In which counties has a state of emergency been declared due to tornadoes?
Tornadoes are sweeping through the state of Oklahoma. Here’s the latest on which counties have seen an emergency situation declared.
Oklahoma has seen two people killed, one of them a child, due to the tornadoes that have swept through the state as the ferocious weather continues. An executive order was activated on Sunday declaring a state of emergency in 12 counties.
“My prayers are with those who lost loved ones as tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma last night,” Gov. Kevin Stitt said in a statement.
Which Oklahoma counties are in a state of emergency?
The governor, further to his message of condolence, issued the executive order declaring the emergency in Carter, Cotton, Garfield, Hughes, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Murray, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Payne and Pontotoc counties.
“Due to impacts from severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, hail, and flooding beginning April 27, 2024 including extensive damage to power lines and infrastructure, it is necessary to assist and expedite all efforts of relief,” Stitt said in the executive order.
Emergency crews are assessing damage to homes as a result of the high winds, hail and flooding. The emergency services are also working to clear the damage from cut power lines; over 32,000 are without power.
Wild weather:
In Oklahoma, a tornado ripped through Holdenville, a town of about 5,000 people, late on Saturday, killing two people and injuring four others, authorities said.
As well as the tornadoes, flood watches and warnings were put into action on Sunday for Oklahoma and other states including Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Texas.