Tornadoes Pummel Central Oklahoma, 6 Dead

An estimated 15 to 20 tornadoes swept through central Oklahoma this afternoon, injuring many; there have been reports that six persons died in Oklahoma and Cleveland counties. Three died in the far eastern Cleveland County community of Stella on the Pottawatomie County line. The top photo was captured by KWTV.

One man in Oklahoma County died after a recreational vehicle rolled onto him, County Emergency Manager David Barnes said. A child died from flying debris near a Love's Store at Interstate 40 and Choctaw Road. Another person died after having a heart attack while entering a storm shelter; this death may not be counted as part of the offical death toll.

Acting State Emergency Manager Jerry Lojka said three people died near the community of Stella at SE 149th Street and Peebly Road in Cleveland County.

The Love's Truck Stop at Interstate 40 and Choctaw Road was destroyed; this photo from KFOR shows U-Haul vehicles that were parked there, picked up and tossed into the woods north of the station.

Norman reported severe damage, as did parts of Eastern Oklahoma County.

Governor Henry issued this statement: "We are working to coordinate state and local response efforts as the storms continue to move across the state. Many communities have already suffered damages and we are doing everything we can to deliver them the help they need. Emergency management officials, state troopers and other first responders are in the field and will remain there as long as assistance is needed.

“I’m urging all Oklahomans to stay aware of the changing weather conditions, monitor television and radio forecasts and move quickly to take appropriate tornado precautions if they believe they are in the path of a storm. If your community has already been impacted by a storm, please heed the warnings and directions of your local authorities, refrain from touring damaged areas and allow first responders to do their job.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all Oklahomans who have been impacted by the storms. We will be doing everything we can to help them in the hours and days to come.”

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