Intense storms and tornadoes struck Oklahoma in the early hours of Sunday, causing extensive damage by flipping vehicles and damaging building roofs, whilst leaving approximately 86,000 properties without electricity. Several people sustained injuries, as confirmed by officials.
As dawn broke, the extent of destruction became apparent following the powerful overnight weather system that swept through Oklahoma City and triggered tornado alerts stretching towards Arkansas. Local news footage revealed fallen power cables, damaged house exteriors, upturned vehicles and streets covered in storm debris.
Oklahoma City police department capt Valerie Littlejohn confirmed that six individuals required hospital treatment for non-critical injuries.
In Choctaw, a small community near Oklahoma City, officials reported a tornado strike in a residential area just after midnight. Emergency responders conducted door-to-door welfare checks, whilst authorities opened a local school gymnasium as an emergency shelter, according to Choctaw Police.
“There is significant damage to homes in the area,” the department posted on Facebook.
Some regions experienced flooding, and lightning ignited one residential property.
The Oklahoma department of emergency management announced that several shelters, including one at a casino operated by the American Red Cross, were available for affected residents.
State health officials confirmed damage to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital South.
The Oklahoma fire department reported on Facebook that their teams had rescued two individuals trapped in an overturned mobile dwelling.
University of Oklahoma administrators instructed students and staff to seek protection in lower levels as storms approached the campus after midnight. The Norman-based National Weather Service office issued urgent alerts, stating on social media, “If you’re in the path of this storm, take cover immediately!”
Oklahoma remained at risk for additional heavy rainfall and thunderstorms later that Sunday.
