SULPHUR, Okla. – A devastating EF-3 tornado tore through downtown Sulphur, Oklahoma, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. The tornado, along with additional powerful storms in Oklahoma over the weekend, resulted in the loss of life, with at least four individuals confirmed dead in the aftermath.
Upon assessment by National Weather Service teams, the damage in Sulphur and Holdenville was found to be consistent with EF-3 tornadoes based on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Furthermore, the NWS teams determined that the tornado in Marietta warranted a low-end EF-4 rating, marking the first EF-4 tornado in Oklahoma since 2016 and the first in the U.S. since March 2023.
The EF-3 tornado that struck Sulphur decimated the downtown area, destroying nearly all businesses along West Muskogee Avenue. Tragically, one fatality was confirmed after a woman’s body was discovered in one of the collapsed buildings. Despite the devastation, the timing of the tornado late Saturday night proved to be somewhat fortunate as the downtown area was sparsely populated at the time.
Survivors in Sulphur, as well as neighboring towns like Holdenville and Marietta, are left to pick up the pieces and begin the arduous process of rebuilding. The aftermath of the tornado has left communities reeling, with businesses like The Table Eatery and The Mix Mercantile facing the grim reality of starting over from scratch.
As recovery efforts are underway, fears of more severe weather loom over the region, with local officials expressing concerns about the potential for additional storms later in the week. The resilience and determination of residents to rebuild and restore their communities showcase the unwavering spirit of Oklahomans in the face of adversity.