A severe storm system swept through the heartland on Sunday, spawning multiple tornadoes across four states and resulting in at least five confirmed deaths, including that of a 4-month-old child in Oklahoma. Emergency officials reported significant damage in Hughes County, Oklahoma, where four people were killed in storms that struck Holdenville. Additionally, one person died from storm-related injuries at a sports bar in Sulphur, with at least 30 others injured in the area.
Governor J. Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency in 12 Oklahoma counties as the National Weather Service confirmed at least EF3 tornadoes in Sulphur and Marietta. President Joe Biden offered federal support to Governor Stitt in the aftermath of the tornadoes.
In Iowa, a man injured during a tornado in Minden on Friday has succumbed to his injuries. The tornado, which tore through Pottawattamie County, destroyed 40 to 50 homes, leaving half the town devastated. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds toured the area on Sunday and activated emergency policies.
As communities grappled with the aftermath of the devastating twisters, a new tornado watch was issued for portions of eastern Texas, with two funnel clouds confirmed near Rosebud and Freestone. This marked the third day of severe weather outbreaks across the heartland, with more than 22 million people under threat of violent storms.
Holdenville, a town of about 6,000 people, suffered a violent tornado late Saturday, prompting search and rescue efforts. A Holdenville family recounted the loss of their home and the tragic death of their infant relative.
Sulphur, Oklahoma, also faced destruction, with buildings destroyed and debris scattered for miles. Several businesses, including Pamper Me Boutique, were severely damaged, leaving owners uncertain about rebuilding.
Throughout the region, tornadoes were reported in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska, with nearly 120 tornado reports in the last two days. The National Weather Service teams were working to confirm reports, noting an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms on Sunday, with Nebraska enduring the strongest tornadoes confirmed on Saturday.
While widespread damage was reported in the Elkhorn neighborhood of Omaha, no fatalities were reported in Nebraska. However, the area suffered extensive property damage.
Another tornado emergency was issued for Knox City, Texas, with baseball-sized hail reported. Storms are forecast to continue across the region, with a flood watch in effect for a large area, urging residents to exercise caution.
