CNN
—
Tornadoes and flooding spawned by severe thunderstorms tore through parts of Oklahoma overnight, leaving at least six people injured and shredding homes and other properties.
Residents in Oklahoma and Texas are bracing for more severe weather Sunday, including possible tornadoes, flash floods, hail, and strong winds. The National Weather Service issued warnings for parts of both states Sunday afternoon.
The weather service advised residents near Crowell, Texas, to seek shelter as a severe thunderstorm with winds up to 70 mph approached.
Six people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after the storms overnight, said Valerie Littlejohn, public information officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department.
Several structures were damaged in the area, along with power lines, trees, gas lines, traffic signals, and traffic signs, she said.
National Weather Service teams are surveying the damage Sunday, including in the town of Valley Brook, Harrah, and Newcastle where the storms caused severe destruction.
About 41,000 customers in Oklahoma and Texas were without power Sunday afternoon, according to PowerOutage.us.
Tornadoes were reported just east of Oklahoma City, and tornado and thunderstorm warnings were in place through early morning in the Oklahoma City area, the weather service said.
“Folks, don’t let your guard down too much – we’re already starting to see the atmosphere begin to recover ahead of yet another round of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, flooding, and potential severe weather today,” the weather service said in a post on X.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said it is monitoring the severe weather.
First responders rescued two people trapped inside an overturned mobile home after the storms hit, according to the Oklahoma City Fire Department. They also responded to several vehicles that were flooded due to heavy rainfall, according to the department’s public information officer Scott Douglas.
Around 1:20 a.m., the weather service warned a severe thunderstorm with a tornado was moving through eastern Oklahoma City towards Midwest City and Tinker Air Force Base. A tornado warning was issued for over 300,000 people in Moore, Midwest City, and Del City.
“I was awake, and I heard it pick up very quickly,” Justin Cue describing the moment a possible tornado struck his father’s home overnight, leaving him with minor injuries from flying glass and debris.
Cue’s father, who moved to Oklahoma City from Kansas about two years ago, was also injured when the roof collapsed on him.
“He was unconscious for a brief time and we weren’t sure he was okay,” Cue said.
When the pair was able to get out of the home around 1:30 am, Cue said neighbors were yelling and helping get people out of the rubble until first responders arrived.
The University of Oklahoma told students and staff on its Norman campus to “Seek shelter NOW inside the building you are in. Move to lowest floor/interior.”
Nighttime tornadoes are more than twice as deadly as daytime ones, research shows. Nocturnal tornadoes are difficult to spot in the darkness and those sleeping may not be aware that danger is near.
There’s heightened concern over the tornado threat this week given how prolific a year it has been for twisters in the US. The number of tornadoes reported so far this year is the second-most on record, trailing only 2011’s 2,156.
Violent thunderstorms are most common in spring and summer, but a second surge of dangerous storms and tornadoes happens during fall and winter as cold air from the north often collides with warmer, moist air streaming out of the Gulf of Mexico.
Interview Title: Weathering the Storm: Experts Weigh In on the Recent Severe Weather Events
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today. We’ve seen some extreme weather recently in Oklahoma and Texas, resulting in injuries and significant property damage. Can you give us an overview of what happened?
Weather Expert (WE): Certainly. Last night, severe thunderstorms brought tornadoes and heavy flooding to parts of Oklahoma and Texas. Reports indicate that at least six people were injured, and many structures, including homes and essential utilities, were heavily damaged. The National Weather Service had issued warnings ahead of time, indicating the potential seriousness of the storms.
TNE: That’s quite alarming. What can residents expect moving forward, especially those in the affected areas?
WE: Unfortunately, the storm system is not finished. The National Weather Service has advised that conditions are still ripe for additional severe weather, including more tornadoes, flash floods, hail, and strong winds. Residents should remain vigilant and heed any warnings issued. The weather service specifically indicated that the atmosphere is recovering and could produce more storms today.
TNE: It’s important for people to stay safe. Can you describe the immediate impacts of the storms that have already occurred?
WE: Absolutely. As of this morning, about 41,000 customers were without power in Oklahoma and Texas. First responders have been busy, rescuing individuals trapped in overturned mobile homes and flooded vehicles. The damage assessment teams from the National Weather Service are out surveying areas, particularly in towns like Valley Brook, Harrah, and Newcastle, which faced severe destruction.
TNE: Those figures are quite sobering. Can you elaborate on the experience of individuals within the storm’s path, perhaps discussing the case of Justin Cue?
WE: Yes, Justin’s experience is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by these storms. He described how quickly conditions deteriorated as the storm approached and how he was injured by flying glass and debris when the tornado struck. His father also suffered injuries after the roof of their home collapsed. This highlights just how terrifying and destructive these weather events can be.
TNE: It’s heartbreaking to hear about injuries like that. What advice would you give to residents who find themselves in a similar situation in the future?
WE: Preparedness is key. Residents should have a plan and an emergency kit ready, including essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and a battery-operated radio. It’s vital to stay informed through reliable sources, such as the National Weather Service, and to seek shelter immediately when severe weather warnings are issued.
TNE: That’s invaluable information. As we continue to witness extreme weather patterns, do you believe climate change is a contributing factor?
WE: Yes, many climate scientists and meteorologists suggest that climate change can intensify weather patterns. Warmer temperatures can lead to increased moisture in the atmosphere, fueling more severe thunderstorms and varying weather conditions. While not every storm can be attributed directly to climate change, the overall trend suggests a greater frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
TNE: That’s a crucial point. As we wrap up, what steps can communities take to bolster their resilience against such weather disasters in the future?
WE: Communities need to invest in infrastructure improvements, emergency preparedness programs, and public awareness campaigns. It’s also essential for local governments to work with organizations to ensure that emergency services are well-equipped to respond effectively during such crises. Building a network of support within communities can also make a significant difference in preparedness and recovery.
TNE: Thank you for your insight into these critical issues. Let’s hope for calmer weather in the coming days and that residents remain safe and prepared.
WE: Thank you for having me. The safety of our communities is paramount, and staying informed is key to weathering any storm.