Gov. Kevin Stitt is addressing tornado damage across the metro

Gov. Kevin Stitt held a news conference Saturday and announced the emergency declaration for six counties after a series of tornadoes caused widespread damage across Oklahoma. The declaration allows the state to provide necessary resources and support to affected communities.

“We have damaged around 100 homes across the country and power outages remain significant. As of 1 p.m. today, approximately 30,000 homes were still without power,” Stitt said.

Staff are working diligently to restore power, with priority given to polling stations to ensure they are operational for Tuesday's election. Stitt assured the public that alternative arrangements would be made if polling locations remained inaccessible.

Stitt urged Oklahomans to remain vigilant, reminding residents not to rely solely on sirens for weather warnings but to monitor news and emergency alerts on their phones. The governor also directed those affected to report damage through the state's website at Damage.ok.gov.

Significant tornado damage reported, emergency teams mobilized

Annie Mack Vest of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management detailed the extent of tornado damage and confirmed reports of EF-3 tornado damage in parts of Oklahoma City, EF-1 damage in Newcastle and EF-2 damage in Harrah. Vest noted that the state's emergency operations center remains fully operational and is in close contact with local emergency management directors to coordinate relief efforts.

“We want you to pay attention to the National Weather Service, your local news outlets,” Vest said. She said outdoor warning sirens may not be audible indoors and urged residents to use multiple alerting methods.

Support for public safety and shelter

Stitt stressed the need for caution, especially given the forecast for further storms.

“We as Oklahomans have been through this many times. I saw extensive damage across the state. Every time there’s a tornado we have to look at it,” he said. “And sometimes, as an Oklahoman, as a fourth-generation Oklahoman, you think, 'Man, this can never affect me,' but you have to be really, really careful because if you have an EF-3 or EF-4, they can cause significant damage.”

Vest informed the public about four Red Cross-supported shelters in Harrah, Shawnee, Choctaw and Hillsdale, as well as a local shelter in Kickapoo. The shelters provide safety and support to displaced residents, with help from groups like Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, which provides food and other essential services.