HOLDENVILLE, OK - At least two people, including a 4-month-old, died after a tornado outbreak hit Oklahoma late Saturday night, with Sulphur and Holdenville being two of the hardest hit areas in the state.


Authorities are still assessing damage, and the extent of the damage caused by the tornado outbreak and the number of injuries have not been confirmed.


Deaths
Hughes County Emergency management has confirmed that at least two people died after the tornado outbreak hit the town of Holdenville. One of the victims was a 4-month-old, and information about the other has not been released.

Authorities say the 4-month-old was pronounced dead after an overnight search for the child. They eventually found the infant, and they were taken to an area hospital but did not make it.

KOCO 5 Meteorologist Sabrina Bates says the report from the National Weather Service shows that at least 20 tornadoes hit Oklahoma on Saturday, and that number is expected to increase. No ratings have been determined yet for any of the tornadoes.

Storm damage has been reported from northern Oklahoma down to the Red River.

KOCO 5 crews have seen significant damage in Sulphur and Holdenville. In Sulphur, buildings have been leveled or significantly damaged, and flying debris impaled several vehicles.

Oklahoma Emergency Management officials released an initial report of storm damage and impact. Below is a look at what Oklahoma Emergency Management officials are reporting.

Ardmore Emergency Management reports damage and power outages in Ardmore. Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports injuries and power lines down in Carter County at the Flying J Truck Stop on Michelin Road. Plain View School was also damaged in the storms.

Cotton County Emergency Management reports three to five homes damaged in the Devol area. Numerous trees are down. One storm-related vehicle accident is also reported.
Duncan Emergency Management reports roadway flooding in the City of Duncan. Stephens County Emergency Management reports Clarity Creek in Duncan is close to overflowing.
Garfield County Emergency Management reports two homes damaged in the Hillsdale area.
Hughes County Emergency Management reports 14 homes are damaged or destroyed in Holdenville. Highway 9 is blocked due to debris in the roadway. Muscogee Creek Nation is assisting with debris clearing and searching for area of impact. Seminole and Seminole County Emergency Management and Fire and Sheriff are providing command support. Oklahoma City Task Force One will respond Sunday for Search and Rescue support.

Kay County Emergency Management reports three to four structures were damaged by storms earlier this evening northwest of Newkirk. Numerous trees and power poles were down. Two vehicle accidents were a result of the storms. Heavy rain also caused flooding on area roads.
Lincoln County Emergency Management reports debris and damage in the Davenport and Sparks areas.
Love County Emergency Management reports damages in and around Marietta including damage to the Marietta Hospital. Hospital patients took shelter during the storms and no injuries in the hospital are reported. I-35 north is closed at the Texas State Line due to overturned vehicles and powerlines across the highway. The Chickasaw Nation is providing incident support in Marietta.
Marlow Emergency Management reports roadway flooding on Highway 81 and E. Apache Ave.
McClain County Emergency Management reports damage west of Goldsby along Highway 74B.
Midwest City Emergency Management reports at least one structure damaged and multiple powerlines and limbs down.
Murray County Emergency Management reports significant damage in Sulphur and numerous injuries. Search and rescue is ongoing at this time. OHP reports troopers are responding to apartments on Woodruff where tornado damage occurred. US-177 approximately 2 miles north of Sulphur is closed due to flooding.
Okmulgee County Emergency Management reports the Town of Morris has multiple power lines and power poles down. Search and rescue is ongoing and the county is clearing debris from the roadways.
Payne County Emergency Management reports damage to trees and outbuildings near Lone Chimney.
Tillman County Emergency Management reports flash flooding north of Grandfield. Numerous powerlines are down.
Sky 5 flew over Sulphur, showing the significant damage left behind in the town. Buildings in downtown were completely destroyed, and many others were damaged.

Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order declaring a state of 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.

Story Date: April 29, 2024