Oklahoma Tornadoes Kills Four

At least four people were killed when more than 22 tornadoes ripped across Oklahoma Saturday night. Although the entire scope of the storm system is unknown, authorities said damage from the storms has been reported from the state’s northern tier to the Red River. More than 100 people sustained injuries from minor cuts, falls,  and other unspecified injuries. Among the fatalities was a four-month-old child despite receiving medical care following an extensive search. A slew of tornadoes also hit Sulphur, Oklahoma, injuring 30 people.

Extensive Damage Statewide

While storm surveying remains in the early stages of investigation, authorities believe the number of confirmed tornado touchdowns could increase in the coming days. Damage was extensive in Sulphur, where numerous buildings were leveled or significantly damaged. Flying debris also impaled several vehicles as the carnage resembled a warzone instead of a natural weather event. Additionally, more than 14 homes were reportedly damaged or destroyed in Holdenville. Reports of flash flooding stymied rescue efforts amidst an already chaotic scene across the nation’s heartland. Although tornadoes are common in Oklahoma, no one was prepared for the level of carnage wreaked by the weekend storm.

Governor Declares State of Emergency Following Oklahoma Tornadoes

In a move that didn’t surprise anyone, Oklahoma’s Gov. Kevin Stitt has declared a state of emergency in a dozen counties and a price gouging law remains in effect. It’s sad that any executive order should exist given the innate altruistic nature of humanity, but other unscrupulous actors will always try to make a quick buck in the face of disaster. The grief-stricken residents of southern Oklahoma can only pick up the pieces of their tattered lives as they try to rebuild their closely-knit communities and move forward. While tornadoes are common in Oklahoma, the effects of widespread destruction left even seasoned storm veterans shaken to the core.

Superior Protection for Every Season

No state is inoculated from a tornado’s effects, as more than 1,200 tornadoes are touchdown in the United States annually. Midwestern residents should also take note of tornados’ propensity for destruction as the region is situated in the primary strike zone of Tornado Alley. Elephant Safe Rooms offers a variety of superior-rated storm shelters and tornado-safe rooms for homes, schools, offices, and public settings. Our panelized safe room kits are one of our most popular items and can be easily retrofitted into any existing floor plan with minimal disturbance to the surrounding infrastructure. Although conventional wisdom might suggest that only underground tornado bunkers offer suitable protection, our panelized steel shelters provide the same safeguards at a fraction of the price. We’ve also slashed prices in the lead-up to tornado season. Check our online catalog for the latest spring sales.