Devastating Flooding and Tornadoes Hit Oklahoma and Surrounding Areas
MOORE, Okla. (AP) — Two people, including a child, have died in Oklahoma flooding as meteorologists warned Sunday of further flooding, thunderstorms and tornadoes from the Midwest to the South.
Police in Moore, about 10 miles south of Oklahoma City, received dozens of reports of “high-water incidents” over the weekend including two cars stranded in flood waters Saturday evening. One car was swept away under a bridge, and police said they were able to rescue some people, but a woman and 12-year-old boy were found dead.
Related Incidents
Related: Parker, Hood counties cleaning up after reported tornadoes late Saturday
Historical Weather Event
“This was a historical weather event that impacted roads and resulted in dozens of high-water incidents across the city,” Moore police said in a statement Sunday. Moore has about 63,000 people.
D-FW Weather Wise
National Weather Service Warnings
The National Weather Service issued flooding and severe thunderstorm warnings in large swaths of Oklahoma as well as portions of Texas, Missouri, Arkansas and southern Illinois amid a storm system from the southern Plains to the Upper Midwest. Meteorologists predicted heavy rainfall and potential tornadoes in Arkansas and Missouri.
Assessing the Damage
On Easter Sunday, communities were beginning to assess the damage wreaked by several confirmed tornadoes throughout south central and southeast Oklahoma, according to the National Weather Service. A few thousand customers were without power Sunday morning.
Tornado Damage in Rural Areas
Bill Macon, Marshall County emergency management director, said their early assessments show a tornado “skipped and jumped around” over a path of six to seven miles in the rural area that left at least 20 homes damaged, some destroyed completely.
Macon said people were mostly home when the late night tornado came through, downing “huge” trees, dozens of electric poles and power lines, but there had not been reports of injuries or fatalities.
Preparedness and Warning Systems
“We take those things pretty serious down here in Oklahoma,” Macon said of the NWS warnings.
Multiple Tornadoes in Ada
One Oklahoma town that was still recovering from an early March tornado also saw one come through late Saturday. The north side of Ada, home to about 16,000 people, sustained damage that the National Weather Service said was at least an EF1 tornado based on a preliminary survey.
Damage and Aftermath
In a video posted to Facebook, Jason Keck, Ada director of emergency management, said the tornado seemed to track across the north side of town toward the North Hills Shopping Center, “leaving a lot of damage to buildings, power lines and trees.”
Conclusion
The severe weather events that hit Oklahoma and surrounding areas have caused significant damage and loss of life. It is essential for communities to take necessary precautions and stay informed about weather warnings to minimize the impact of such events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the extent of the damage caused by the tornadoes in Oklahoma?
A: The tornadoes caused significant damage to homes, buildings, power lines, and trees, with at least 20 homes damaged or destroyed in the rural area of Marshall County.
Q: How many people were affected by the power outages?
A: A few thousand customers were without power Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Q: What was the severity of the tornado that hit Ada?
A: The National Weather Service preliminary survey indicated that the tornado was at least an EF1 tornado.
Q: How can communities prepare for severe weather events like tornadoes and flooding?
A: Communities can prepare by staying informed about weather warnings, having emergency plans in place, and taking necessary precautions such as seeking shelter and avoiding floodwaters.
