Weather
At least one killed after strong and dangerous tornado moved through Oklahoma City metro area
A powerful and dangerous storm system tore through the Oklahoma City metro area overnight on Saturday, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos.
Several tornadoes were reported to have touched down in southeastern Oklahoma City, severely impacting communities like Valley Brook, Del City, and Harrah.
The worst-hit area was Valley Brook, where homes were completely destroyed, prompting urgent search and rescue operations early Sunday morning.
Emergency responders and residents worked side-by-side, pulling people from their destroyed homes and guiding them to safer shelters, fearing additional tornadoes might follow.
Tragically, one fatality has been confirmed, and several others sustained serious injuries. Reports detail scenes of devastation, with houses demolished, vehicles tossed around, and residents trapped amid widespread gas leaks.
In Oklahoma City, six people were reported injured and required hospital treatment.
According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, five of these injuries were concentrated in one specific area, though fortunately, none were life-threatening.
Southeastern Oklahoma City experienced multiple gas leaks, exacerbating the already hazardous conditions.
Across Oklahoma City and Del City, the storm left power lines and large trees uprooted. As of early Sunday morning, over 35,000 residents were without power.
The City of Choctaw’s mayor, Chad Allcox, posted an update on Facebook early Sunday morning:
Please keep the City of Choctaw, OK and Town of Harrah in your thoughts and prayers. Significant damage has been reported in both locations. Thank you to our staff, and first responders for working through the night.
This is the beginning of a few days of historical rain amounts and severe storms. Please be careful traveling the roads around the metro and the City of Choctaw. Our city crew are out working to shut down areas of high water throughout the night.
Oklahoma City police have urged residents to avoid southeastern Oklahoma City while recovery and repair efforts continue.
Weather
At least 15 killed so far in St. Lucie County after tornado outbreak
Sheriff Pearson stated that well over 100 homes throughout the county have been lost due to the severe weather.
A series of powerful tornadoes swept through St. Lucie County on Wednesday, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and widespread damage.
The tornadoes touched down around 4:30 PM as Hurricane Milton approached the Florida coast.
First responders are currently conducting search and rescue operations and recovery efforts in the affected areas.
Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed multiple deaths at the Spanish Lakes Country Club, a senior community located near Fort Pierce.
Seven locations in St. Lucie County suffered significant damage:
- Spanish Lakes Country Club
- Portofino Shores
- Holiday Pines
- Lakewood Park
- South Florida Logistics Center 95
- Sunnier Palms Park and Campground
- St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office garage
Emergency officials are urging residents to stay off the roads and remain indoors until it is safe to leave.
A video posted on St. Lucie County’s official Facebook page shows a tornado ripping through a parking lot in the area of Orange Avenue and South Rock Road.
At least 15 people are killed so far in St. Lucie County after tornado outbreak. Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed multiple people were killed at the Spanish Lakes Country Club, a senior community off Spanish Lakes Boulevard near Fort Pierce. pic.twitter.com/jDITBprZVz— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) October 10, 2024
St. Lucie County has opened an additional emergency shelter at Fort Pierce Central High School for displaced residents.
Dozens of agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, are assisting in the response efforts.
Sheriff Pearson stated that well over 100 homes throughout the county have been lost due to the severe weather.
The state has deployed approximately 100 search and rescue personnel to aid local agencies.
State officials confirmed 126 tornado warnings, with 19 confirmed touchdowns. At least five of the seven reported tornadoes in Broward, Palm Beach, and Treasure Coast counties have been confirmed through photographic or video evidence.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued 98 tornado warnings on Wednesday afternoon, with the Miami office issuing a record 55 of those warnings.
The NWS will be conducting storm surveys to determine the strength of the tornadoes, but no preliminary EF-Scale ratings have been assigned as of Thursday morning.
Kevin Guthrie, the director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, said that multiple task forces are headed to the affected areas. He also stated that approximately 125 homes were destroyed statewide, primarily mobile homes in senior communities.