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NWS Tulsa gives Claremore tornado initial EF-2 rating, officials talk recovery efforts

Posted at 9:08 AM, May 26, 2024

CLAREMORE, Okla. — Severe storms injured 23 people in Claremore overnight Saturday.

Officials said three of those injuries could be life-threatening, and 19 people are being treated at area hospitals.

First responders are assessing the damage, including downed trees, power lines and damage to homes and buildings.

Most roadways in Claremore are open to residents who need to check on family members, but access may be restricted in more heavily damaged areas.

Claremore is establishing a curfew on May 26 at 10 p.m. and runs through 6 a.m. May 27 to allow crews to continue repair and recovery efforts.

WATCH: Claremore City Manager John Feary and Rogers County Commissioner Dan Delozier provide updates:

CLAREMORE TORNADO MEETING 3 P.M.

The National Weather Service Tulsa survey team found EF2 tornado damage in Claremore. They said they are still surveying, and the rating could change.

The KOA Campground in Claremore was badly damaged by last night's tornado.

WATCH: 2 News' Karen Larsen spoke with a Pennsylvania couple who was staying at the campground and people who live there:

IT WAS A DIRECT HIT: Tornado hits Claremore campground

WATCH: 2 News Anchor Justin Fischer talked to volunteers helping after the storm:

Closer look at damage in Claremore

The city is encouraging any volunteer agencies to check in at the Claremore Expo Center at 400 S. Veterans Parkway.

The Red Cross established a respite and resource center at Memorial Heights Baptist Church (1500 W. Will Rogers Blvd). Mobile units are delivering food and water, and cleanup kits. The public can call 800-Red-Cross to request services.

The Red Cross is providing supplies and meals until 7 p.m. today at these locations.

  • Old Atwoods, 680 S Lynn Riggs Blvd in Claremore
  • Redeemer Lutheran Church, 220 N Seminole in Claremore

Mercy Chefs is in Claremore to help provide relief and help feed those who need it.

They'll be located at Claremore Christian School, located at 1055 W. Blue Starr Dr.

After noon, only residents with an I.D. will be allowed to enter Claremore until further notice.

Power is out across the entire city due to the impact on all four substations. Crews from GRDA and Claremore Power & Light are onsite working to repair the damage.

Claremore's water treatment plant and sanitary sewer treatment plants are working.

There is no fuel available in Claremore. Those who need fuel will need to access from surrounding cities as the city does not have power.

The public works department is working on a plan to clear debris.

Click here to report damage to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management.

“City and county officials are actively working rescue and repair operations and collaborating with local and state officials to address citizen’s needs,” said John Feary, Claremore City Manager and Dan Delozier, Rogers County Commissioner

Members of the emergency response team are currently assessing the damage, and we will share updates as they are available.


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