Claremore, Oklahoma tornado: Damaged homes and downed power lines near Pryor | VIDEOS

Lina PortmanMay 26, 2024

0 1 minute read

Updated May 26, 2024, 1:26 p.m. IST

The storm continued eastward, causing additional wind damage in Salina, downing more trees, and leading to more power outages.

Tornado damages First Baptist Church in Claremore, Oklahoma | Image credits: @dalton_lemons on

Late Saturday night into Sunday morning, a series of storms, including tornadoes, caused significant damage in Claremore, Oklahoma and parts of Oklahoma. Pryor. The storm uprooted trees, brought down power lines and made many roads inaccessible.

The Claremore Police Department posted on social media that the city was experiencing widespread power outages and significant damage. “The electricity is out, trees and power lines have fallen around the city. Some roads are inaccessible. Hwy 66 heading into town from the south is closed by Verdigris PD at Flint Rd. (Rd. 510). If you don’t have to go out, stay home,” the department released early Sunday.

Police confirmed that northbound Highway 66 was closed at Flint Road due to the impact of the storm. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Tulsa issued a warning just after 11:30 p.m. about a speed camera detected tornado west of Claremore. They alerted the public via social media, stating: “With TORNADO's current path crossing south of Claremore, considerable damage is likely! »

Shortly after, NWS Tulsa reported another tornado moving along State Highway 20, adding to the damage. Verdigris Valley Electric Cooperative reported significant power outages in its service area, particularly along Highway 20 from Keetonville Hill east toward Pryor. Around 1 a.m., they posted: “There are approximately 7,100 services without power. Crews are working to assess and repair the damage caused by these storms as quickly as possible. »

The storm continued eastward, causing additional wind damage in Salina, downing more trees, and leading to more power outages. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid traveling until cleanup and repairs are underway. Emergency crews are working around the clock to restore power and clear roads.