Over the weekend, multiple tornadoes hit Oklahoma, leaving at least four people dead and over 100 injured. The tornadoes caused significant damage in cities such as Marietta and Sulphur, where buildings were destroyed and roofs torn off houses. The National Weather Service confirmed that the tornadoes were rated at least EF-3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with further investigation needed to determine if the rating would go higher. Governor Kevin Stitt visited Sulphur and described the damage as the most severe he had seen during his time in office.
Videos and images shared on social media showed the extent of the destruction in Sulphur and Marietta, with buildings reduced to rubble and vehicles flipped over. Hospitals reported treating dozens of people for injuries sustained during the storms. Severe weather was forecasted to continue throughout Sunday night, with tornado and flood watches issued for various states in the region. The NWS advised people to exercise caution, particularly in Oklahoma, to avoid driving through flooded roadways.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management confirmed one death in Marietta, where a tornado flipped semi-trucks and destroyed a building. Two fatalities, including a baby, were reported in Holdenville, where multiple homes were damaged or destroyed. The fourth death was confirmed in Sulphur, where the tornado caused widespread destruction. Authorities continued to assess the storm damage to determine the full extent of the impact.
Governor Stitt expressed shock at the level of damage in Sulphur, stating that it was the most severe destruction he had seen during his time as governor. Drone footage and eyewitness videos shared on social media captured the aftermath of the tornadoes, showcasing the devastation in Marietta and Sulphur. The storms added to a series of tornadoes that had torn through the middle of the U.S. since Friday, prompting the NWS to issue warnings for severe weather in several states in the region.
As the cleanup and recovery efforts continued in the affected areas, the focus shifted towards ensuring the safety of residents and preventing further damage. The NWS advised people to remain vigilant and cautious, particularly in areas prone to flash flooding. With the severe weather forecasted to persist through the night, emergency response teams were on high alert to assist those in need and mitigate the risks associated with the ongoing storms.
