At least 5 killed after tornadoes strike central US states
Multiple tornadoes tore through the central US, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals, including a four-month-old baby. The storms, which began on Friday, caused extensive damage and left tens of thousands without power.
Four fatalities occurred in Oklahoma, where a state of emergency was declared in twelve counties. In Iowa, a separate storm system claimed a fifth life, as reported by local media.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said a preliminary investigation had confirmed some of Saturday’s tornadoes had gusts of above 136 miles (218km) an hour.
The storms – which swept from Texas to Missouri – also saw up to seven inches (18cm) of rain fall in some places within hours, the AFP news agency reported.
The town of Sulphur, in eastern Oklahoma, was hit particularly hard. Video of the aftermath showed flattened homes and overturned vehicles. Around 100 people were injured.
The towns of Holdenville and Marietta were also badly damaged.
The speaker of the Oklahoma State House of Representatives, Charles McCall, insisted that the affected areas would recover.
Tornadoes in Oklahoma last night
🚨#BREAKING: New Footage shows the catastrophic aftermath in downtown Sulphur, Oklahoma, which has been severely destroyed by multiple large and violent tornadoes that took place during tonight's tornado outbreak in Oklahoma pic.twitter.com/hguUtxTByf
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 28, 2024