At least four individuals, including a 4-month-old infant, have tragically lost their lives due to a string of tornadoes that wreaked havoc in central Oklahoma during the night, according to law enforcement and authorities.
According to the National Weather Service, several tornadoes swept through a large area of Oklahoma on Saturday night. While the exact number is still being determined, the storms that hit Sulphur and Marietta have been classified as at least EF3, indicating their strength with winds ranging from 136 to 165 mph.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, there were tragic deaths reported in multiple cities due to the storm. Holdenville experienced two fatalities, while Marietta and Sulphur each had one. Heartbreakingly, one of the victims in Holdenville was a 4-month-old baby.
Local hospitals have reported an additional 100 people who have suffered injuries, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
During a press conference, Governor Kevin Stitt expressed his astonishment at the extensive damage he witnessed in Sulphur. He stated that it was the worst devastation he had encountered since assuming office as governor in 2019.
He expressed astonishment at what he witnessed in downtown Sulphur.
“I’ve never witnessed such extensive devastation during my tenure as governor.”
Throughout the state, homes, businesses, and infrastructure suffered significant damage and destruction. Debris blocked highways, while fallen trees and downed power lines added to the chaos.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management reported a total of 43,000 outages across the state. Among the most heavily affected areas were Tulsa, Carter, Murray, Love, Hughes, Pontotoc, and Seminole counties.
Search-and-rescue efforts are currently underway, with officials stating that the number of missing individuals has not been disclosed.
Earlier, Stitt had declared a state of emergency in twelve counties.
In a state of emergency declaration, Governor Stitt emphasized the need to support and accelerate relief efforts due to the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, hail, and flooding that occurred on April 27, 2024. The destructive forces of nature caused significant damage to power lines and infrastructure, making it imperative to provide assistance promptly.
Oklahoma Governor, Kevin Stitt, expressed his sympathies for those who lost loved ones during the recent tornadoes that devastated the state. In a separate statement, he thanked the Oklahoma Emergency Management and all the dedicated individuals who worked tirelessly throughout the night to ensure the safety of the people and to clear debris and evaluate the extent of the damage.
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According to the Murray County Sheriff’s Office, the American Red Cross has established a shelter at Crossway Church in Sulphur. This facility not only provides a safe haven for storm victims but also serves as a space for them to reconnect with their loved ones.
During a state of emergency, state funds are made available for clean-up and aid, typically for a duration of one month.
Crews are currently working to remove debris in the areas hardest hit, leading to the closure of several major highways.
The Midwest has been hit by a series of tornadoes, with the latest ones occurring on Saturday night in Oklahoma. These tornadoes have been causing significant damage over the past week and into the weekend.
The Weather Service received reports of at least 60 tornadoes in five states on Friday, marking it as the most active day for tornado activity this year. Authorities have cautioned millions of people in a region stretching from Michigan to Texas about the possibility of further severe weather
