Weather
Confirmed Tornado Near Owasso, Oklahoma Moves Toward Collinsville as Emergency Crews Respond
A confirmed tornado touched down near Owasso, Oklahoma, on the north side of Tulsa Friday evening and was moving toward Collinsville, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Tulsa.
Meteorologists reported that the tornado was first confirmed near U.S. Highway 169 and 96th Street North on the west side of Owasso.
The storm system continued tracking north to northeast, placing several nearby communities in its projected path.
Authorities warned residents in Owasso, Collinsville, Turley, Sperry, and surrounding areas to take immediate shelter as the tornado moved through populated neighborhoods.
Officials emphasized that residents should already be in a secure location rather than attempting to travel to one, as conditions were rapidly deteriorating.
Emergency responders reported significant damage in areas between Mohawk Boulevard and 46th Street North, particularly in neighborhoods located between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Lewis Avenue.
Officials cautioned that numerous roads may be blocked due to debris, downed power lines, and other storm-related hazards.
Multiple emergency agencies, including the Tulsa Fire Department, EMSA, the Tulsa Police Department, and additional law enforcement units, were dispatched to assist with rescue operations and assess damage in affected areas.
Early response efforts were concentrated near the intersection of MLK Boulevard and Mohawk Boulevard and extending northeast toward Turley.
Local warning systems were activated as the storm approached populated areas. Tornado sirens sounded across parts of southwestern Owasso after those areas were included in an active tornado warning.
Weather officials also noted that tornado-warned storms were entering the Tulsa metropolitan area, increasing the urgency for residents to seek shelter.
The National Weather Service reiterated that a Tornado Emergency designation is reserved for situations in which a powerful tornado is ongoing and moving toward densely populated areas, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
At approximately 6:37 p.m., meteorologists confirmed the tornado remained on the ground on the north side of Tulsa and continued tracking toward Owasso and Collinsville. A tornado warning was issued for Owasso and surrounding communities, with severe weather alerts expected to remain in effect across the region through the evening hours.
Residents were urged to remain weather-aware, monitor trusted weather sources for updates, and be prepared to execute their shelter plans immediately if warnings were extended.
Emergency officials said response and damage assessments were ongoing, and they encouraged the public to avoid affected areas so first responders can continue rescue and recovery efforts safely.
Thoughts and prayers were expressed for those impacted as crews worked to assist residents and secure affected neighborhoods.
POINT COMFORT, Texas โ Powerful thunderstorms swept across parts of the Texas Gulf Coast, producing extreme wind gusts that caused significant destruction in Point Comfort and surrounding areas, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
A WeatherFlow HurrNet station recorded a peak wind gust of 119 miles per hour in Point Comfort, indicating a highly destructive wind eventโlikely a downburst associated with a line of severe thunderstorms that moved through the region.
Nearby communities also experienced intense conditions, with wind gusts reaching 77 mph in Palacios, Texas.
Widespread Storm Damage Reported
Preliminary reports indicate extensive damage stretching from near Coleto Creek Reservoir southeast through Point Comfort and toward Port OโConnor.
Residents and storm observers described scenes of severe impact consistent with extreme straight-line winds.
Reported damage includes:
- Downed power lines and widespread power outages across Point Comfort
- Large transmission towers toppled or severely damaged
- Trees uprooted or snapped at the base, with some falling onto homes
- Metal structures and roofing materials torn from buildings
- Vehicles, including trucks and boats, overturned by strong winds
- Billboards destroyed and outdoor infrastructure heavily damaged
One eyewitness described winds โeasily exceeding 100 mph,โ noting that debris, including large pieces of metal, was ripped from nearby buildings.
Additional reports suggest that a semi-truck parked at an industrial site was flipped, further underscoring the intensity of the wind event.
Possible Downburst Under Investigation
Meteorologists believe the damage pattern is consistent with a downburst, a powerful column of sinking air that spreads outward upon reaching the ground, producing intense and localized wind damage.
However, the National Weather Service has confirmed that a formal damage survey will be conducted to determine the exact cause.
Community Urged to Share Information
Officials are asking residents to submit photos, videos, and damage reports, including locations and estimated times, to assist with the ongoing assessment.
This information will help meteorologists better understand the stormโs impact and confirm whether the event was solely caused by straight-line winds or involved additional severe weather factors.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Emergency crews and utility workers are actively responding to restore power and clear debris as residents begin recovery efforts.
Authorities continue to urge caution in affected areas due to downed lines, unstable structures, and hazardous debris.
This severe weather event highlights the destructive potential of fast-moving thunderstorm systems and the importance of staying alert during rapidly changing weather conditions.