At least 11 people suffered injuries, and dozens of homes were damaged or destroyed after multiple tornadoes struck the Oklahoma City area on Sunday, Nov. 3. Authorities continued to assess the destruction on Sunday as rescue operations remained underway.
Officials issued tornado warnings early Sunday, including one for the University of Oklahoma’s Norman campus. One of the tornadoes touched down in Oklahoma City, where most of the injuries occurred. Local hospitals treated people for non-life-threatening injuries, according to authorities.
The Oklahoma City Fire Department rescued two adults trapped in an overturned mobile home and several others stranded in their cars due to flash flooding.
City officials reported that 39 structures were destroyed, 43 sustained major damage and 54 had minor damage. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency for six counties as damage assessments continued.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service said six to 12 tornadoes likely touched down in the area over four hours, starting around 11 p.m. Saturday.
Besides tornadoes, Oklahoma City also faced flash flooding and large hail.
Officials confirmed a tornado in southeast Oklahoma City had reached EF3 classification, with wind speeds reaching up to 165 miles per hour.
In the nearby town of Harrah, Oklahoma, officials reported significant damage. Some residents had to take shelter in a local casino.
The National Weather Service warned residents to stay alert since more storms could impact the Oklahoma City area.
Gov. Stitt reminded residents that Red Cross shelters are open and state resources are available to help those in need. The state emergency center remains activated.
For those concerned about voting access, Stitt assured that polling stations would be open on Election Day and that power would be restored as soon as possible to support voting.
