Destructive Tornado Outbreak Leaves Four Dead and Thousands Without Power in Oklahoma

A destructive outbreak of severe weather unleashed deadly tornadoes across Oklahoma, claiming the lives of four people and leaving thousands without power. The devastation was particularly severe in Sulphur, a town of about 5,000 people, where many downtown buildings were reduced to rubble and roofs were torn off houses across a 15-block radius. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt expressed shock at the extent of the destruction, with approximately 30 people injured in Sulphur alone, including individuals who were inside a bar when the tornado struck. The total number of injuries across the state amounted to about 100, with individuals suffering cuts, injuries from debris and falls.

The tornado outbreak in Oklahoma was part of a series of reported tornadoes that have wrought havoc in the nation's midsection since Friday. Flood watches and warnings remained in effect for Oklahoma, as well as several other states including Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Texas. The tornado in Sulphur originated in a city park before moving through the downtown area, causing extensive damage to both buildings and vehicles. The aftermath of the tornadoes was compounded by heavy rains, resulting in dangerous flooding and water rescues. In addition, rising lake levels necessitated the closure of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, where a pedestrian bridge was destroyed.

State of Emergency and Ongoing Impact

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency in 12 counties due to the fallout from the severe weather, with more than 20,000 customers still without power as of late Sunday afternoon. Families sought shelter from the storm in the Sulphur High School gym, where they experienced the terrifying sound of the tornado passing over them. Other areas, such as Holdenville and Marietta, also suffered fatalities and extensive property damage as a result of the tornadoes.

Outside of Oklahoma, other states felt the impact of the severe weather. A tornado struck suburban Omaha, Nebraska, demolishing homes and businesses before moving into subdivisions and slamming into an Iowa town. The tornado damage began near Lincoln, Nebraska, and caused an industrial building to collapse, trapping numerous individuals inside. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds toured the affected areas to assess the damage and coordinate assistance for the impacted communities.