Sulphur, Oklahoma faced severe storms on Saturday, resulting in damaging tornadoes and flash flooding across the state. Reports emerged of storm damage in various areas like Sulphur, Holdenville, and Marietta, indicating the destructive impact of the weather event. KFOR-4 documented a total of 17 tornadoes occurring from Saturday night into early Sunday.
Tragically, the Oklahoma medical examiner confirmed the loss of lives due to the severe weather, with three storm-related fatalities confirmed in Holdenville and Marietta. Governor Kevin Stitt announced a fourth fatality in Sulphur, including a heartbreaking case of a 4-month-old child among the victims. Additionally, OG&E reported over 31,000 customers without power early Sunday morning, further highlighting the widespread impact of the storms.
The storm’s aftermath led to highway closures in various counties, with areas like Hughes County experiencing lane closures and high water levels affecting roadways. Similarly, other counties like Love, McIntosh, Murray, and Pittsburg faced closures and traffic disruptions due to severe weather impacts.
Furthermore, the storm’s intensity extended to popular locations like the Chickasaw National Recreation Area near Sulphur, which had to close due to storm damage and flooding. The Artesian Hotel in Sulphur also suffered damage in the storms, underscoring the widespread impact on both residential and commercial properties in the region.
Governor Stitt declared a state of emergency for 12 counties on Sunday morning to expedite relief efforts and assist communities affected by the severe storms. The declaration encompassed counties like Carter, Lincoln, Love, and Payne, among others, emphasizing the need for immediate assistance and support for recovery efforts.
As the state grappled with the aftermath of the storms, various organizations mobilized to provide aid and support to affected residents. The Red Cross and other groups prepared to deploy resources to assist those impacted by the disaster, showcasing a collaborative effort in the face of adversity.
The comprehensive response to the storm damage included assessments of the extent of the destruction across multiple counties, with reports of damage, power outages, and road closures emerging from various locations. As emergency crews worked tirelessly to address the aftermath of the severe weather, the community rallied together to overcome the challenges posed by the natural disaster.