By John Dobberstein, Editor
A severe weather outbreak Saturday and early Sunday spawned tornadic storms that killed 2 people and caused significant damage in numerous areas across Oklahoma.
Broken Arrow and most of Wagoner County appeared to escape major damage, but there were many reports of storm damage and power outages near Wagoner.
Tornado warnings were sounded between 12:30 and 12:45 a.m. for the city of Wagoner, Toppers, Porter, Taylor Ferry, Redbird, Tullahassee and other areas.
Wagoner County Emergency Management reported debris in the roadway near E. 231st Street and S. 365th E. Ave.
The National Weather Service confirmed EF-3 tornadoes touched down in Sulpher and Marietta, EF-0 twisters touched down in Stillwater and Newkirk. These were preliminary assessments.
WCEM said it has been tracking damage across the county and those with down trees blocking a public road should contact the non-emergency line at 918-485-3124.
“If you are without power, please continue to contact your power company. We are still considering this weather event as a high wind event however waiting on the National Weather Service to confirm,” the agency said.
WC said severe storms were possible from late this afternoon and into the evening along a dryline/cold front. “The strongest storms will be capable of producing large hail/damaging winds, and will carry a non-zero tornado threat. Conditions for severe weather are not as favorable today as what was in place yesterday, and may limit overall coverage and intensity of storms this afternoon and tonight.”
The flood threat will continue through the evening across southeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas. Several area rivers remain in flood warnings and advisories.
Hughes County EMS reported that 2 people died after a large tornado struck western Holdenville, and there were 4 injuries. The fatalities were a woman and a 4-month-old child.
Farther south, destructive tornadoes were reported in Morris and Sulphur, and authorities believe Sulphur may have been hit by two tornadoes.
Video footage shared on social media from Sulphur showed the town’s business district and other areas structures sustained heavy damage.
One person was confirmed dead in Sulphur and another in Newkirk as a result of storms.
At least one tornado caused damage in Norman and a tornado emergency was declared at the University of Oklahoma campus.
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, including extensive damage to power lines and infrastructure.
“My prayers are with those who lost loved ones as tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma last night,” Stitt said in a statement Sunday. “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.”
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