Severe thunderstorms and high winds swept through the US state of Oklahoma over the weekend, with a series of tornadoes hitting the Great Plains. CNN, citing authorities, reported that at least four people, including an infant, were killed in the aftermath.
States from Missouri to Texas face the looming threat of additional twisters, heavy rainfall, and large hail on Sunday.
The National Weather Service confirmed reports of several large and extremely hazardous tornadoes touching down simultaneously across different parts of Oklahoma overnight on Saturday.
According to Keli Cain, public affairs director for the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, two fatalities were reported in Holdenville, while a third occurred near Marietta on I-35. Governor Kevin Stitt mentioned at a news conference on Sunday that a fourth death occurred in the severely affected town of Sulphur in Murray County, Oklahoma.
Widespread damage and injuries reported
There were also reports of injuries, flooding, damage to property and downed power lines and trees across many counties on Saturday night, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management mentioned, as reported by CNN.
There were 22 confirmed tornadoes in the Norman area. Tornadoes of at least EF-3 strength struck Sulphur and Marietta on Saturday night, as per weather service. An An EF-3 rating indicates wind speeds of 136 mph or higher.
Governor Stitt expressed concern over the extensive destruction of downtown Sulphur, stating it’s the worst damage he’s seen during his tenure. He reported around 30 injuries in the area, with the condition of those affected still unknown, according to CNN.
In response, he has declared a state of emergency and announced plans to personally inspect the storm’s aftermath in Sulphur and Holdenville.
Sulphur, located approximately 80 miles south of Oklahoma City, experienced injuries and significant damage following the passage of at least two large tornadoes overnight. Subsequently, a flood warning was issued for the city.
The National Weather Service in Norman issued a warning about a large and highly hazardous tornado located south of Sulphur, moving northward at 35 mph. Urgent preparations for additional tornado impacts were advised for first responders.
Sunday poses a severe weather risk for nearly 47 million people, extending from east Texas northward into the upper Mississippi River Valley. Meanwhile, communities in Nebraska and Iowa are assessing the destruction left behind by the storms, CNN reported.