A tornado tore through Barnsdall, a small city in northeast Oklahoma, causing widespread destruction to homes, trees, and power lines. The nearby city of Bartlesville also faced significant damage from the storm.
Reports indicate that the tornado struck the Hampton Inn in Bartlesville, resulting in substantial roof damage. Fortunately, initial reports suggest that most individuals at the site are unharmed.
Emergency responders faced challenges accessing affected areas due to traffic congestion and debris, hampering their efforts to assess injuries and provide assistance.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported damage to 30 to 40 homes in the Barnsdall area, with additional reports of a damaged nursing home and gas leaks. Emergency management authorities confirmed numerous injuries and extensive property damage in Barnsdall, with many individuals possibly trapped in their homes.
As search and rescue operations commenced, approximately 17,000 homes and businesses in Oklahoma were without power. The National Weather Service had issued warnings about the tornado’s approach, emphasizing its large and life-threatening nature.
The storm system also brought severe weather to other regions, with reports of tornadoes in northern Oklahoma and apple-sized hail in Kansas. This latest tornado comes as communities in Oklahoma continue recovery efforts from previous storms, adding to the challenges faced by residents and emergency services.
The entire week is forecasted to bring stormy weather across the United States, particularly affecting the eastern and southern regions. Meanwhile, floodwaters in southeastern Texas are receding after heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding and numerous rescues.