At least four people including a 4-month-old, died after a tornado outbreak hit Oklahoma late Saturday night, with Sulphur and Holdenville being two of the hardest hit areas in the state.Authorities are still assessing damage Sunday morning, and the extent of the damage caused by the tornado outbreak and the total number of injuries have not been confirmed.Below is what we know as of Sunday morning about Oklahoma’s tornado outbreak on April 27.DeathsHughes County Emergency management has confirmed that at least two people died after the tornado outbreak hit the town of Holdenville. One of the victims was a 4-month-old, and information about the other has not been released.Authorities say the 4-month-old was pronounced dead after an overnight search for the child. They eventually found the infant, and they were taken to an area hospital but did not make it. Officials said a search-and-rescue mission was underway Sunday morning at a sports bar in downtown Sulphur. Oklahoma Highway Patrol says at least one person is unaccounted for. During a news conference, Gov. Kevin Stitt confirmed that a woman’s body was removed from the debris near a bar in downtown Sulphur. He also said another death was reported near Marietta. At least 30 people were injured in the storms in Sulphur. Number of tornadoesKOCO 5 Meteorologist Sabrina Bates says the report from the National Weather Service shows that at least 20 tornadoes hit Oklahoma on Saturday, and that number is expected to increase. No ratings have been determined yet for any of the tornadoes.Storm damage has been reported from northern Oklahoma down to the Red River.Storm damageKOCO 5 crews have seen significant damage in Sulphur and Holdenville. In Sulphur, buildings have been leveled or significantly damaged, and flying debris impaled several vehicles.Oklahoma Emergency Management officials released an initial report of storm damage and impact. Below is a look at what Oklahoma Emergency Management officials are reporting.Ardmore Emergency Management reports damage and power outages in Ardmore. Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports injuries and power lines down in Carter County at the Flying J Truck Stop on Michelin Road. Plain View School was also damaged in the storms.Cotton County Emergency Management reports three to five homes damaged in the Devol area. Numerous trees are down. One storm-related vehicle accident is also reported.Duncan Emergency Management reports roadway flooding in the City of Duncan. Stephens County Emergency Management reports Clarity Creek in Duncan is close to overflowing.Garfield County Emergency Management reports two homes damaged in the Hillsdale area.Grant County Emergency Management reports numerous trees damaged or down.Hughes County Emergency Management reports 14 homes are damaged or destroyed in Holdenville. Highway 9 is blocked due to debris in the roadway. Muscogee Creek Nation is assisting with debris clearing and searching for area of impact. Seminole and Seminole County Emergency Management and Fire and Sheriff are providing command support. Oklahoma City Task Force One will respond Sunday for Search and Rescue support.Kay County Emergency Management reports three to four structures were damaged by storms earlier this evening northwest of Newkirk. Numerous trees and power poles were down. Two vehicle accidents were a result of the storms. Heavy rain also caused flooding on area roads.Lincoln County Emergency Management reports debris and damage in the Davenport and Sparks areas.Love County Emergency Management reports damages in and around Marietta including damage to the Marietta Hospital. Hospital patients took shelter during the storms and no injuries in the hospital are reported. I-35 north is closed at the Texas State Line due to overturned vehicles and powerlines across the highway. The Chickasaw Nation is providing incident support in Marietta.Marlow Emergency Management reports roadway flooding on Highway 81 and E. Apache Ave.McClain County Emergency Management reports damage west of Goldsby along Highway 74B.Midwest City Emergency Management reports at least one structure damaged and multiple powerlines and limbs down.Murray County Emergency Management reports significant damage in Sulphur and numerous injuries. Search and rescue is ongoing at this time. OHP reports troopers are responding to apartments on Woodruff where tornado damage occurred. US-177 approximately 2 miles north of Sulphur is closed due to flooding.Okmulgee County Emergency Management reports the Town of Morris has multiple power lines and power poles down. Search and rescue is ongoing and the county is clearing debris from the roadways.Payne County Emergency Management reports damage to trees and outbuildings near Lone Chimney.Tillman County Emergency Management reports flash flooding north of Grandfield. Numerous powerlines are down.Sky 5 flew over Sulphur, showing the significant damage left behind in the town. Buildings in downtown were completely destroyed, and many others were damaged. The Artesian Hotel in Sulphur reported damage to the south side of their building, with a number of broken windows. The hotel said it lost electricity, and the water and gas mains were shut off to ensure the safety of those in the area. No injuries to staff or guests at the hotel were reported. Sky 5 also got an aerial view of the damage in Holdenville, where homes were leveled and more were damaged. Gov. Kevin Stitt declares state of emergencyGov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Carter, Cotton, Garfield, Hughes, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Murray, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Payne and Pontotoc counties. “Due to impacts from severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, hail, and flooding beginning April 27, 2024 including extensive damage to power lines and infrastructure, it is necessary to assist and expedite all efforts of relief,” Stitt said in the executive order. The state of emergency will remain in effect for 30 days. “My prayers are with those who lost loved ones as tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma last night. Thank you to Oklahoma Emergency Management and those who have worked through the night to keep Oklahomans safe and have worked to clear debris and assess damage,” Stitt said in a statement on the tornadoes. Red Cross storm shelter in SulphurThe American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Crossway Church, located at 2108 W. Broadway Ave. in Sulphur. The Murray County Sheriff’s Office also designated the church as a reunification center for people looking for loved ones.Everyone is welcome at the Red Cross shelter.Response from lawmakersOklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt held a news conference in Sulphur, where he said the damage was the most extensive he has seen since becoming governor. Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole released a statement on the tornadoes that ripped through the state. “My thoughts are with those who have been affected by or have suffered a loss as a result of the terrible tornadoes that swept through Oklahoma last night. I would also like to thank our first responders who have been on the ground responding so nobly. My office and I are monitoring the situation closely and will help to ensure that the necessary assistance is made available,” Cole said. Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, who also spoke at a news conference alongside Stitt in Sulphur, released a statement on the storms. “My prayers go out to the citizens of Sulphur, all of Murray County and those across the State of Oklahoma affected by the severe weather this weekend. As our neighbors survey the damage and begin to rebuild, my office is available to provide individuals and businesses with guidance on how to access necessary resources. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can provide assistance throughout the cleanup and rebuilding process,” McCall said. OG&E updateAs of 11:45 a.m. Sunday, approximately 24,000 customers were without service, and 22,000 customers had their power restored. Multiple crews, materials and equipment were staged across the state ahead of the storms. “Approximately 700 restoration personnel are responding to the storm now with approximately 500 additional traveling from Missouri, Louisiana, and Texas,” OG&E said in a statement. “This will be a multi-day restoration event with the largest impact in southern and southeastern Oklahoma, including Ardmore, Sulphur, Shawnee, Holdenville, as well as northwestern parts of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City metro area.”OG&E customers can quickly report and monitor outages: Use our free mobile app to submit a report (available on iOS and Android) Submit a report online at OGE.com/outages Text OUT to 32001 if signed up for myOGEalertsCall 405-272-9595 (OKC metro) or 800-522-6870 (all other areas)Help for tornado victims BancFirst announced an initial donation of $250,000 to Sulphur, and a similar fund will soon be established in Marietta. Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief also activated to help with cleanup efforts. Victims in need of assistance can request it at www.okdisasterhelp.org. Individuals looking for ways to help can make donations to Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief to help storm victims and relief efforts at www.okdisasterhelp.org/donate.
At least four people including a 4-month-old, died after a tornado outbreak hit Oklahoma late Saturday night, with Sulphur and Holdenville being two of the hardest hit areas in the state.
Authorities are still assessing damage Sunday morning, and the extent of the damage caused by the tornado outbreak and the total number of injuries have not been confirmed.
Below is what we know as of Sunday morning about Oklahoma’s tornado outbreak on April 27.
Deaths
Hughes County Emergency management has confirmed that at least two people died after the tornado outbreak hit the town of Holdenville. One of the victims was a 4-month-old, and information about the other has not been released.
Authorities say the 4-month-old was pronounced dead after an overnight search for the child. They eventually found the infant, and they were taken to an area hospital but did not make it.
Officials said a search-and-rescue mission was underway Sunday morning at a sports bar in downtown Sulphur. Oklahoma Highway Patrol says at least one person is unaccounted for.
During a news conference, Gov. Kevin Stitt confirmed that a woman’s body was removed from the debris near a bar in downtown Sulphur. He also said another death was reported near Marietta.
At least 30 people were injured in the storms in Sulphur.
Number of tornadoes
KOCO 5 Meteorologist Sabrina Bates says the report from the National Weather Service shows that at least 20 tornadoes hit Oklahoma on Saturday, and that number is expected to increase. No ratings have been determined yet for any of the tornadoes.
Storm damage has been reported from northern Oklahoma down to the Red River.
Storm damage
KOCO 5 crews have seen significant damage in Sulphur and Holdenville. In Sulphur, buildings have been leveled or significantly damaged, and flying debris impaled several vehicles.
Oklahoma Emergency Management officials released an initial report of storm damage and impact. Below is a look at what Oklahoma Emergency Management officials are reporting.
- Ardmore Emergency Management reports damage and power outages in Ardmore. Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports injuries and power lines down in Carter County at the Flying J Truck Stop on Michelin Road. Plain View School was also damaged in the storms.
- Cotton County Emergency Management reports three to five homes damaged in the Devol area. Numerous trees are down. One storm-related vehicle accident is also reported.
- Duncan Emergency Management reports roadway flooding in the City of Duncan. Stephens County Emergency Management reports Clarity Creek in Duncan is close to overflowing.
- Garfield County Emergency Management reports two homes damaged in the Hillsdale area.
- Grant County Emergency Management reports numerous trees damaged or down.
- Hughes County Emergency Management reports 14 homes are damaged or destroyed in Holdenville. Highway 9 is blocked due to debris in the roadway. Muscogee Creek Nation is assisting with debris clearing and searching for area of impact. Seminole and Seminole County Emergency Management and Fire and Sheriff are providing command support. Oklahoma City Task Force One will respond Sunday for Search and Rescue support.
