Oklahoma Storms: Injuries and Thousands Left Without Power.
Oklahoma City, Nov. 3, 2024 – Severe storms and tornadoes battered Oklahoma early Sunday, tossing cars and ripping roofs off buildings in the middle of the night and leaving tens of thousands of homes and businesses without power. Among numerous injuries, 11 people required hospitalization, authorities said. Much of the damage occurred in and around the state capital, Oklahoma City, near the state’s center, although there were reports of damage at various points around the state, and early morning storms set off tornado warnings that extended south to the Arkansas state line.
The Storms and Their Impact:
The severe weather system, which included tornadoes with preliminary ratings up to EF-3, caused extensive damage across Oklahoma. The National Weather Service reported that six or more tornadoes hit the state overnight, with significant damage in areas like Choctaw, Harrah, and Newcastle. The storms also caused flash flooding in some areas and a lightning-sparked house fire.
Oklahoma Storms: Injuries and Thousands Left Without Power.
More than 99,000 Oklahoma homes and businesses lost power during the overnight storms. By midday, the number of affected homes and businesses had been reduced to around 24,000, thanks to the efforts of utility crews working around the clock to restore power. Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) reported that they had restored power to nearly 58% of customers who experienced an outage overnight.
Emergency services were quick to respond to the crisis, with firefighters and police officers going door to door in affected areas to check for injuries and offer assistance. In Choctaw, Mayor Chad Allcox described the scene as a “complete neighborhood leveled,” with debris hindering search and rescue efforts. Emergency workers had to free two people from an overturned mobile home, including a woman injured when an air conditioner landed on her leg.
A handful of shelters, including one opened at a casino by the American Red Cross, were made available for displaced residents or those without power. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management also coordinated efforts to provide support to those affected by the storms. The Oklahoma Heart Hospital South sustained damage, and school officials at the University of Oklahoma urged students and staff to seek shelter and move to the lowest floor as the storms approached.
Forecasters warned state residents to brace for more heavy rain and possible severe weather through Monday. A tornado watch for much of the central and southeast part of Oklahoma was in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday, with other areas under thunderstorm or flood watches. Residents were advised to stay indoors and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
