Cleanup underway after tornadoes kill 4, injure 300 others over weekend in Oklahoma: What we know

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Cleanup efforts continue after this weekend's tornadoes ravaged Oklahoma, killing four people, injuring 100 others and leaving behind destruction in several communities.Authorities are still assessing damage. Below is what we know about Oklahoma's tornado outbreak on April 27.DeathsAuthorities confirmed that at least four people died because of Saturday night's tornado outbreak across Oklahoma. Hughes County Emergency management has confirmed early Sunday morning that two people, including a 4-month-old, had died. The child died after an overnight search. The 4-month-old was eventually found and taken to a hospital but did not make it. The adult Holdenville victim was identified as Jimmy Johnson.Officials said a search-and-rescue mission was underway Sunday morning at a sports bar in downtown Sulphur. Oklahoma Highway Patrol says at least one person was unaccounted for. During a news conference, Gov. Kevin Stitt confirmed that a woman's body was removed from the debris near a bar in downtown Sulphur. The victim has been identified as Sheila Goodman.The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Oklahoma Highway Patrol officials confirmed a man in a semi-trailer died after the storms knocked over the vehicle on Interstate 35 in Marietta. An Oklahoma Highway Patrol collision report did not release the man's name. Number of injuries reportedThe Oklahoma Department of Emergency management said the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported almost 300 injuries. Below is a breakdown of injuries reported to Oklahoma hospitals.1 Burn62 Cut/Pierce77 Falls7 Poisoning 59 Struck by or Against56 Transportation Related34 OtherNumber of tornadoesThe National Weather Service say an initial survey confirmed that at least 22 tornadoes touched down during the state's outbreak on Saturday. The NWS continues to survey reported tornadoes, and that number may increase. An EF-3 tornado was confirmed in Sulphur. Further investigation is necessary to determine if the rating will go higher, according to the National Weather Service. In Marietta, preliminary reports rated the tornado an EF-4, but it could be higher. An EF-0 was reported in both Stillwater and Newkirk. The National Weather Service says the Marietta tornado is the first tornado to produce EF-4 damage in Oklahoma since May 9, 2016.Storm damage has been reported from northern Oklahoma down to the Red River. Gov. Kevin Stitt declares state of emergencyGov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Carter, Cotton, Garfield, Hughes, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Murray, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Payne and Pontotoc counties. "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," Stitt said in the executive order. The state of emergency will remain in effect for 30 days. "My prayers are with those who lost loved ones as tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma last night. Thank you to Oklahoma Emergency Management and those who have worked through the night to keep Oklahomans safe and have worked to clear debris and assess damage," Stitt said in a statement on the tornadoes. How you can help tornado victimsKOCO 5 is helping to support the Red Cross as they provide resources to those in need following the tornado outbreak and as they work around the clock to help survivors get back on their feet.Anyone who would like to donate can click here.Also, BancFirst announced an initial donation of $250,000 to Sulphur, and a similar fund will soon be established in Marietta.Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief also activated to help with cleanup efforts and provide hundreds of meals on Sunday. Victims in need of assistance can request it at www.okdisasterhelp.org.Individuals looking for ways to help can make donations to Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief to help storm victims and relief efforts at www.okdisasterhelp.org/donate.The Salvation Army is also providing first responders in Murray County with meals.Red Cross storm sheltersThe American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Crossway Church, located at 2108 W. Broadway Ave. in Sulphur. The Murray County Sheriff's Office also designated the church as a reunification center for people looking for loved ones.Everyone is welcome at the Red Cross shelter, and they said 25 residents stayed overnight. Red Cross is also opening another shelter in Ardmore on Sunday at the Christ Community Church, which is located at 2620 Mount Washington Road. Walmart Foundation ReliefWalmart and the Walmart Foundation have committed $250,000 in product donations and grants to organizations providing relief in Oklahoma, Nebraska and Iowa.In Sulphur, the Walmart-funded Operation BBQ Relief mobile kitchen will provide meals on April 30 and May 1 at the Walmart Supercenter at 2705 Broadway Ave. Meal distribution will be at noon and 4 p.m. while supplies last.Response from lawmakersOklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt held a news conference in Sulphur, where he said the damage was the most extensive he has seen since becoming governor. Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole released a statement on the tornadoes that ripped through the state. "My thoughts are with those who have been affected by or have suffered a loss as a result of the terrible tornadoes that swept through Oklahoma last night. I would also like to thank our first responders who have been on the ground responding so nobly. My office and I are monitoring the situation closely and will help to ensure that the necessary assistance is made available," Cole said. Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, who also spoke at a news conference alongside Stitt in Sulphur, released a statement on the storms. "My prayers go out to the citizens of Sulphur, all of Murray County and those across the State of Oklahoma affected by the severe weather this weekend. As our neighbors survey the damage and begin to rebuild, my office is available to provide individuals and businesses with guidance on how to access necessary resources. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can provide assistance throughout the cleanup and rebuilding process," McCall said. State Superintendent Ryan Walters said he is implementing a full-scale response to Saturday night's storms. "I have directed the full resources of our agency to provide operational and academic support to all districts affected by last night's storms," said Walters in a statement. "Oklahomans are strong and resilient people. My prayers are with our people, and our actions will support them. My office will do everything possible to help our friends, neighbors, and students through this time of crisis."OSDE is in contact with affected districts around the state to: Provide waivers or extensions for testing, expedite claims, provide exemptions for any requirements, and extend any deadlines necessary. Make available the OSDE crisis response team to any district needing additional support or resources. Deploy additional OSDE staff to substitute in districts with teachers who need to attend to any personal losses and challenges. Reach out to families who receive support from SoonerStart to ensure continuity of services for infants and toddlers. Utilize any other OSDE resources to be made available to students and districts in need.Price gouging law in effectOklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced the Emergency Price Stabilization Act is in effect in the 12 counties hit hard by the weekend's storms. The law prohibits an increase of more than 10% for the price of goods and services to help protect citizens from unfair price hikes. "Our prayers are with the communities that have experienced such tragic loss and now face the hard work of recovery," Drummond said in a statement. "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 citizens should be on the lookout for contractor fraud in the impacted areas and to report suspected fraud by calling 833-681-1895. OG&E updateAs of noon on Monday, OG&E officials said power has been restored to 99% of customers who can take power. An estimated 500 customers remain without service, and power will be restored to their homes are able to take power.OG&E officials said this weekend's storm damage included more than 350 broken poles. So far, 500 cross arms, 75 transformers and more than 60,000 feet of overhead line have been replaced.OG&E customers are advised to:Assume any downed power line is hazardous and may be energized. Stay away from them and anything they are touching. Please do not drive over a downed power line. Report a downed power line by calling 800-522-6870. The public should avoid areas impacted by the storms so crews can work safely and quickly to restore power to customers who are without service. As tree limbs are cleared that are interfering with power lines or have damaged equipment, OG&E vegetation crews will take tree and brush debris from the customer's yard to the curb but are unable to remove this debris from the customer's property. OG&E customers can quickly report and monitor outages: As crews restore power, it may be necessary to gain access to your property. Please ensure OG&E crews have access and that you secure any animals. Customers need to be able to take power at their homes and businesses and may need a certified electrician to repair a weather head, meter base, or service cable.Use our free mobile app to submit a report (available on iOS and Android)Submit a report online at OGE.com/outagesText OUT to 32001 if signed up for myOGEalertsCall 405-272-9595 (OKC metro) or 800-522-6870 (all other areas)School ClosuresSulphur Public Schools announced that classes will be canceled on Tuesday as storm recovery. The district said they expect another update Tuesday on re-opening the schools.