3 killed in Oklahoma tornadoes, state of emergency declared due to widespread damage


Tornado Outbreak Strikes Oklahoma

Over the weekend, a destructive outbreak of severe weather tore through Oklahoma, leaving at least four people dead and thousands without power. The devastating tornadoes flattened buildings in Sulphur, a town of about 5,000 people, where many downtown buildings were reduced to rubble.

Devastation in Sulphur

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt described the destruction in Sulphur as unbelievable, with nearly every business downtown destroyed. The tornado ripped through the city park before making its way through the downtown area, causing extensive damage.

Injuries and Destruction

Reports indicated that about 30 people were injured in Sulphur alone, with one victim found in a local bar that was destroyed by the storm. The injured were promptly taken to the hospital for treatment and released.

Multiple Tornadoes Across the Midwest

Since Friday, dozens of tornadoes have wreaked havoc across the nation’s midsection, affecting states like Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas. Holdenville, a town of 5,000 people, saw two fatalities and four injuries from a tornado.

State of Emergency Declared

Oklahoma Governor Stitt issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in 12 counties due to the severe weather fallout. Crews worked tirelessly to clear debris and assess damage from the storms that downed power lines across the affected areas.

Recovery Efforts Underway

As nearly 30,000 customers remained without power in Oklahoma, efforts to restore electricity were ongoing. Families sought shelter from the storms at Sulphur High School gym, with many experiencing the tornado firsthand.

Midwest Tornado Damage

Nebraska and Iowa were also hit by tornadoes over the weekend, causing significant damage to homes and businesses. Government officials toured the affected areas to assess the destruction and provide assistance to the impacted communities.

Read More of this Story at apnews.com – 2024-04-28 19:37:00

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