Several regions in Oklahoma have literally been taking by storm Wednesday night. No less than seven tornadoes have been reported in Oklahoma and also Arkansas, which have reportedly resulted in the first twister death in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, in the year 2015. Quite a few other citizens were also injured in the city located a couple of miles away from Tulsa.
The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office stated that over 36,000 power outages took place on early Thursday morning, but thankfully no injuries appear to have taken place in Tulsa. Still, the severe storms were the cause of destruction for a local children’s gym and a mobile home park in the area. The first tornado, described as “extremely dangerous” was detected near Sand Springs, traveling towards the east with speeds that reached 45 miles per hour.
Specialists believe that another twister might have affected the city of Moore in the same state. A representative of the city stated that a couple of rooftops were affected and a radio tower was damaged, but no victims have been reported until now. On Thursday, Moore Public Schools canceled all activity due to the destruction in the area. Sgt. Jeremy Lewis of the Moore Police Department reported that a temporary hospital had been established for the treatment of victims with small injuries. Unfortunately, the official Moore Medical Center was torn down 2 years back, due to a severe tornado.
Tornado warnings were issued by The National Weather Service as the storms spread across the central and northeastern parts of Oklahoma. Furthermore, according to Oklahoma City News KOCO, multiple vehicles were turned upside down on I-35.
The severe storms are said to be caused by a collision of warm and cold air masses and have caused hard rainfall and large amounts of hail.
“Right now, rescue efforts are continuing and officers are aiding the injured and helping those who need immediate medical care. It’s very tough conditions right now – very touch and go. The conditions my people are working in right now are deplorable at best,” stated Major Shannon Clark, a representative of the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office.
The authorities advise the locals to avoid the key areas of the storm and also the areas that present damage caused by the tornadoes. The police also stated that they will make an open call for volunteers if necessary.
Photo Credit: Brandon Ivey
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