanup and safety concerns.

Despite the widespread destruction, communities in Nebraska and Iowa showed resilience in the face of adversity. Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert praised the early warnings from the National Weather Service and local media for potentially saving lives and minimizing injuries. Efforts to assess the damage from the tornadoes revealed the considerable impact on homes and infrastructure in the affected areas.

In conclusion, the recent outbreak of severe weather underscores the importance of preparedness and response in the face of natural disasters. The communities affected by the storms are coming together to rebuild and recover, supported by local authorities, emergency services, and relief organizations working tirelessly to provide assistance to those in need.