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Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on November 3, 2024
Oklahoma tornado outbreak: Six injured, thousands left without power
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado watch for parts of eastern Oklahoma City, stretching towards Midwest City and Tinker Air Force Base.
This severe weather event has added to a year already marked by significant tornado activity in the United States, with 1,515 confirmed tornadoes recorded as of 28 October 2024, making it the second-highest number on record since 2011. (Photo: Wikimedia commons)
At least six people have been injured, and over 80,000 customers left without power, after a series of severe storms and reported tornadoes hit Oklahoma on Sunday, according to The Guardian. The storms, which swept through early in the day, caused widespread damage, including downed power lines, damaged gas lines, and fallen trees in areas around Oklahoma City.
According to Valerie Littlejohn of the Oklahoma City Police Department, those injured were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Local media showed scenes of destruction, including overturned vehicles, felled trees and power lines, and damaged homes, as reported by The Guardian.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado watch for parts of eastern Oklahoma City, stretching towards Midwest City and Tinker Air Force Base. A specific warning was also released for more than 300,000 residents in Moore, Midwest City, and Del City, advising them to “take cover immediately.”
11/1: Multiple rounds of severe storms are possible this weekend into early next week across the southern + central Plains. All hazards are possible including damaging wind, large hail, and tornadoes. Stay tuned for possible changes to the forecast. https://t.co/QMmU4tCxt1 pic.twitter.com/Ia71t17nVH
— NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) November 1, 2024
On Sunday morning, the NWS cautioned residents to remain vigilant, stating: “We’re already starting to see the atmosphere begin to recover ahead of yet another round of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, flooding, and potential severe weather today.” They further warned that multiple rounds of storms, with potential for damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes, were expected to impact the southern and central Plains into early next week.
Authorities, including the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, were closely monitoring the situation. Choctaw police reported “significant damage to homes in the area” and opened the gymnasium at Choctaw Elementary as a shelter. They also urged residents to be cautious, as many roads remained blocked by debris and downed power lines.
This severe weather event has added to a year already marked by significant tornado activity in the United States, with 1,515 confirmed tornadoes recorded as of 28 October 2024, making it the second-highest number on record since 2011.
(with inputs from The Guardian)
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
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