TULSA, Okla. — The 2 News Oklahoma Severe Weather team tracked a line of severe storms across eastern Oklahoma.
See Governor Kevin Stitt's full press conference in Sulphur
2 News' coverage of the damage in Sulphur
2 News' coverage of the damage in Wagoner
2 News' coverage of the damage in North Holdenville
2 News coverage from Morris
GALLERY: Marietta Storm Damage Photos
9:45 p.m.
As of 9 p.m. Sunday, OG&E crews had restored the power to more than 40,000 customers. Only 5,500 people were without power after Saturday's storms.
3:45 p.m.
Sulphur Public Schools Superintendent Matt Holder released a statement on Facebook talking about the impact of last night's storms.
3:05 p.m.
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, 100 injuries have been reported since last night.
There are multiple state EMS search and rescue teams, as well as Homeland Security, on hand.
The American Red Cross of Oklahoma has a shelter in Sulphur at Crossway First Baptist Church Sulphur and is opening another shelter in Admore at Christ Community Church Admore.
STORM REPORTS
Hughes County EMS reported 14 homes are damaged or destroyed in Holdenville. All lanes of SH-48 are closed due to severe weather clean-up. The Muskogee Creek Nation is helping with clean-up.
Love County EMS reported damage in and around Marietta, including the hospital.
Wagoner County EMS reported downed power lines, people trapped in cars, ditches and motels. There was also damage to structures, including an apartment complex with its roof ripped off.
2:45 p.m.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond announces price gouging law for 12 counties.
The law, also referred to as the price gouging statute, prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent in the price of goods and services and helps protect citizens from unfair price hikes.
Drummond warned that anyone who violates the Act will face legal consequences.
“Our prayers are with the communities that have experienced such tragic loss and now face the hard work of recovery,” Drummond said. “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.”
Drummond said anyone who suspects contractor fraud can call 833-681-1895 to report it.
1:30 p.m.
Governor Kevin Stitt provided an update on the injuries and deaths after the storm.
Six people are dead: one in Marietta, two in Holdenville and one in Sulphur.
More than 30 are injured in Sulphur. State FEMA teams are on hand and providing relief.
Stitt thanked President Biden for providing immediate relief and said in his six years as governor, this is the most damage he has seen from a tornado.
To report any damage, please do so on the state's website.
Stitt also said there are Red Cross Shelters in place; 25 families stayed there last night, and he expects more families tonight.
Oklahoma State Speaker Charles McCall said they can still get something passed if the towns need appropriations.
Preliminary reports think the tornado was an F-3.
11:45 a.m.
As of 11:45 a.m., OG&E estimates nearly 24,000 customers were without power after last night's storms, but 22,000 had their power restored.
More than 700 personnel are traveling from Missouri, Texas and Louisiana to assist in the restoration of power.
8 a.m.
Oklahoma Emergency Management said two people, one an infant, died as storms moved through Holdenville.
- GALLERY: Storm Damage in Holdenville
In Sulphur buildings have been leveled and people are not allowed back in the area.
- GALLERY: Storm Damage in Sulphur
Governor Kevin Stitt declared a State of Emergency for 12 counties hit hard by the storms.
"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 declaration temporarily suspends requirements for size and weight permits of oversized vehicles transporting materials and supplies critical to recovery efforts, emergency relief, and power restoration.
This is in effect for 30 days.
Counties included: Carter, Cotton, Garfield, Hughes, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Murray, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Payne, and Pontotoc.
PHOTOS from Chief Meteorologist Michael Seger stormchasing April 27th.
2:23 a.m.
The Red Cross is opening a shelter at Crossway Church, 2108 W Broadway in Sulphur. Murray County Sheriff's Office has designated this site as a reunification center.
Remember: Everyone is welcome at a Red Cross shelter and all disaster assistance is free.
1:45 a.m.
Someone shared this video of the storm in Haskell with 2 News
12:47 a.m.
The City of Tulsa is urging people to take precautions due to flooding concerns as the tornado threat lessens in Tulsa.
"As the storm moves through the #Tulsa area, please try to shelter in place until it passes. If you have to be out, please drive cautiously. Avoid driving through standing water on the roadway as the stormwater system works to move the heavy rain off the roadway. #TurnAroundDontDrown #SafetyFirst #okwx"
OG&E reports 28,000 without power in southern and northwest Oklahoma.
PSO reports 2,863 customers without power in northeast Oklahoma.
11:10 p.m.
Oklahoma Emergency Management sent an update after the line of storms moved through western Oklahoma. The emergency operations center is activated due to the storms.
That means OEM is in contact with emergency managers, agencies and organizations to start mobilizing resources.
STORM REPORTS
- Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) reports injuries and power lines down in Carter County at the Flying J trick stop on Michelin Road. OHP reports additional injuries in Sulphur.
- 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. US 81 is closed near Elder Ave. due to flooding.
- Garfield County Emergency Management reports two homes damaged in the Hillsdale area.
- Grant County Emergency Management reports numerous trees damaged or down.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
REPORTING DAMAGE
Anyone impacted by the storms can report damages to their property at damage.ok.gov. Reporting damage helps local and state emergency managers better coordinate response and recovery efforts. People can report damage to homes, businesses or agriculture through the online survey.
