Tulsa Tornado and Oklahoma Severe Weather: 2 Dead, North Tulsa Devastated, Tornado Watch Still Active
A violent tornado outbreak has battered Tulsa, Bristow, Beggs, and communities across eastern and central Oklahoma Friday night into Saturday, killing at least two people and leaving widespread destruction across Green Country. A tornado watch remains in effect this morning for parts of eastern Oklahoma as cleanup begins.
Tornado Tulsa: North Tulsa Hit Hard Friday Night
Several tornado-warned storms struck the Tulsa metro Friday night. Widespread damage has been reported across North Tulsa. Tulsa Tech's Peoria Campus had its roof blown off. Large trees were uprooted, traffic signs blown over, and sheet metal scattered across streets. Power lines are also hanging over roads throughout affected neighborhoods.
Storm damage was reported north of downtown Tulsa near 36th Street North and Lewis Avenue. City crews worked through the night to assess damage and check roads and infrastructure. 36th Street North between Peoria Avenue and Lansing Avenue remains closed due to downed power lines and a gas leak.
More than 6,000 customers in Tulsa County were without power as of Friday night. Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols toured damage in North Tulsa Friday evening, stating there are no confirmed injuries in Tulsa itself but urging residents to stay home.
NWS Confirms Five Tornadoes in Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma
The National Weather Service in Tulsa confirmed five tornado reports across the Tulsa and eastern Oklahoma areas: 5:18 p.m. northwest of Bristow in Creek County, 6:28 p.m. in Tulsa, 6:39 p.m. near Okemah in Okfuskee County, and 6:54 p.m. near Collinsville in Rogers County. NWS survey teams will assess the damage to confirm the strength of each tornado in the coming days.
Two Dead in Beggs, Bristow Also Hit Hard
A mother and daughter were killed in their vehicle on Highway 60 in Major County when it was struck directly by a tornado. Investigators used a phone signal to locate the victims after the pair lost connection with a family member during the storm. The tornado also caused a semi rollover on Highway 412, about three miles of downed power lines, and structural damage in Cleo Springs.
A confirmed tornado touched down and caused damage in Bristow, Oklahoma. Damage was also reported at the Beggs Public Schools campus, located at 9th Street and Western Drive, where the district's elementary, middle and high school buildings are all situated.
Governor Stitt Declares Emergency for Eight Counties
Governor Kevin Stitt signed an executive order Saturday morning declaring a disaster emergency for Alfalfa, Creek, Grant, Major, Okmulgee, Rogers, Tulsa, and Wagoner counties.
The Oklahoma State Emergency Operations Center has been activated. Multiple agencies are coordinating response and recovery efforts statewide, including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma National Guard, and the National Weather Service.
Tornado Watch Still Active — What to Do Right Now
A tornado watch is in effect for eastern Oklahoma through 10 p.m. A few tornadoes are possible, and a couple could be strong. Large hail and damaging winds are also expected with some of these storms.
Flash flood warnings are active for Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Coweta, and Oneta. Authorities are urging all residents to turn around and not attempt to drive through flooded roadways.
If a tornado warning is issued in your area, move immediately to your lowest floor interior room, away from all windows, and cover yourself with a mattress or heavy blanket. Do not shelter under a bridge or overpass. Monitor the National Weather Service Tulsa for live updates throughout the day.
