Holdenville, Oklahoma – A deadly storm that wreaked havoc on the heartland over the weekend resulted in at least five fatalities, with tragic reports including the death of a 4-month-old infant in Oklahoma. The severe storm spawned multiple tornadoes across four states, with powerful twisters touching down in Nebraska as well.
Authorities in Hughes County, Oklahoma, confirmed that the baby was one of four individuals who lost their lives in the storms that hit Holdenville. One person also tragically passed away at a sports bar in Sulphur, which was hit by a tornado. Approximately 30 people were injured in Sulphur, with 20 of them at the sports bar, officials reported.
In response to the storms, Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt confirmed at least four fatalities in the state, with one person reported dead in Marietta, Oklahoma, and two individuals losing their lives in Ada, Oklahoma. A state of emergency was declared in 12 Oklahoma counties to address the widespread damage and assist affected residents.
Alongside confirming the fatalities, the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma, identified at least EF3 tornadoes in Sulphur and Marietta. President Joe Biden reached out to Governor Stitt to offer federal support following the devastating tornadoes that struck the state.
The destructive storm not only claimed lives in Oklahoma but also resulted in widespread destruction in Minden, Iowa, where one individual lost their life after sustaining injuries caused by a tornado. With numerous homes destroyed and three people injured, the community is now in recovery mode.
As rescuers continue to sift through the rubble left by the tornadoes, a new tornado watch has been issued in portions of eastern Texas. The violent storms have put more than 22 million people in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois at risk, with authorities urging residents to stay vigilant.
The heartland states are grappling with the aftermath of the severe weather outbreak, with communities left reeling from the impact of the tornadoes. Emergency declarations have been made, and residents are urged to exercise caution as the region braces for further storms and potential damage.