It’s official
4:33 p.m. Wednesday
Staff Writer Bryan Painter reports:
The Lone Grove tornado has been labeled an EF-4 by meteorologists from the National Weather Service Norman Forecast Office. That means it packed sustained wind bursts of 165 to 170 mph.
Lone Grove tornado may be an EF-4
4:02 p.m. Wednesday
Staff Writer Bryan Painter reports:
The National Weather Service meteorologists surveying the damage in Lone Grove are deciding whether to classify this as an EF-4 tornado.
At the present, they are still leaning toward an EF-3. However, about 30 minutes ago, they arrived at the home with the worst damage they have seen today.
“The damage has the appearance of an EF-4, but we want to make sure the engineering of the building matches that,” said Mike Foster of the National Weather Service in Norman.
Lone Grove damage
3:53 p.m. Wednesday
Staff Writer Bryan Painter reports:
At 3:30 p.m. the National Weather Service meteorologist surveying the Lone Grove damage went to a home on the south edge of the community . The three-bed, two-bath home was totally destroyed. “This is the worst we’ve seen so far,” said Mike Foster, meteorologist in charge.
A worker at the scene said three people were in the home. One man died, another person was flown to a hospital in Dallas last night, and another person was treated and released.
Insurance emergency
3:14 p.m. Wednesday
News release
Oklahoma City – Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland declared a state of emergency following yesterday’s deadly tornadoes and severe weather.
The declaration enables emergency claims adjusters to be licensed temporarily to expedite the insurance claims process and provide immediate assistance to those impacted.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those who are suffering as a result of these storms, especially those who have lost loved ones,” Commissioner Holland said. “As recovery begins, this order will help Oklahomans by providing quick access to insurance adjusters.”
Oklahomans with insurance questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Consumer Hotline at 1-800-522-0071.
The severe storms brought tornadoes, hail and high winds resulting in widespread damage and the loss of life. The Declaration of Emergency allows for emergency adjusters to be licensed for 90 days and to adjust claims related to yesterday’s severe weather.
Number of missing falls to 2
3:04 p.m. Wednesday
Speaking at a press conference in Lone Grove, the community hardest hit by Tuesday’s tornadoes, Gov. Brad Henry said all but two people are accounted for at this point.
Earlier in the day, the whereabouts of as many as 30 people were unknown.
Even more from Edmond
2:56 p.m. Wednesday
Staff Writer John A. Williams reports
Repair and cleaning crews are descending on
Jerry Madison, owner of J.L.M. Roofing in
“The hail is like a ball-peen hammer,” he said. “It leaves bruises on the fiber glass in the shingle. A homeowner might think they didn’t get any damage to the roof but it will show up in about six months.”
April Jackson and her family have lived in the same house in the
“Hope we can get it fixed in that time,” she said. “We’re looking for a rent house in this neighborhood.”
Geri Woody and her family also live in the
To her the shock of going through a tornado left her thankful no one was injured despite damage to her home. “We needed a new fence anyway,” she said.
Lone Grove tornado apparently an EF-3
2:03 p.m.
Staff Writer Bryan Painter reports:
LONE GROVE — The preliminary rating for Tuesday night’s Lone Grove tornado is an EF-3, the National Weather Service said shortly before 2 p.m. today.
What meteorologists have seen so far indicate winds of possibly 140 miles per hour, said Mike Foster, meteorologist in charge with the Norman forecast office of the NWS. But Foster emphasized the rating is preliminary, with more damage yet to be surveyed.
Advice for pet owners after the tornado
2:01 p.m.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll reports (from the Pet Show blog)
The tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma were a reminder to pet owners how important identification is.
Severe weather can rip down fences, pull down walls and leave pets confused and scared. At least one veterinarian is helping reunite lost dogs with their owners. The best way to ensure a pet is returned is by microchipping, he said. Collars and tags can sometimes be caught and torn by debris. Microchips stay under the skin and can be tracked by any vet or shelter official.
Here is some more information from the ASPCA about disaster readiness:
- The Pet Evacuation Transportation Safety (PETS) Act, passed after Hurricane Katrina, allows owners to take their companion animals with them to shelters. Contact the shelter before you show up to make sure it’s OK. Some shelters are designed for animal owners.
- Practice getting your animal out of the house so it isn’t scary or difficult. This is especially important for cat carriers.
- Owners with pets that require special temperature settings, such as reptiles, need to have duplicates of everything, such as heaters. Fish owners should have a small, transportable tank ready.
- Socialize your pet as much as possible in case they come in contact with rescuers or other people at the shelter.
- Keep an emergency kit of your pets needs, such as any medicines and some food, that you can take with you. Be sure to keep a photo of you with your pet if you get separated and have to claim him.
More from Edmond
1:50 p.m. Wednesday
Staff Writer Diana Baldwin reports:
A massive clean-up effort is well underway in the Oak Tree housing addition in Edmond. Moving vans line the roads as residents and their friends try to salvage whatever they can from damaged or destroyed homes. Many belongings are soaked with water.
At one house, an Allstate insurance envelope had been sitting on a kitchen island. It had been picked up by the wind and hurled into a knickknack shelf, where it lodged in a crack. Another house had a theater room on the second floor. That level of the house is now gone, but the theater equipment was left sitting on top of the garage.
A dog and a cat ran off during the storm, but both returned today.
At Oak Tree Country Club, which is where the golf course is, huge trees are gone. The driving range is destroyed.
Edmond police are asking people to avoid the area unless they live there or have important business. Roads are so congested already that traffic can barely squeeze through.
30 unaccounted for?
1:41 p.m. Wednesday
In a news release issued this morning, state Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield, D-Ardmore, said 30 people in his district, which includes Lone Grove, were unaccounted for as of 10 a.m.
No word on if that total has dropped or where it currently stands.
