Tornadoes sweep through the Oklahoma City metro, leaving extensive damage and injuries

OKLAHOMA CITY – Severe thunderstorms ripped through parts of Oklahoma overnight, leaving widespread damage and injuries in metro Oklahoma City after the National Weather Service said numerous tornadoes touched down.

The National Weather Service office in Norman, Oklahoma, said that so far meteorologists believe at least seven tornadoes have been reported across the region, but the number may be as high as 12 or 13.

Officials said at least five people were injured in Oklahoma City and major damage was reported in the Valley Brook area.

“We have damage to multiple structures, including downed power lines, traffic lights and trees,” the Oklahoma City Fire Department said. “Utilities were also impacted and five people were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.”

A tornado warning was also issued for the University of Oklahoma's Norman campus, with officials urging those present to seek shelter immediately.

The city of Choctaw was also hit hard by the extreme weather. Mayor Chad Allcox said on Facebook that significant damage was reported both there and in the city of Harrah.

This image shows trees that were felled during storms on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

(@MatthewGaylor/X/FOX Weather)

“This is the start of a few days of historic rainfall and severe storms,” Allcox said. “Please use caution when driving on the roads surrounding the metro and in the City of Choctaw.”

In addition to the tornadoes, strong winds also downed trees and power lines, with 80 mph wind gusts reported near Checotah and Adair.

Power outages are also increasing in the region, with PowerOutage.us reporting nearly 100,000 outages.