Oklahoma Storms: A Night of Chaos

Early Sunday morning, Oklahoma was hit by a storm of storms! Severe weather, including tornadoes, wreaked havoc, tossing cars, and stripping roofs from buildings. The worst damage was in and around the state capital, Oklahoma City. By dawn, tens of thousands of homes and businesses were without power. Eleven people needed hospital care, but thankfully, no one died. Richard Thompson, a weather expert, thinks at least six tornadoes touched down. He warned that more heavy rain and severe weather could follow into Monday. This wasn't the end of it; a tornado watch was active until 8 p. m. on Sunday, with other areas under thunderstorm or flood watches. In Choctaw, a town east of Oklahoma City, emergency workers went door-to-door to check for injuries. Mayor Chad Allcox said a whole neighborhood was flattened. Search and rescue efforts were tough due to debris, fallen power lines, and blocked roads.Oklahoma City Fire Department spokesperson Scott Douglas said heavy rain and the threat of more tornadoes made early rescue work challenging. They had to free two people trapped in an overturned mobile home, one of whom was hurt by a falling air conditioner. As the sun rose, the extent of the damage became clear. TV footage showed downed power lines, homes with walls peeled off, overturned cars, and streets filled with debris. Eleven people were taken to hospitals, and there were other minor injuries. Allcox credited early warnings and tornado sirens with saving lives. Shelters were set up for those displaced or without power. The Oklahoma Heart Hospital South also took a hit. At the University of Oklahoma, officials urged students and staff to seek shelter as storms approached after midnight. The National Weather Service in Norman posted urgent warnings on social media: "If you're in the path of this storm, take cover immediately! " Parts of Oklahoma remained at risk for more heavy rain and thunderstorms later on Sunday.