Severe weather caused significant damage and multiple fatalities across the middle of the US in states like Oklahoma, Iowa, and Nebraska. Oklahoma experienced a destructive outbreak of severe weather with tornadoes flattening homes, businesses, and buildings, resulting in at least four deaths, including an infant. The storms began late Saturday and injured over 100 people, caused damage to a rural hospital, washed out roads, and left more than 40,000 customers without power. Additionally, tornadoes in Iowa and Nebraska on Friday also caused extensive destruction and one fatality.
In Sulphur, a small town in Oklahoma with a population of about 5,000, the tornado crumpled many downtown buildings, tossed cars and buses, and sheared the roofs off houses across a 15-block radius. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt described the destruction as unimaginable, with nearly every business downtown being destroyed. Approximately 30 people were injured in Sulphur, including individuals in a bar when the tornado hit. Hospitals across the state reported around 100 injuries, including cuts and injuries from debris, with one of the fatalities being an infant.
President Joe Biden offered the full support of the federal government to the affected states and spoke with Governor Stitt to provide assistance. The deadly weather in Oklahoma and other states added to the dozens of reported tornadoes that have caused havoc in the nation’s midsection since Friday. The tornado in Sulphur began in a city park before tearing through the downtown area, flipping cars, and causing extensive damage to buildings. Residents are left wondering how to rebuild and where to start amidst the complete devastation caused by the storms.
The storms in Oklahoma resulted in additional deaths and widespread damage, with a tornado near Holdenville killing two people and damaging numerous homes. Another fatality was reported near Interstate 35 close to Marietta. The heavy rainfall accompanying the tornadoes led to dangerous flooding, water rescues, and the closure of recreational areas like the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Governor Stitt declared a state of emergency in 12 counties due to the fallout from the severe weather, with residents displaced and seeking shelter in places like Sulphur High School gym.
Residents in other states like Nebraska and Iowa were also affected by storm damage, with tornadoes causing destruction in suburban Omaha and other areas. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds toured the damage and arranged for assistance to the affected communities. The tornadoes damaged homes, businesses, and caused injuries, but formal assessments of the damage are still being conducted in order to seek federal aid. The communities are left picking up the pieces, assessing the extent of the destruction, and beginning the process of recovery and rebuilding after the severe weather outbreak.
