Severe storms rolled through Oklahoma Saturday, producing damaging tornadoes and flash flooding.
While the National Weather Service has not yet confirmed the number of tornadoes, storm damage has been reported in multiple areas across the state, including Sulphur, Holdenville and Marietta. KFOR-4 reported there were 17 tornadoes Saturday night into early Sunday.
The Oklahoma medical examiner has confirmed three storm-related fatalities: two in Holdenville and one in Marietta. Gov. Kevin Stitt on Sunday announced a fourth fatality in Sulphur.
Hughes County authorities confirmed one of the victims was a 4-month-old child. The other victim there was an adult male.
The Oklahoma emergency management office said 100 injuries had been reported as a result of the storms.
More:Gov. Kevin Stitt: Sulphur tornado damage the worst he's seen as governor
OG&E reported more than 31,000 customers were without power early Sunday.
Check back to this article throughout the day Sunday for updates on storm damage and injuries that resulted from Saturday's storms.
National Weather Service confirms EF3 tornadoes in Sulphur, Marietta
The National Weather Service on Sunday evening released preliminary damage survey results for four tornadoes that occurred Saturday night.
- Marietta: Confirmed as at least an EF3, with further investigation necessary to determine if rating will go higher.
- Sulphur: Confirmed as at least an EF3, with further investigation necessary to determine if rating will go higher.
- Stillwater: EF0 on the northwest side of the city. Max winds 70 mph.
- Newkirk: EF0 on the west and north of the city. Max winds 75 mph.
- Ryan Sharp
Dollar Tree distribution center in Marietta heavily damaged
The massive Dollar Tree distribution center on the west side of Marietta sustained heavy damage in Saturday night's storms.
Video taken of the facility Sunday seems to show tornado damage running through the middle of the 1 million-square foot facility, which sits just off Interstate 35.
The distribution center opened in Marietta in 2003 and underwent a major expansion in 2013. According to reports, the facility employed more than 200 people. The facility supplies products to Dollar Tree stores in eleven states.
- Ryan Sharp
Stitt tours damaged areas of Sulphur
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt toured heavily damaged areas in downtown Sulphur Sunday. He said it was the most damage he's seen as a result of a tornado in his six years as governor.
"Definitely the most damage since I've been governor," Stitt said at a press conference in Sulphur. "I've seen a lot of damage, I've been around the state. This is my sixth year. But what I saw in downtown Sulphur is unbelievable."
Stitt said Oklahoma officials were working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on damage assessments.
"We'll do whatever we can to help put the pieces back together," he said. "Thank goodness it was a downtown, that there wasn't a lot of people here at 10:30 at night. You just can't believe the destruction."
- Staff reports
Oklahoma price gouging statute in effect
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced Sunday the state's price gouging statute is now in effect.
The statute prohibits an increase of more than 10% for the price of goods and services after an emergency has been declared. It triggers automatically after the governor issues a state of emergency.
To report instances of price gouging, residents can contact he AG's consumer protection unit at (833) 681-1895.
Drummond also warned residents with storm damage to avoid door-to-door contractors who demand upfront payment.
- Ryan Sharp
Oklahoma highways closed due to storm damage, high water
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation said early Sunday that five counties have highways affected by storm damage or flooding:
Hughes County
- All lanes of north and southbound SH 48 are closed between SH 9E and US 270, near Holdenville due to severe weather clean-up
Love County
- Northbound I-35 is narrowed to one lane at mm 15, in Marietta. Southbound lanes are open, but drivers should be prepared for delays and intermittent lane closures as crews work to clear the area of debris
- All lanes of north and southbound US 77 are closed south of Marietta due to severe weather clean-up
McIntosh County
- All lanes of US 266 are closed at N 4220 Road, just east of Checotah, due to high water
Murray County
- All lanes of SH 7 and US 177 are closed in Sulphur due to severe weather clean-up
Pittsburg County
- North and southbound US 69B are closed between SH 113 and McAlester due to high water
- All lanes of east and westbound SH 31 are closed between New Baker Road and Haywood Road due to high water
- All lanes of east and westbound SH 63 are closed between Crawley Road and Hopper Road due to high water
- Ryan Sharp
Chickasaw Nation Recreation Area near Sulphur closed
The Chickasaw National Recreation Area just south of Sulphur is closed Sunday due to storm damage and flooding.
