The multi-day severe weather outbreak has left total devastation across the state of Oklahoma. For those residents of Arcadia and Shawnee who were impacted by Sunday’s tornadoes, we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. For those residents of Moore, OK who were impacted by Monday’s violent tornado, we are also keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. The devastation we have seen from this monster tornado has been indescribable. Current reports are saying that the death toll is still sitting at 24, with 9 of the deaths being children as two elementary schools took a direct hit. However, this is not set-in-stone, and with crews being sent to search through the aftermath, this number may rise again. At least 320 people have been injured. Please note that all these numbers are preliminary and will be revised as more information is gathered by the minute. However, with National Weather Service survey crews dispatched today to further assess the damage, the rating on this tornado was upgraded to an EF5, with winds up to 210 mph. Here is the latest information on what we know so far from this deadly tornado tragedy.
Deadly Moore Tornado
OKLAHOMA CITY LOCAL TV AFFILIATES
KFOR Channel 4
KOCO Channel 5
KWTV Channel 9
KOKC Channel 25
NATIONAL NEWS
Search for Oklahoma tornado survivors nears end (MSN)
'As bad as it gets': Oklahoma tornado tops damage scale (FOX NEWS)
Tornado had winds over 200 mph (USA TODAY)
PHOTOS
PHOTOS: Monster Tornadoes Tear Through Oklahoma (weather.com)
Tornadoes rip through Oklahoma town (MSN)
DONATIONS
American Red Cross: Heart of Oklahoma Chapter
Salvation Army
NEED A SHELTER?
University of Oklahoma Housing & Food Services
Please note that the links we have listed here are only a few of what you can find on the internet.
Rest of Today/Tonight
Currently, we have a line of thunderstorms in the eastern portion of the state that is moving eastward out of the state. Behind this line of storms, there is no more severe weather for the rest of today or tomorrow. Thankfully, the tornado threat today was not what it could have been. The threat has diminished for areas of far south central and southeastern Oklahoma. The severe thunderstorm watch in effect for central and southern Oklahoma has been cancelled. The TORNADO WATCH now only affects Choctaw county in extreme southeast Oklahoma and is in effect until 7:00 PM CDT. Please note that, although the severe threat has diminished, long-lasting rains have prompted numerous amounts of flood advisories, flood warnings, and flash flood warnings for southeastern Oklahoma. Preliminary rainfall reports from around this region at local Mesonet sites are reporting over 3 to 5 inches of rain in some cases. You can view the latest 24-hour rainfall reports at the Mesonet sites HERE.
Due to the passage of the cold front and thunderstorms, we had quite cool temperatures throughout the day in central and eastern Oklahoma. Currently, we are seeing reports of only the mid-50s to mid-60s in eastern Oklahoma and much of central Oklahoma. However, with clouds clearing the west, temperatures have been able to reach the mid-to-upper-70s. Clearing skies are advancing eastward, however with sunset in only a few hours, do not expect temperatures to rise much if you live in central and eastern Oklahoma.
Important Links
Oklahoma Watches, Warnings, Advisories
Looping Central Oklahoma Radar
Southern Plains Looping Radar
Latest Storm Prediction Center Convective Outlooks
National Weather Service Amarillo, TX
National Weather Service Norman, OK
National Weather Service Tulsa, OK
Sources: NWS, SPC, HOOT, Mesonet, Brett Deering/Getty Images (photo)
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