MADILL, Okla. (KFOR-TV) — Marshall County Emergency Management officials confirmed that at least two people are dead after a tornado touched down in the city of Madill Wednesday afternoon, according to KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol identified one of those people as 46-year-old Chad L. Weyant. OHP reports Weyant's 2012 Smart Car was struck by a tornado within Madill city limits.
Videos and photos show tornado damage throughout Madill. The tornado hit the town around 5 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Marshall County Emergency Management director Robert Chaney was out storm spotting when he saw the tornado come out of the clouds. He said it’s something they’ve seen before.
"Tornadoes are not new to us," he said. "But it’s been a while since we’ve had one touchdown through Marshall County.”
Two of the biggest businesses hit were J and I Manufacturing and Oklahoma Steel and Wire. The tornado damaged at least 12 homes, businesses and power lines and killed at least two people. Chaney said the county is resilient and they’re doing okay.
“Fortunately, we’re a very rural community," he said. "So, there was only just a handful of houses in the path of the storm as it came across Marshall County here.”
Marshall County Emergency Management is currently finishing up its search for the night and will continue assessing the damage Thursday morning. American Red Cross is providing help as well as Marshall County’s neighbors.
“As soon as word hit that there was a tornado on the ground, my phone started ringing from people in other counties, bordering counties saying we’ve got resources we’ll send them your way, what do you need," Chaney said.
The National Weather Service in Norman says the tornado was preliminary rated an EF-2, with wind speeds being between 111 and 135 mph.
Residents in the area shared photos and videos of the tornado on Twitter.
Screenshot of first tornado in Madill, OK pic.twitter.com/TW3FYPpzux
— Michael Stohs (@stohs44) April 22, 2020
Video from viewer, Chris Hood of the Madill tornado. One person has lost their life tonight. @kfor pic.twitter.com/d9sGJC4isA
— Taylor Adams (@TaylorAdams13) April 22, 2020
KFOR Viewer Chris Hood sent this video of a tornado that moved through Madill, OK. We are getting word that one person may have lost their life. #OKWX pic.twitter.com/Pm3Z2MCFLg
— Aaron Brackett (@Aaron_Brackett) April 22, 2020
This tornado just went through Madill, OK. Emergency management checking for damage and injuries! @kfor #OKWX https://t.co/wkbwlNkEsY
— Aaron Brackett (@Aaron_Brackett) April 22, 2020
Tornado went right through Madill, OK! #okwx @ReedTimmerAccu @JimCantore pic.twitter.com/qbf1AHAhnQ
— Dakota Wood (@DakotaWood_) April 22, 2020
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
