The National Weather Service has upgraded the tornado that struck Katie, Oklahoma to an EF-4. Previously, NWS have a preliminary rating of EF-3.
NEW! The May 9th Katie tornado (W of I-35) is being upgraded to EF4 based on more intensive review of survey data. Updated PNS and map soon.
— NWS Norman (@NWSNorman) May 11, 2016
On Tuesday, Governor Mary Fallin declared a state of emergency Tuesday for 15 counties following the severe storms and tornadoes that tore through multiple towns.
I've declared a state of emergency for 15 counties due to tornadoes, storms, straight-line winds and flooding. https://t.co/SPYk651LVf
— Governor Mary Fallin (@GovMaryFallin) May 10, 2016
Overall, Fallin included Atoka, Bryan, Choctaw, Cleveland, Coal, Comanche, Garvin, Johnson, Kay, McCurtain, Murray, Noble, Payne, Stephens and Tillman counties in the declaration.
The decision was made public not long after the NWS released a tweet Tuesday stating that a tornado that touched down near Katie, Oklahoma Monday caused EF-3 damage.
1117am - we can confirm at least EF3 damage with the tornado west of I-35 near Katie (SW of Wynnewood).
— NWS Norman (@NWSNorman) May 10, 2016
RELATED: Two killed by tornadoes in southern Oklahoma near Oklahoma City Monday
Tornadoes that touched down in Oklahoma late Monday afternoon are also responsible for claiming two lives.
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