A series of tornadoes hit central Oklahoma overnight, killing at least four people, including a four-month-old baby, according to police and officials.
According to the National Weather Service, several tornadoes touched down in Oklahoma on Saturday night. Though not all have been measured, the two cities of Sulphur and Marietta were impacted by storms classified as at least EF3, indicating powerful tornadoes with winds ranging from 136 to 165 mph.
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Two people were killed in Holdenville and one each in Marietta and Sulphur, according to an Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management storm update released Sunday afternoon. A 4-month-old baby was reportedly among those killed in Holdenville.
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, an additional 100 people have reported injuries to area hospitals.
Gov. Kevin Stitt toured hard-hit Sulphur on Sunday, telling reporters during a press conference that it was the “most damage” he’d seen since taking office in 2019.
“What I saw downtown Sulphur is unbelievable,” the man stated.
“I just haven’t seen this much destruction from my time as governor.”
Throughout the state, homes, businesses, and infrastructure suffered damage or destruction. Debris had obstructed highways. Tress was toppled. The power wires were downed.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management reported 43,000 outages statewide, with the biggest numbers in Tulsa, Carter, Murray, Love, Hughes, Pontotoc, and Seminole counties.
Officials said search and rescue efforts are ongoing, but they did not say how many individuals were missing.
Previously, Stitt proclaimed a state of emergency in a dozen counties.
“Due to impacts from severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, hail, and flooding beginning April 27, 2024, including extensive damage to power lines and infrastructure, it is necessary to assist and expedite all efforts of relief,” Stitt said in a declaration of a state of emergency.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones as tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma last night.” Thank you to Oklahoma Emergency Management and everyone who worked through the night to keep Oklahomans safe, clear debris, and assess damage,” Stitt added in a second statement about the tornadoes.
According to the Murray County Sheriff’s Office, the American Red Cross set up a shelter at Crossway Church in Sulphur, which also acted as a venue for storm victims to reunite with their relatives.
Normally, a state of emergency lasts one month, during which time the state makes funds available for assistance and cleanup.
Several key roadways remain closed in the state’s hardest-damaged areas, while crews struggle to clear debris.
Oklahoma tornadoes Tornadoes hit the Midwest on Saturday night, the latest in a string of storms that began last week and continued through the weekend.
On Friday, the Weather Service received calls about at least 60 tornadoes in five states, making it the busiest day of tornado activity this year. Officials warned that millions of people across a region stretching from Michigan to Texas might face further catastrophic weather.