- Kay County Emergency Management reports three to four structures were damaged by storms earlier this evening northwest of Newkirk. Numerous trees and power poles were down. Two vehicle accidents were a result of the storms. Heavy rain also caused flooding on area roads.
- Lincoln County Emergency Management reports debris and damage in the Davenport and Sparks areas.
- Love County Emergency Management reports damages in and around Marietta including damage to the Marietta Hospital. Hospital patients took shelter during the storms and no injuries in the hospital are reported. I-35 north is closed at the Texas State Line due to overturned vehicles and powerlines across the highway. The Chickasaw Nation is providing incident support in Marietta.
- Marlow Emergency Management reports roadway flooding on Highway 81 and E. Apache Ave.
- McClain County Emergency Management reports damage west of Goldsby along Highway 74B.
- Midwest City Emergency Management reports at least one structure damaged and multiple powerlines and limbs down.
- Murray County Emergency Management reports significant damage in Sulphur and numerous injuries. Search and rescue is ongoing at this time. OHP reports troopers are responding to apartments on Woodruff where tornado damage occurred. US-177 approximately 2 miles north of Sulphur is closed due to flooding.
- Okmulgee County Emergency Management reports the Town of Morris has multiple power lines and power poles down. Search and rescue is ongoing and the county is clearing debris from the roadways.
- Payne County Emergency Management reports damage to trees and outbuildings near Lone Chimney.
- Tillman County Emergency Management reports flash flooding north of Grandfield. Numerous powerlines are down.
Sky 5 flew over Sulphur, showing the significant damage left behind in the town. Buildings in downtown were completely destroyed, and many others were damaged.
The Artesian Hotel in Sulphur reported damage to the south side of their building, with a number of broken windows. The hotel said it lost electricity, and the water and gas mains were shut off to ensure the safety of those in the area.
No injuries to staff or guests at the hotel were reported.
Sky 5 also got an aerial view of the damage in Holdenville, where homes were leveled and more were damaged.
Gov. Kevin Stitt declares state of emergency
Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Carter, Cotton, Garfield, Hughes, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Murray, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Payne and Pontotoc counties.
“Due to impacts from severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, hail, and flooding beginning April 27, 2024 including extensive damage to power lines and infrastructure, it is necessary to assist and expedite all efforts of relief,” Stitt said in the executive order.
The state of emergency will remain in effect for 30 days.
“My prayers are with those who lost loved ones as tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma last night. Thank you to Oklahoma Emergency Management and those who have worked through the night to keep Oklahomans safe and have worked to clear debris and assess damage,” Stitt said in a statement on the tornadoes.
Red Cross storm shelter in Sulphur
The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Crossway Church, located at 2108 W. Broadway Ave. in Sulphur. The Murray County Sheriff’s Office also designated the church as a reunification center for people looking for loved ones.
Everyone is welcome at the Red Cross shelter.
Response from lawmakers
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt held a news conference in Sulphur, where he said the damage was the most extensive he has seen since becoming governor.
Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole released a statement on the tornadoes that ripped through the state.
“My thoughts are with those who have been affected by or have suffered a loss as a result of the terrible tornadoes that swept through Oklahoma last night. I would also like to thank our first responders who have been on the ground responding so nobly. My office and I are monitoring the situation closely and will help to ensure that the necessary assistance is made available,” Cole said.
Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, who also spoke at a news conference alongside Stitt in Sulphur, released a statement on the storms.
“My prayers go out to the citizens of Sulphur, all of Murray County and those across the State of Oklahoma affected by the severe weather this weekend. As our neighbors survey the damage and begin to rebuild, my office is available to provide individuals and businesses with guidance on how to access necessary resources. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can provide assistance throughout the cleanup and rebuilding process,” McCall said.
OG&E update
As of 11:45 a.m. Sunday, approximately 24,000 customers were without service, and 22,000 customers had their power restored. Multiple crews, materials and equipment were staged across the state ahead of the storms.
“Approximately 700 restoration personnel are responding to the storm now with approximately 500 additional traveling from Missouri, Louisiana, and Texas,” OG&E said in a statement. “This will be a multi-day restoration event with the largest impact in southern and southeastern Oklahoma, including Ardmore, Sulphur, Shawnee, Holdenville, as well as northwestern parts of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City metro area.”
OG&E customers can quickly report and monitor outages:
- Use our free mobile app to submit a report (available on iOS and Android)
- Submit a report online at OGE.com/outages
- Text OUT to 32001 if signed up for myOGEalerts
- Call 405-272-9595 (OKC metro) or 800-522-6870 (all other areas)
Help for tornado victims
BancFirst announced an initial donation of $250,000 to Sulphur, and a similar fund will soon be established in Marietta.
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief also activated to help with cleanup efforts. Victims in need of assistance can request it at www.okdisasterhelp.org.
Individuals looking for ways to help can make donations to Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief to help storm victims and relief efforts at www.okdisasterhelp.org/donate.