At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak, as threat of severe storms continues from Missouri to Texas | CNN (2024)

At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak, as threat of severe storms continues from Missouri to Texas | CNN (1)

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Drone footage shows devastating aftermath of tornado

00:46 - Source: CNN

CNN

At least four people are dead, including an infant, after a tornado outbreak in Oklahoma overnight, as severe storms threaten more twisters, heavy rain and large hail from Missouri to Texas Sunday.

Multiple large and extremely dangerous tornadoes were reported on the ground simultaneously overnight Saturday across parts of Oklahoma, according to the National Weather Service.

Two deaths occurred in Holdenville, and the third near Marietta on I-35, according to Keli Cain, public affairs director for the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

A fourth death happened in the hard-hit town of Sulphur in Murray County, Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt said at a Sunday news conference.

The weather service confirmed 22 tornadoes in the Norman area. Tornadoes of at least EF-3 strength slammed into Sulphur and Marietta on Saturday night, according to the weather service. An EF-3 rating indicates wind speeds of 136 mph or more.

At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak, as threat of severe storms continues from Missouri to Texas | CNN (2)

An aerial image taken from a plane shows Elkhorn, Nebraska, on July 22, 2023.

At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak, as threat of severe storms continues from Missouri to Texas | CNN (3)

An aerial image taken from a plane shows tornado damage in Elkhorn, Nebraska, on April 27, 2024.

Vexcel Imaging

“It seems like every business downtown has been destroyed now here in Sulphur,” Stitt said. “It’s definitely the most damage since I’ve been governor that I’ve seen.”

Stitt added around 30 people were injured in Sulphur and their conditions are unknown.

He issued an emergency disaster declaration and will be touring storm damage in Sulphur and Holdenville, the governor shared in avideomessage.

There were reports of injuries, property damage, flooding and downed power lines and trees across several counties Saturday night, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said. The extent of the damage was unclear early Sunday.

Sulphur, about 80 miles south of Oklahoma City, saw injuries and impacts from what appears to be at least two large tornadoes overnight as a flood warning was issued for the city, according to the weather service.

“A large and extremely dangerous tornado was located south of Sulphur, moving north at 35 mph. First responders need to prepare for additional tornado impacts immediately!!!” the weather service in Norman warned.

Nearly 47 million people are at risk for severe weather Sunday from east Texas northward into the upper Mississippi River Valley as communities in Nebraska and Iowa survey the destruction the storms have already left behind.

At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak, as threat of severe storms continues from Missouri to Texas | CNN (4)

Damage is seen in Sulphur, Oklahoma on April 28, following a tornado.

Cities including Dallas and Austin in Texas, Oklahoma City and Tulsa in Oklahoma, Wichita and Topeka in Kansas and the Kansas City metropolitan area could see strong tornadoes as storms push eastward across the southern Plains.

More than 4million people are under tornado watches Sunday night.

Watches extend from parts of eastern Texas into northern Louisiana, far western Mississippi, western Arkansas, far eastern Oklahoma, and southwestern Missouri as of late Sunday. The area includes the cities of Fort Smith and Pine Bluff in Arkansas and Shreveport, Louisiana.

The Storm Prediction Center says the storms could produce hail as big as ping pong balls and damaging wind gusts to 70 mph.

The weather service reported two tornadoes crossing Oklahoma’s Highway 9 between Goldsby and Blanchard at the same time late Saturday, as well as a sighting just east of Tinker Air Force Base. And as a tornado headed toward Norman, the University of Oklahoma warned students and staff to “Seek shelter NOW inside the building you are in. Move to lowest floor/interior room.”

At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak, as threat of severe storms continues from Missouri to Texas | CNN (5)

Emergency responders work in Sulphur, Oklahoma on April 28, following a tornado.

Oklahoma’s emergency operations center was activated Saturday, according to a Facebook post from Gov. Kevin Stitt. “Stay weather aware and know where you’ll take shelter if a severe storm threatens your area,” he told residents.

In addition to the tornadoes, storms are bringing heavy rainfall that could exacerbate the life-threatening situation.

As many as 10 inches had fallen in Trinity County, Texas, by Sunday night, prompting a flash flood emergency with crews working to perform swift water rescues, according to the National Weather Service in Houston. The service warned it of an “extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation” unfolding.

