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Tornadoes early Sunday damaged hundreds of structures

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Tornadoes early Sunday damaged hundreds of structures

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Editor’s note: This article was for Sunday’s severe weather conditions. For the latest updates please click the link below Monday storms in Oklahoma City area.

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Multiple dangerous tornadoes formed in Oklahoma early Sunday morning, causing significant damage around the state, including near Tinker Air Force Base, in Harrah and other parts of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

Another severe weather threat began Sunday afternoon across the state. Some thunderstorms that started in the early afternoon in the Oklahoma City area weakened in the evening hours.

Much of south-central Oklahoma was under a tornado watch until 8 p.m. Sunday, according to officials. National Weather Service in Norman.

NWS said Damaging straight line winds, tornadoes and large hail may be possible.

Weather warnings: Tornado watch, tornado warnings issued

Live radar Oklahoma weather

Gov. Kevin Stitt held a news conference Sunday afternoon in southwest OKC, where he said he was declaring an emergency in six counties affected by the storms.

Stitt said at least 100 homes were damaged statewide.

One of the state’s main priorities will be reauthorizing polling places ahead of Tuesday’s election.

“If there are any issues with polling stations, we will notify the public and reroute people if necessary,” Stitt said.

-Jana Hayes

The National Weather Service issued the following EF ratings for three tornadoes:

  • Sooner Road tornado, formerly known as Valley Brook tornado, is rated EF3 but analysis is ongoing
  • Comanche (Stephens County) tornado rated at least EF2
  • Tornado Harrah is preliminary rated EF3 as investigation continues

-Jana Hayes

Tornado warnings were issued for Yukon and Woodlawn Park, as well as Chickasha, Blanchard and Dibble until 3:45 p.m.

-Jana Hayes

Severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings were increasing in southwestern Oklahoma Sunday afternoon.

Tornado warnings included the towns of Manitou, Medicine Park, Meers and Boone.

-Jana Hayes

The National Weather Service announced Sunday afternoon that most south-central Oklahoma counties were under a tornado watch until 8 p.m.

-Jana Hayes

According to information from the city, dozens of structures were damaged or destroyed.

As of 13.30 on Sunday, the damage assessment teams in the city were given the following information:

  • 39 buildings were demolished
  • 43 buildings suffered major damage
  • 54 structures have minor damage

-Jana Hayes

The NWS said late Sunday morning that the tornado that occurred Sunday night near Harrah was at least a year old. EF-3.

Tornado damage near Newcastle will be rated at least EF-1.

-Ryan Sharp

Clocks, warnings and EF scale: How does the National Weather Service talk about tornadoes?

The NWS said Sunday afternoon’s storm timing appeared to be a little slower than initially thought.

The period most likely to experience severe weather in the Oklahoma City area, including heavy rain, hail and possibly tornadoes, is currently between 4pm and 8pm.

-Ryan Sharp

Some areas around Oklahoma City have seen more than 5 inches of rain in the past 24 hours.

according to Oklahoma MesonetAreas near Spencer (in eastern Oklahoma County) received 5.23 inches of rain as of 11 a.m. Sunday morning. Oklahoma City received 4.79 inches of rain.

The National Weather Service says areas around OKC can expect to see another 2-3 inches of rain by Monday night.

-Ryan Sharp

All lanes of eastbound and westbound US Highway 62/NE 23rd Street were closed between Peebly Road and the Kickapoo Turnpike in Eastern Oklahoma County due to storm damage.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation said in a statement Sunday morning that crews expected the closure to last several hours.

-Ryan Sharp

The National Weather Service reported that the tornado in the Valley Brook area on X was an EF-2 or perhaps larger.

“Research crews are surveying tornado damage today,” the NWS said. “So far we have detected at least EF-2 damage in Valley Brook.

Valley Brook is a small town surrounded by Oklahoma City, near SE 59 and S Eastern Avenue.

-Ryan Sharp

No deaths have been reported in the Oklahoma City area following early Sunday storms, Mayor David Holt said on Twitter Sunday morning.

“First responders quickly arrived on scene and are continuing their response,” Holt said on X (formerly Twitter).

“They report no deaths, some injuries and some serious damage to homes. Our thoughts are with our neighbors affected by this severe weather overnight.”

-Ryan Sharp

The Red Cross opened warming shelters for residents who did not have electricity or were displaced by the storm.

  • at Choctaw Elementary School Choctaw, 14663 NE 3third Street, Choctaw
  • Grand Casino, 777 Grand Casino Boulevard, Shawnee

Hillside Baptist Church, 333892 E 1040 Road in McCloud, also opened for residents affected by the storm.

-Ryan Sharp

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said at least 14 homes were damaged overnight.

A look at ODEM’s preliminary reports:

  • Garvin County: Four houses and several barns were damaged, as well as numerous utility poles and trees.
  • Lincoln County: Many structures were damaged in the southwestern corner of the district. Lots of flooded areas.
  • Oklahoma City: More than 10 homes were damaged in two areas, near SE 89 and Sooner Road and near SE 44 and Triple X Road. Southern Oklahoma Heart Hospital at Interstate 240 and Sooner Road was also damaged.
  • Stephens County: Multiple power poles and debris block the roads. At least one house had a damaged roof and a trailer overturned.
  • Tuzla District: Multiple power lines were down and a house fire broke out due to lightning.

-Ryan Sharp

In Stephens County, a sheriff’s office dispatcher said there were reports of downed power lines. Emergency personnel responded to the county to determine if there was further damage.

A News9 storm chaser shared images of the damage at Newcastle Elementary School.

The Oklahoma City Fire Department responded to reports of storm damage south of Tinker Air Force Base and near the Kickapoo Turnpike in far eastern Oklahoma County.

-Dale Denwalt

The National Weather Service said early Sunday morning the state would see Risk of severe weather continues on Sunday Intermittent thunderstorms occur in the afternoon and evening hours. Flooding will also be a threat.

Storms will leave the area on Monday.

-Dale Denwalt

Storm chaser Jordan Hall posted photos from Valley Brook, a small community in the southeast Oklahoma City area.

-Dale Denwalt

A tornado warning has been issued for Lincoln County, east of Oklahoma City. This includes Wellston.

-Dale Denwalt

National Weather Service updates

What to do during a tornado watch

Be prepared; Tornadoes are possible in and around the area specified in the shift. Be prepared to act quickly.

New News:How to prepare for a hurricane

What to do when there is a tornado warning

Take action now. A warning means someone has seen or reported a tornado by weather radar. Under a hurricane warning, there is imminent danger to life and property. Everyone should move to an inner room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows.

Live Oklahoma power outages map

See live updates on how weather affects OGE strength.

PSO power outage map

See live updates on how the weather is affecting PSO power.

Closings due to weather conditions

Keep track of school, church and event closings using the link below.

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