Elkhorn, Nebraska – A devastating string of tornadoes wreaked havoc across the South and Midwest over the weekend, leaving at least four people dead and over 100 others injured. The severe weather swept through parts of Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Iowa, leveling homes and buildings in its path.
In Oklahoma, all four confirmed fatalities occurred, with one in Sulphur, another in Holdenville, and two near Marietta. The destruction was so severe that Sulphur’s downtown area was described as “essentially leveled,” and a hospital in Marietta was completely destroyed.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt expressed shock at the extent of the damage in Sulphur, stating that every business in downtown had been destroyed. The state reported around 100 injuries, with 30 of them occurring in Sulphur alone.
In Nebraska, Governor Jim Pillen declared emergencies in Douglas, Lancaster, and Washington counties as multiple tornadoes caused widespread damage. Governor Pillen’s declaration came as Nebraska Public Media confirmed tornado touchdowns in the Omaha and Lincoln areas, resulting in the destruction of homes and structures.
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska also declared a state of emergency after thunderstorms and tornadoes caused significant damage to its members and the local community. Meanwhile, Eppley Airfield in Omaha reported the destruction of four hangar buildings storing private planes due to the tornado.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell assured support to officials in affected states, including Oklahoma, Iowa, and Nebraska. The National Weather Service reported additional tornadoes hitting Missouri, Kansas, and Texas over the weekend, underscoring the widespread impact of the severe weather.