The Storm Prediction Center upped the severe storm threat for Sunday to a level 3 of 5 from eastern Texas to southern Missouri, including Shreveport, Little Rock and Springfield.Communities from southeastern Texas to southern Iowa are under a level 2 of 5 severe storm threat.

Unsettled weather is expected to continue across the midsection of the country into Monday.

“In addition to the severe weather, intense rainfall rates are expected to accompany these thunderstorms at times, leading to a moderate to locally high potential of flash flooding,” the National Weather Service said.

Storms fueled dozens of tornado reports across at least six states Friday and Saturday, with images of flattened homes and debris covering communities seen in communities in Nebraska and Iowa.

Tornadoes wreak havoc in Nebraska and Iowa

One person died after a tornado touched down in Minden, Iowa, during Friday’s severe weather outbreak, according to Pottawattamie County Emergency Management.

Of four storm-related injuries, three people were treated and released on Friday while a fourth person initially listed in stable condition later died from his injuries, said Pottawattamie County spokesperson Craig Carlsen.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds on Saturday issued a disaster proclamation for Pottawattamie County in response to Friday’s severe weather.

At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak, as threat of severe storms continues from Missouri to Texas | CNN (6)

Homes are seen near Crescent, Nebraska.

At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak, as threat of severe storms continues from Missouri to Texas | CNN (7)

Home damaged are seen near Crescent, Nebraska.

Omaha resident Jason Sunday and his family had just been in their new Elkhorn home 30 days when a tornado hit like a “freight train,” he told CNN affiliate KETV.

As the tornado approached Friday, he sought cover in his home.

“We were in the downstairs bathtub, and it was just like the movie said, it was like a freight train,” Sunday told KETV. “And you knew the roof was coming off because that was a loud pop and sucking motion. It was pretty scary.”

The tornado caused heavy damage to the family’s new home, and now they’re faced with having to rebuild.

“We’re thankful to be alive. We’re very thankful,” Sunday said.

Like Sunday, many residents throughout Omaha and Nebraska are similarly grappling with intense damage to their homes after multiple reported tornadoes touched down Friday.

Elkhorn in Omaha, Nebraska, is one of the hardest-hit communities. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen told reporters Saturday it is a miracle there were no deaths.

At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak, as threat of severe storms continues from Missouri to Texas | CNN (8)

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Video shows violent tornado cross highway in Nebraska

00:44 - Source: CNN

“Nebraskans are no strangers to severe weather and, as they have countless times before, Nebraskans will help Nebraskans to rebuild,” the governor said in a post on X.

One of the tornadoes to hit Douglas County had a preliminary rating of EF-3 with winds topping 135 mph, according to Chris Franks with the National Weather Service. The other, which hit Omaha’s airport, appeared to be an EF-2, he added.

On the outskirts of Lincoln, Nebraska, a tornado tore the roofs off homes and crossed part of I-80 as it cut through. Multiple cars of a train derailed near Waverly after it was struck by a tornado, according to a railway spokesperson.

Pillen on Sunday night issued an emergency declaration for Douglas, Lancaster and Washington counties following Friday’s severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. The emergency declaration makes the Nebraska counties eligible to receive assistance funding for recovery through the state, the governor said.

In Iowa’s Pottawattamie County, roughly 120 homes and businesses were damaged, county emergency management officials said.

A large tornado was reported in the small city of Minden in Pottawattamie County, according to theNational Weather Service. Footage obtained by CNN shows the devastation of mangled structures and widespread debris.

There were over 80 tornado reports Friday alone across at least five states, many of which have been confirmed by the weather service or through footage from storm chasers.

CNN’sJillian Sykes, Aya Elamroussi, Ray Sanchez, Sara Smart, Mary Gilbert, Sharif Paget, Sarah Dewberry, Jamiel Lynch, Raja Rezek, Colin Jeffrey, Rebekah Riess, Kara Devlin, Michelle Watson and CNN Meteorologists Sara Tonks, Brandon Miller, Gene Norman and Elisa Raffa contributed to this report.

