Severe Weather Strikes Oklahoma, Lightning Bolt Hits Police Cruiser
Introduction to the Incident
NEWCASTLE, Okla. – A shocking moment was caught on surveillance video when a lightning bolt quickly struck a police cruiser. Black smoke quickly appeared and evaporated from the vehicle, which still appeared to be largely intact.
Local Perspective and Response
Police in Newcastle, Oklahoma, said the act of nature happened Monday night as strong storms swept through the area. Authorities said no one was hurt.
RELATED: Kentucky firefighter likely died shielding wife from catastrophic tornado
The Bigger Picture: Severe Weather Across the Central U.S.
More tornadoes plowed through the central U.S. on Monday, ripping apart buildings and knocking out power as people from Texas to Kentucky continued to clean up from days of severe weather that killed more than two dozen people and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings.
Recovery Efforts Amid Deadly Tornadoes in Kentucky
It’s only been days since a deadly tornado struck London, Kentucky. FOX’s Chelsea Torres, joins LiveNOW from FOX, sharing how people there now face the possibility of even more dangerous weather headed their way.
Damage and Aftermath
At least four tornadoes were confirmed in Oklahoma and Nebraska on Monday evening, according to a preliminary report from the National Weather Service. Across Oklahoma, at least 10 homes were destroyed and multiple buildings were damaged, including a fire station that was wiped out, according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. A spokesperson for the agency said they have not received any reports of injuries or deaths.
Around 115,000 customers were without power in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri, according to PowerOutage.us. Parts of several highways were also closed due to flooding or storm damage.
Source of Information
The Associated Press contributed to this report. The information in this story comes from multiple official sources and surveillance video footage. Police in Newcastle, Oklahoma, provided details about the lightning strike on a cruiser during Monday night’s storms. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
Conclusion
The severe weather that struck Oklahoma and other parts of the central U.S. is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for such events. The fact that no one was hurt when a lightning bolt struck a police cruiser in Newcastle, Oklahoma, is fortunate, but the overall impact of the storms across the region has been devastating. As communities begin the process of recovery and rebuilding, it’s crucial to acknowledge the bravery of first responders and the resilience of those affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened in Newcastle, Oklahoma?
A: A lightning bolt struck a police cruiser during strong storms that swept through the area on Monday night. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Q: How many tornadoes were confirmed in Oklahoma and Nebraska?
A: At least four tornadoes were confirmed in Oklahoma and Nebraska on Monday evening, according to a preliminary report from the National Weather Service.
Q: How many homes were destroyed in Oklahoma?
A: At least 10 homes were destroyed across Oklahoma, along with multiple buildings, including a fire station.
Q: How many people were without power?
A: Around 115,000 customers were without power in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri.
Q: What is the current situation in Kentucky?
A: Kentucky is still recovering from deadly tornadoes that struck the area, with the possibility of more severe weather headed their way.