Oklahoma experienced severe storms and reported tornadoes early Sunday, resulting in injuries to at least six individuals and extensive power outages across the region.
The Oklahoma City Police Department reported that those injured sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were promptly taken to local hospitals.
The storms carved a destructive path through the Oklahoma City area, causing significant damage including downed power lines, gas lines, trees, and traffic signals.
Local news outlets captured harrowing images of flipped vehicles, uprooted trees, and damaged homes, illustrating the storms’ impact on the community.
According to PowerOutage.us, over 80,000 customers were without electricity on Sunday morning.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado watch warning for eastern Oklahoma City extending towards Midwest City and Tinker Air Force Base, and a tornado warning for more than 300,000 residents in Moore, Midwest City, and Del City.
Emergency services respond to multiple reports of injuries and significant structural damage across communities.The warning urged, “If you’re in the path of this storm, take cover immediately!”
As the morning progressed, the NWS cautioned residents not to let their guard down, noting that the atmosphere was beginning to recover and that further thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and severe weather were anticipated.
The agency warned of multiple rounds of severe storms throughout the weekend into early next week, with threats of damaging winds, large hail, and additional tornadoes.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is actively monitoring the severe weather situation.
Notably, researchers have indicated that nighttime tornadoes can be over twice as deadly as those occurring during the day, largely due to decreased visibility and people being asleep.
In the city of Choctaw, police reported “significant damage to homes” and opened the gymnasium at Choctaw Elementary as a shelter for those in need.
The city of Harrah also reported damage.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution as work continues to clear roadways, emphasizing that downed power lines pose safety risks.
As of late October 2024, the United States has recorded 1,515 confirmed tornadoes this year, a figure only surpassed by the 2,156 tornadoes confirmed in 2011.