At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak, as threat of severe storms continues from Missouri to Texas | CNN (2024)

FAQs

How many people died in the Oklahoma tornado? ›

Deaths. Authorities confirmed that at least four people died because of Saturday night's tornado outbreak across Oklahoma. Hughes County Emergency management has confirmed early Sunday morning that two people, including a 4-month-old, had died. The child died after an overnight search.

What are most tornado deaths caused by _________________? ›

Remember it is flying debris from tornadoes that causes the most injuries and fatalities.

How many people died in the 1999 Bridge Creek Moore tornado? ›

The 3 May 1999 Oklahoma City tornado was the deadliest in the United States in over 20 years, with 36 direct fatalities.

What were the effects of the tornado outbreak in Oklahoma in 1999? ›

As the skies cleared, the states counted 46 dead and 800 injured, more than 8000 homes damaged or destroyed, and total property damage of nearly $1.5 billion.

How many people died in the worst tornado? ›

On March 18, 1925, the deadliest single tornado in the history of the United States occurred. The enormous storm affected people in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, hence the name. As a result, almost 700 people were killed and over 2,000 were injured.

Is 13 minutes based on a true story? ›

A decent enough telling of the true story of Georg Elser. A solid enough biopic that just seems to be playing it too safe.

What tornado destroyed the most? ›

This article lists various tornado records. The most "extreme" tornado in recorded history was the Tri-State tornado, which spread through parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana on March 18, 1925.

What are 5 facts about tornadoes? ›

Interesting facts about tornadoes
  • Tornadoes can form in any month of the year, not just during “tornado season” ...
  • The United States sees an average of 1,000 tornadoes each year. ...
  • Tornadoes can have wind speeds upwards of 300 miles per hour. ...
  • Tornadoes can form from both supercell and non-supercell thunderstorms.
May 8, 2023

Who is most affected by tornadoes? ›

Texas leads the nation in the number of tornadoes that occur each year on average, followed by Kansas. Texas leads the nation for the average number each year only because of its size.

Has there ever been an F6? ›

In total, two tornadoes received the rating of F6, but both were later downgraded to F5. Based on aerial photographs of the damage it caused, Fujita assigned the strongest tornado of the 1974 Super Outbreak, which affected Xenia, Ohio, a preliminary rating of F6 intensity ± 1 scale.

What's the fastest tornado ever recorded? ›

There, it attained the highest-possible rating on the Fujita Scale, F5. A mobile Doppler weather radar recorded winds of 302 mph (486 km/h) within the tornado at Bridge Creek, the highest wind speed ever recorded on Earth.

What was the worst tornado in Oklahoma history? ›

The most deadly tornado to ever strike within the borders of the state of Oklahoma occurred on Wednesday, April 9, 1947 in the city of Woodward.

What were the effects of the Oklahoma tornado 2013? ›

Impact. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management reported that 25 people were killed (with another death indirectly attributed to the tornado). The Oklahoma Medical Examiner recognizes 25 fatalities. An estimated 1,150 homes were destroyed, resulting in an estimated $2 billion in damages.

Why is Oklahoma famous for tornadoes? ›

Oklahoma City (OKC), by virtue of its large areal extent and location near the heart of "tornado alley," has earned a reputation over the years as one of the more tornado-prone cities in the United States.

What's the worst tornado in US history? ›

This article lists various tornado records. The most "extreme" tornado in recorded history was the Tri-State tornado, which spread through parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana on March 18, 1925.

Has there ever been an F6 tornado? ›

In total, two tornadoes received the rating of F6, but both were later downgraded to F5. Based on aerial photographs of the damage it caused, Fujita assigned the strongest tornado of the 1974 Super Outbreak, which affected Xenia, Ohio, a preliminary rating of F6 intensity ± 1 scale.

What is the deadliest tornado to hit Oklahoma? ›

Summary. The most deadly tornado to ever strike within the borders of the state of Oklahoma occurred on Wednesday, April 9, 1947 in the city of Woodward.

What was the largest tornado in Oklahoma in 2024? ›

The path of an EF-4 tornado that happened in Oklahoma on April 27, 2024, is seen highlighted in dark red. According to a tweet by the NWS office in Norman, this marks Oklahoma's first EF-4 tornado since a twister near Katie, Oklahoma, on May 9, 2016.

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