A DISASTEROUS tornado has torn through an Oklahoma city as flights were delayed and residents were told to seek shelter.
Around 1,000 residents of Barnsdall, Oklahoma were alerted about the fast-approaching tornado late Monday evening.
8
8
“A life-threatening storm is approaching the Barnsdall/Bartlesville area. Seek shelter immediately if you are located in the path of this storm!” the National Weather Service of Tusla, Oklahoma posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, at 10:38 pm.
There have already been reports of major damage from the “strong possibly violent tornado,” according to Chief Meteorologist James Aydelott at local Fox affiliate KOKI-TV.
“This has produced MAJOR damage in Barnsdall. A long-tracked, MAJOR tornado across southeastern Osage County,” according to KOKI-TV.
Chief Meteorologist James Aydelott at the outlet said it was a “strong possibly violent tornado.”
Aydelott has affirmed, “search and rescue efforts are underway.”
Flights from Texas have been delayed or canceled from 10 pm onward.
Ten flights were delayed while three were cancelled from the state.
Hundreds of other flights around the country have been delayed due to recent fast winds and hurricanes.
‘MAJOR DAMAGE’
Fox Weather reported “significant damage” in the area as they surveyed the wreck of a home with a demolished fence and scattered items around the grass including what looked like an air conditioner.
In the darkness, trees were split as the roads were left covered in debris and ripped down powerlines and poles.
Debris reportedly flew in the air reaching 15,000 to 20,000 feet.
This would mean that winds were possibly 130 mph to 160 mph.
There was also a gas leak emitting a strong smell in a destroyed neighborhood without power, Rick Maranon of KOKI-TV reported.
Maranon also showed a demolished home while at the scene as officials blocked the road.
It’s like someone took a razor to the trees.
Rick Maranon
In a clip, the top of a garage or building was sliced off and now lying across the road.
“It’s like someone took a razor to the trees,” Maranon reported.
Thunder boomed as lightning split the sky illuminating the horrific damage.
“I cannot describe to you about the damage to this town,” Maranon said.
“It’s worse than a Hollywood movie.”
He reported that some people are happy to be alive while others cried as they watch their homes be destroyed.
8
8
8
8
8
8
Credit Gist New Today News in Newspaper Nigeria Headlines
