Cleanup efforts are underway in small towns in Oklahoma after tornadoes flattened homes and buildings and killed four people, including an infant, as severe weather continues to wreak havoc across the middle of the U.S. The storms began late Saturday and injured at least 100 people, damaged a rural hospital, washed out roads, and knocked out power to over 40,000 customers in Oklahoma. Tornadoes in Iowa and Nebraska on Friday also caused extensive destruction and resulted in one death.
The town of Sulphur, with a population of about 5,000 people south of Oklahoma City, was heavily impacted by the tornadoes, with many downtown buildings crumpled, cars and buses tossed, and house roofs sheared off across a 15-block radius. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt described the destruction as unimaginable, with nearly every business downtown destroyed. Approximately 30 people were injured in Sulphur, with some trapped in a bar as the tornado struck. Hospitals across the state reported around 100 injuries, including individuals cut or struck by debris. Unfortunately, an infant was among the fatalities.
White House officials confirmed that President Joe Biden spoke with Governor Stitt to offer federal support in dealing with the aftermath of the deadly weather in Oklahoma. The destructive tornadoes in the state were part of a larger outbreak of severe weather across the nation’s midsection since Friday. The death toll increased with another fatality reported in Iowa, where a man critically injured during a tornado succumbed to his injuries. Devastating tornadoes caused widespread destruction in Sulphur, beginning in a city park before tearing through downtown, flipping cars, and demolishing brick buildings.
Residents in Sulphur and nearby towns were reeling from the sudden devastation, struggling to comprehend the scale of destruction and contemplating the rebuilding process. Emotional residents searched for missing loved ones, hopeful for their survival amid the wreckage. The tornado near Holdenville claimed two lives and damaged numerous homes, while another person was killed near Marietta. Heavy rains accompanying the tornadoes led to dangerous flooding and water rescues across the state, with rising lake levels forcing closures in recreational areas and wiping out infrastructure.
Governor Stitt declared a state of emergency in 12 counties affected by the severe weather, acknowledging the widespread impact and the need for immediate assistance. Families took cover from the storms at Sulphur High School gym, recounting harrowing experiences as the tornado passed overhead. People sought refuge as buildings collapsed, windows shattered, and debris flew through the air. In other states, including Nebraska and Iowa, residents were also grappling with significant tornado damage, prompting state officials to request federal aid for recovery efforts.
As authorities in Nebraska and Iowa assess the damages caused by tornadoes, including a destructive twister in suburban Omaha that demolished homes and businesses, efforts are underway to provide support and assistance to the affected communities. Governors Jim Pillen and Kim Reynolds toured the affected areas to evaluate the extent of the devastation and coordinate resources for recovery. With formal damage assessments ongoing, states are preparing to seek federal assistance to aid in the recovery and rebuilding process for communities devastated by the severe weather outbreak.
