Tornadoes devastate Oklahoma amid threat of severe storms from Missouri to Texas

Miranda Nazzaro

Numerous tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma and other parts of the Midwest over the weekend, leveling homes and buildings as severe storms continue to threaten the region.

Dozens of tornadoes began Friday in at least six states, with twisters hitting multiple parts of Oklahoma, including Davenport and Sulphur late Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Norman, Okla.

The tornadoes brought strong winds, large hail and excessive rainfall on Saturday, leaving downed power lines and chunks of concrete in the roadways, local officials added.

Images and videos of the damage circulated on social media Sunday morning, showing a series of destroyed buildings and flooded roads scattered with bricks and wooden beams.

An estimated 11,300 power outages were also reported Saturday night, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management added. Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company said on Sunday that about 28,000 customers were without service.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said injuries were reported, though the number of individuals impacted remains unclear. At least one vehicle accident occurred, officials added.

By about 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, the primary threat shifted from tornadoes to flash flooding and drivers were advised to avoid flooded roadways, the National Weather Service said.

Tornadoes and severe weather also touched down in Iowa and Nebraska over the weekend while millions in parts of Texas, Kansas and Wisconsin were in the path of severe storms, NBC News reported.

The storms were expected to push eastward across the southern Plains overnight Sunday, CNN reported. More than 7 million in an 800-mile stretch from Texas to southern Wisconsin were under tornado watches early Sunday, the outlet added.

Courtesy: thehill