Multiple tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma on Sunday, causing widespread destruction and leaving thousands of residents without electricity. The storms flattened buildings in Sulphur, a town with a population of around 5,000, and injured over 100 people. Emergency responders conducted water rescues as heavy rain accompanied the tornadoes, leading to significant flooding. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency to mobilize resources for recovery efforts.
Oklahoma and neighboring Great Plains states have been battered by an exceptional outbreak of tornadoes, with separate weather systems spawning dozens of twisters across the region. At least two individuals have perished in the storms, including a four-month-old infant in Holdenville, Oklahoma. The National Weather Service confirmed 78 tornadoes on Friday, primarily in Nebraska and Iowa, followed by 35 more tornado reports on Saturday in areas stretching from northern Texas to Missouri. The storms have caused widespread devastation, flattening buildings, overturning vehicles, and stripping trees of vegetation. Rescue crews are tirelessly searching for victims and survivors amidst the wreckage, while officials have declared a state of emergency to expedite aid to impacted counties. The region is renowned for its frequent and powerful tornadoes during the spring season, but back-to-back major tornado outbreaks within a short period are highly unusual.
On April 28, a series of powerful tornadoes swept through Oklahoma, leaving a trail of injuries and widespread damage. The storms struck late on April 27 and early the following day, with the National Weather Service reporting multiple tornadoes on the ground across the state. The city of Sulphur was particularly hard-hit, with at least two large tornadoes damaging property and prompting flood warnings. Emergency services are responding to reports of damage and assisting affected communities.
The central and Midwestern regions of the US are set to brace for a severe weather pattern later this week and into the weekend, bringing with it a high risk of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other hazardous weather conditions. Meteorologists are warning residents to be prepared for damaging winds, hail, heavy rainfall, and the possibility of tornadoes.
