Oklahoma City metro slammed by severe weather as tornadoes leave widespread damage, injuries
The National Weather Service office in Norman, Oklahoma, said that so far, forecasters believe at least seven tornadoes were reported across the region, but that number may be as high as 12 or 13.
Tornadoes leave widespread damage, injuries in Oklahoma City
Several people were injured and widespread damage was reported across the Oklahoma City metro area after tornadoes tore across the region late Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Severe weather swept across portions of Oklahoma late Saturday night and early Sunday morning, leaving behind widespread damage and numerous injuries in the Oklahoma City metro after several tornadoes touched down.
The National Weather Service office in Norman, Oklahoma, said that so far, forecasters believe at least seven tornadoes were reported across the region, but that number may be as high as 12 or 13.
This image shows a tornado being illuminated by lightning between Byers, Texas, and Waurika, Oklahoma, on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (@FalcnStormChase / X / FOX Weather)
Storm survey teams have been sent out to inspect damage to determine the exact number of tornadoes, as well as their rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The NWS said it started those surveys in areas that appear to be the hardest hit.
So far, the NWS said damage consistent with an EF-2 tornado has been found in Valley Brook, Oklahoma, and damage consistent with an EF-3 tornado was found in Harrah, Oklahoma.
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Watch: Major damage reported in Oklahoma City after tornadoes sweep across area
A video recorded in Oklahoma City shows major damage that was left behind after tornadoes moved through the region overnight Saturday into Sunday morning.
According to the Oklahoma City Fire Department, a suspected tornado was reported in the area of 89th Street and Sooner Road, causing major damage there.
Officials said first responders quickly mobilized to search for people who were trapped in the rubble of damaged homes and businesses.
Two people were successfully rescued from an overturned mobile home, and other people were helped to safety.
As of Sunday night, officials say at least 11 people were brought to local hospitals to be treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.
No fatalities have been reported.
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This image shows major damage in Oklahoma City after severe weather blasted the region Saturday night into early Sunday morning. (@cuejustin / X / FOX Weather)
Numerous structures and injuries have also been reported in the community of Valley Brook, according to officials.
"Numerous structures have suffered significant damage, and downed power lines, traffic lights and trees are scattered throughout the area," the Oklahoma Fire Department said in a post on Facebook. "Utility services have also been impacted."
In addition to the damage to buildings, officials say several vehicles were caught in flooding caused by the heavy precipitation.
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Watch: Sirens wail, lightning flashes during severe weather in Choctaw, Oklahoma
A video shared from Choctaw, Oklahoma, shows lightning illuminating the night sky while tornado sirens wail when severe weather tore across the region Saturday night and early Sunday morning.
The city of Choctaw was also hit hard by the extreme weather, with Mayor Chad Allcox saying significant damage was reported there, as well as in the town of Harrah.
"This is the beginning of a few days of historical rain amounts and severe storms," he said on Facebook. "Please be careful traveling the roads around the metro and the City of Choctaw."
The Choctaw Police Department said the Railhead Estates area of the city was hit hard by the powerful storms, and major damage was reported to homes and businesses there.
Police said first responders were going door to door to check for injured residents. Police said that so far, only minor injuries have been reported.
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This photo shows damage caused by a likely tornado in Bridge Creek, Oklahoma, on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (Bridge Creek Fire Department / FOX Weather)
A shelter has been opened for displaced residents, and work to clear debris from roads is underway.
"Many power lines are down in the area," police said on Facebook. "Please be patient with police and fire if they tell you to take another route. It’s for your safety."
Destructive winds were also reported as the thunderstorms raced across the region, including 80-mph wind gusts in Checotah and Adair.
Power outages also started to skyrocket after the storm blew through, with PowerOutage.us reporting nearly 100,000 outages at the peak.
This photo shows damage caused by a tornado in Oklahoma City on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (OKCFD/Facebook / FOX Weather)
Those numbers have since been starting to decrease as crews worked to clear debris and repair damage to utility lines in the region.
Torrential rain also led to reports of flooding in the community of Broken Arrow. The Broken Arrow Police Department said several roads in the area have been closed due to the flooding and debris, and drivers were urged not to drive on flooded roadways.