Severe storms continue to threaten the region as numerous tornadoes tore through Oklahoma and other parts of the Midwest over the weekend, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Homes and buildings were leveled as the powerful tornadoes wreaked havoc on the affected areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma, dozens of tornadoes started on Friday in at least six states. On Saturday, twisters hit various parts of Oklahoma, including Davenport and Sulphur.
According to local officials, the tornadoes on Saturday caused significant damage, with strong winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall. This led to downed power lines and debris blocking the roadways.
According to The Hill, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management spokesperson confirmed that the storms resulted in the unfortunate deaths of at least three individuals.
On Sunday morning, social media was flooded with images and videos showcasing the extensive damage caused by the disaster. The visuals revealed a grim sight of demolished buildings, flooded roads, and debris strewn across the area. Bricks and wooden beams were scattered amidst the wreckage, painting a vivid picture of the destruction that occurred.
On Saturday night, there were approximately 11,300 power outages reported, according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. The Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company has stated that around 28,000 customers were left without service.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that there were other injuries, although it is unclear how many people were affected. Officials added that there were at least two vehicle accidents.
According to the National Weather Service, the primary threat transitioned from tornadoes to flash flooding by around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. Drivers were cautioned to steer clear of flooded roadways.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt announced on Sunday that he has issued an emergency disaster declaration. Additionally, he stated that he will personally visit the cities of Holdenville and Sulfur to assess the extent of the storm damage.
According to NBC News, severe storms impacted several states over the weekend, including Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Kansas, and Wisconsin. Tornadoes and extreme weather conditions were reported in Iowa and Nebraska, while millions of people in Texas, Kansas, and Wisconsin were at risk from severe storms.
According to CNN, the storms were predicted to move eastward through the southern Plains overnight on Sunday. Early Sunday, more than 7 million people within an 800-mile area from Texas to southern Wisconsin were under tornado watches.
The information has been updated as of 1:56 p.m.
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