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The Governor of Oklahoma has issued a state of emergency for Osage County, where an EF-4 tornado touched down approximately 40 miles north of Tulsa overnight Monday. By Tuesday morning, the town of Barnsdall was confronting the devastation, marking yet another blow after recently being hit by an EF-1 tornado.
Barnsdall, a community of around 1,000 residents, has experienced its fair share of storms, but according to individuals on the ground interviewed by NBC 5, the damage from this tornado surpasses anything they’ve witnessed in their decades of living there. Despite the daunting aftermath, cleanup efforts have commenced, with the local community rallying together to offer support.
Reports from Osage County Emergency Management early Tuesday morning highlighted a natural gas leak and multiple road closures due to debris. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt surveyed the damage and briefed reporters on Tuesday afternoon.
“When you see this level of destruction, it’s truly heartbreaking. It’s difficult to comprehend how anyone could survive,” remarked Governor Stitt.
Dozens of residences were flattened by the tornado’s direct impact. Joy Washington, a resident whose home was ravaged, recounted living there for approximately 50 years and expressed disbelief at the sudden destruction.
“Can you believe? Can you believe it did all this?” she exclaimed.
Washington sought refuge in her bathroom as the storm passed, grabbing a few essentials. Upon emerging, she was met with the devastation of her roof and surrounding structures being torn apart.
Ryan Gott, an associate pastor at the Lighthouse Family Worship Center located less than a mile from the hardest-hit area, described the church’s role as a hub for resource distribution, offering essentials for those in need. The community has come together, with Walmart contributing 43,000 pounds of water in addition to donations from residents.
“It’s difficult to articulate the magnitude of what we’re facing right now, but our community is strong, and we will come together,” Gott stated.
Despite significant damage to his home, longtime resident Arlyn Hendricks expressed gratitude that it was still standing. He acknowledged the challenges ahead in the recovery process.
“When you consider the overall situation, it’s overwhelming. So, you focus on doing what little you can,” Hendricks remarked.
As of 8 p.m. Tuesday, authorities confirmed at least one fatality, while efforts continued to locate a missing individual. Although a nursing home bore the brunt of the tornado, around 30 residents were safely evacuated.