Oklahoma tornado outbreak on Saturday night: Emergency Declared in 12 Counties and Four Fatalities
SULPHUR, Okla. – A tornado outbreak devastated a downtown area of an Oklahoma community on Saturday night
Late Saturday night, April 27, a severe tornado outbreak swept through Oklahoma, leaving destruction in its wake and claiming the lives of at least four individuals, including a very young infant. The towns of Sulphur and Holdenville were among the hardest hit, experiencing significant damage as the community grapples with the aftermath.
As of Sunday morning, emergency services and authorities were still assessing the full extent of the damage and injuries, but preliminary reports indicate widespread devastation. The National Weather Service has confirmed that at least 20 tornadoes struck on Saturday, and this number might rise as more assessments are completed. These tornadoes have not yet been rated for their strength.
Fatalities
In Hughes County, emergency management confirmed two fatalities in Holdenville, including a 4-month-old. Authorities reported that after an intense overnight search, the infant was found and rushed to a hospital, but sadly, he did not survive. Another victim’s identity has yet to be disclosed.
A search-and-rescue operation was also underway Sunday morning at a sports bar in downtown Sulphur, where officials reported at least one person still unaccounted for. Governor Kevin Stitt confirmed during a news conference that a woman’s body was removed from near a bar in Sulphur, and another death occurred near Marietta.
In Sulphur alone, the storms injured at least 30 people. Emergency teams reported that buildings were either destroyed or severely damaged, vehicles were impaled by flying debris, and power outages affected several areas.
Statewide Storm Devastation
Damage reports from across the state painted a grim picture: In Ardmore, there were power outages and structural damages, while Cotton County saw three to five homes damaged and numerous trees down. Oklahoma Highway Patrol noted injuries and downed power lines in Carter County at the Flying J Truck Stop.
The storms caused extensive damage from northern Oklahoma down to the Red River, impacting numerous counties and triggering a state of emergency declared by Governor Stitt. This order covers multiple counties and will remain in effect for 30 days, aiming to facilitate relief efforts and restore the damaged infrastructure.
Community Response Effort
In response to the crisis, the American Red Cross opened a shelter at Crossway Church in Sulphur, which also serves as a reunification center for those searching for missing loved ones.
Officials and lawmakers, including Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole and House Speaker Charles McCall, expressed their condolences and committed to supporting the recovery efforts. They praised the first responders and volunteers who have been working tirelessly to assist affected residents and clear debris.
As the community begins to recover from this catastrophic event, the focus is on healing, rebuilding, and supporting each other through this challenging time. The full scale of the tornadoes’ impact is still unfolding as emergency services continue their work in the hardest-hit areas.
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