Deadly Tornadoes Rip Through Oklahoma, Leaving 4 Dead and Widespread Damage
Small towns across Oklahoma are beginning the long process of cleaning up and rebuilding after a devastating outbreak of tornadoes over the weekend left at least four people dead, including an infant, and caused catastrophic damage to homes and businesses.
The deadly twisters were part of a multi-day severe weather outbreak that has battered the nation’s heartland since Friday, spawning over 80 reported tornadoes across at least five states.
Oklahoma bore the brunt of the destruction on Saturday night, as multiple large and extremely dangerous tornadoes touched down across the state.
4 Dead, Including Infant, as Tornadoes Wreak Havoc
At least four storm-related deaths have been confirmed in Oklahoma so far. Two fatalities occurred in the town of Holdenville, about 75 miles southeast of Oklahoma City, including a 4-month-old baby.
Another person was killed in Sulphur, 80 miles south of the capital, where about 30 people were injured. The fourth victim died along Interstate 35 near Marietta.
“My prayers are with those who lost loved ones as tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma last night,” said Governor Kevin Stitt, who declared a state of emergency in 12 counties to free up resources for recovery efforts.
Towns of Sulphur and Marietta Devastated
Some of the worst damage occurred in the southern Oklahoma towns of Sulphur and Marietta. In Sulphur, two tornadoes may have hit within an hour of each other, destroying homes and businesses and scattering debris for miles.
“You just can’t believe the destruction,” Gov. Stitt said while surveying the damage in downtown Sulphur, where nearly every business appeared demolished.
The twister that struck the town has been rated at least an EF-3 with winds over 135 mph.
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Dramatic videos showed the devastation, with brick buildings reduced to rubble, cars overturned, and streets littered with downed power lines and tree branches. Julie Cox, a local business owner, said through tears that her shop was destroyed and uninsured.
“I can’t even believe I’m still alive,” said one elderly resident.
In Marietta, a tornado wrecked a hospital, nursing home, and several businesses and homes.
“There is heavy damage to our town,“ the Love County Sheriff’s Office said, urging people to stay off the roads. The Marietta tornado was also rated at least an EF-3.
Thousands Without Power as Cleanup Begins
As search and rescue efforts continue, tens of thousands remain without power across Oklahoma and Texas. Flood watches and warnings are also in effect as heavy rains soak the region.
Despite the widespread destruction, stories of survival and resilience are emerging. School teachers shielded students in bathrooms as the storms hit. In one close call, a truck driver escaped his overturned vehicle with the help of highway patrol after a tornado struck.
“We’re thankful to be alive. We’re very thankful,” said Jason Sunday, whose family lost their new home in Elkhorn, Nebraska to a twister on Friday.
As the difficult cleanup and recovery process begins, more severe weather looms, with millions across the heartland still under threat through Monday.
But as they have before, Oklahomans and their neighbors are coming together to rebuild even stronger.
“Oklahomans are no strangers to severe weather and, as they have countless times before, Oklahomans will help Oklahomans to rebuild,” Gov. Stitt vowed
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