Areas in and around Sulphur received as much as 7 inches of rain in addition to tornado damage.
- Ryan Sharp
How to help following Oklahoma storms, tornadoes
The Oklahoma Red Cross and other organizations will be deploying to help state residents affected by Saturday's storms. Here is how you can sign up to help:
- Oklahoma Red Cross: 90% of what the Red Cross provides is done through volunteers. Those interested in volunteering can sign up on their website.
- Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief: Those interested in making tax-deductible contributions to help storm victims and relief efforts can go OKDisasterHelp.org/donate. If you or a loved one suffered storm damage, you can request assistance on the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief website.
- Ryan Sharp
What they're saying about Saturday's tornadoes, storms in Oklahoma
Oklahoma politicians and others released statements Sunday, expressing their thoughts after Saturday's storms:
Congressman Tom Cole, R-Oklahoma: “My thoughts are with those who have been affected by or have suffered a loss as a result of the terrible tornadoes that swept through Oklahoma last night. I would also like to thank our first responders who have been on the ground responding so nobly. My office and I are monitoring the situation closely and will help to ensure that the necessary assistance is made available.”
Gov. Kevin Stitt: “My prayers are with those who lost loved ones as tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma last night," Stitt said in an early Sunday news release. "Thank you to Oklahoma Emergency Management and those who have worked through the night to keep Oklahomans safe and have worked to clear debris and assess damage.”
House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka: "My prayers go out to the citizens of Sulphur, all of Murray County and those across the State of Oklahoma affected by the severe weather this weekend. As our neighbors survey the damage and begin to rebuild, my office is available to provide individuals and businesses with guidance on how to access necessary resources. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can provide assistance throughout the cleanup and rebuilding process."
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley: "Parishioners and Oklahomans, in the wake of Saturday storms that devastated the Sulphur area and other areas of our state, be assured that I am praying for all affected where there have been fatalities, injuries and property damage to homes and livelihoods. You will remain in my prayers."
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond: "Our prayers are with the communities that have experienced such tragic loss and now face the hard work of recovery. In the aftermath of these devastating storms, unscrupulous actors should know that my office will absolutely not tolerate exorbitant prices on goods and services desperately needed by Oklahomans during this difficult time.”
- Ryan Sharp
Artesian Hotel in Sulphur damaged in storms
The Chickasaw Nation's popular Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa in Sulphur was damaged in the storms Saturday night.
According to the hotel's Facebook page, there were no reports of injuries to staff or guests, but the building was damaged on its south side and had multiple windows blown out. The building's fire suppression system also activated during the storm causing more damage.
As of Sunday morning, the hotel and casino were without power and its water and gas lines had been shut off.
- Ryan Sharp
I-35 reopens in southern Oklahoma after nearly 9 hour closure
Oklahoma's Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reopened Interstate 35 at mile marker 15 just before 9 a.m. this morning, the agencies announced. The highway was closed just after midnight.
Authorities were forced to close the interstate's north and south bound lanes just after midnight when a tornado that struck Marietta covered the roadway with debris and caused an unknown number of crashes.
A notice published by the highway patrol announcing the reopening did not specify what kinds of crashes happened, how many vehicles were involved or if anyone was hurt or killed. Additional details will likely be released later on Sunday.
- Jack Money
How much rain did Oklahoma get?
In addition to extensive damage from tornadoes and high winds, Oklahoma also had several locations get 5-plus inches of rain.
According to the Oklahoma Mesonet, Sulphur was dealing with nearly 7 inches of rain in addition to the damage from Saturday's tornadoes.
Areas near Ada and Fittstown also saw more than 5 inches of rain.
- Ryan Sharp
Stitt declares state of emergency for 12 counties
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt on Sunday morning declared a state of emergency for 12 counties: Carter, Cotton, Garfield, Hughes, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Murray, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Payne, and Pontotoc counties.
