Sulphur, Oklahoma woke up to scenes of utter devastation on Sunday, with reports of severe structural damage, closed highways, power outages, injuries, and sadly, at least five deaths due to the 35 tornadoes reported overnight. As the sun rose, 27 million people remained at risk of severe weather, including high winds, hail, flooding, and the potential for more tornadoes into Sunday.
This severe weather came shortly after over 100 tornadoes wreaked havoc in six states on Friday, with Nebraska and Iowa bearing the brunt of the devastation. The National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma confirmed multiple tornadoes in the area, including one near Davenport and several in Sulphur, a small town hit the hardest.
Preliminary damage surveys indicated that tornadoes with EF3 ratings tore through Sulphur and Marietta in Oklahoma. State officials reported significant damage in Sulphur and damage to the Marietta Hospital, though fortunately, no injuries were reported. Tragically, four semitrucks overturned in Marietta, resulting in one fatality.
The Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management confirmed three deaths, one near Marietta and two in Holdenville. Governor Kevin Stitt arrived in Sulphur, where he announced a fourth fatality in the downtown area. Heartbreakingly, one of the victims in Holdenville was only 4 months old, according to officials.
More than 170 storms were reported on Saturday, with severe weather still expected in southern Missouri to southeast Texas on Sunday. The Oklahoma Health Department reported 100 injuries from the storms, with varying degrees of severity, ranging from cuts and falls to transportation-related injuries.
The Red Cross opened a shelter in Sulphur to assist affected residents, with Governor Stitt declaring a disaster emergency on Sunday. In neighboring Hughes County, officials reported injuries and property damage due to a tornado striking the western part late on Saturday.
Several other counties in Oklahoma also reported damaged homes and structures, underscoring the widespread impact of the severe weather. The National Weather Service stressed the ongoing threat of flash flooding, prompting teams to assess the damage in various areas and prepare for potential further severe weather events.
Overall, the devastation caused by the recent spate of tornadoes serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the importance of preparedness and community support in times of crisis. As affected areas work to recover and rebuild, the resilience and solidarity of the communities impacted will be critical in the days and weeks ahead.