"Due to impacts from severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, hail, and flooding beginning April 27, 2024 including extensive damage to power lines and infrastructure, it is necessary to assist and expedite all efforts of relief," the order says.
The state of emergency will remain in effect for 30 days.
“My prayers are with those who lost loved ones as tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma last night," Stitt said in an early Sunday news release. "Thank you to Oklahoma Emergency Management and those who have worked through the night to keep Oklahomans safe and have worked to clear debris and assess damage.”
- Ryan Sharp
OKC's Festival of the Arts, Memorial Marathon happening Sunday
Well before daybreak, theOklahoma City Memorial Marathongot underway early Sunday in downtown OKC, while the Festival of the Arts is set to reopen at 10 a.m. Sunday for its final day in and around Bicentennial Park.
In one of the changes to this year's festival, the grounds are opening an hour earlier Sunday to accommodateOKC Memorial Marathonparticipants and staying open an hour later until 7 p.m.
- Brandy McDonnell
How many tornadoes in Oklahoma last night?
The National Weather Weather Service has not yet confirmed the number of tornadoes in Oklahoma late Saturday and early Sunday. However, significant damage was reported in Sulphur, Ardmore and near Holdenville. Minor damage was reported in Oklahoma City and Norman.
Oklahoma Emergency Management was collected damage reports from across the state late Saturday. As of 1:30 a.m. Sunday, local emergency crews were still conducting damage assessments, so this list is not complete:
- Ardmore Emergency Management reports damage and power outages in Ardmore. Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) reports injuries and power lines down in Carter County at the Flying J Truck Stop on Michelin Road. Plain View School was also damaged in the storms.
- Cotton County Emergency Management reports three to five homes damaged in the Devol area. Numerous trees are down. One storm-related vehicle accident is also reported.
- Duncan Emergency Management reports roadway flooding in the City of Duncan. Stephens County Emergency Management reports Clarity Creek in Duncan is close to overflowing.
- Garfield County Emergency Management reports two homes damaged in the Hillsdale area.
- Grant County Emergency Management reports numerous trees damaged or down.
- Hughes County Emergency Management reports 14 homes are damaged or destroyed in Holdenville. Highway 9 is blocked due to debris in the roadway. Muscogee Creek Nation is assisting with debris clearing and searching for area of impact. Seminole and Seminole County Emergency Management and Fire and Sheriff are providing command support. Oklahoma City Task Force One will respond Sunday for Search and Rescue support.
- Kay County Emergency Management reports three to four structures were damaged by storms earlier this evening northwest of Newkirk. Numerous trees and power poles were down. Two vehicle accidents were a result of the storms. Heavy rain also caused flooding on area roads.
- Lincoln County Emergency Management reports debris and damage in the Davenport and Sparks areas.
- Love County Emergency Management reports damages in and around Marietta including damage to the Marietta Hospital. Hospital patients took shelter during the storms and no injuries in the hospital are reported. I-35 north is closed at the Texas State Line due to overturned vehicles and powerlines across the highway. The Chickasaw Nation is providing incident support in Marietta.
- Marlow Emergency Management reports roadway flooding on Highway 81 and E. Apache Ave.
- McClain County Emergency Management reports damage west of Goldsby along Highway 74B.
- Midwest City Emergency Management reports at least one structure damaged and multiple powerlines and limbs down.
- Murray County Emergency Management reports significant damage in Sulphur and numerous injuries. Search and rescue is ongoing at this time. OHP reports troopers are responding to apartments on Woodruff where tornado damage occurred. US-177 approximately 2 miles north of Sulphur is closed due to flooding.
- Okmulgee County Emergency Management reports the Town of Morris has multiple power lines and power poles down. Search and rescue is ongoing and the county is clearing debris from the roadways.
- Payne County Emergency Management reports damage to trees and outbuildings near Lone Chimney.
- Tillman County Emergency Management reports flash flooding north of Grandfield. Numerous powerlines are down.
- Ryan Sharp
Storm damage reports in Oklahoma
View our interactive map showing storm damage reports coming into the National Weather Service.
- Ryan Sharp
Live Oklahoma power outages map
See live updates on how weather is impacting OG&E's system.
Live Oklahoma weather radar
