Update on the tornado in Oklahoma: Photos and videos show destruction after storms

Several severe tornadoes formed in Oklahoma in the early hours of Sunday morning, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure across the state.

Heavy rains continued to wreak havoc around the state capital, with storms spreading into northern Texas. Multiple social media accounts documented the damage, reporting overturned cars, destroyed homes and fires sparked by lightning.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued tornado warnings until 2:30 a.m. CST Sunday for several areas, including Norman and Wellston, where authorities warned: “This is a life-threatening situation. Seek shelter now!”

The University of Oklahoma issued a similar warning for those on its Norman campus, telling students at 1:22 a.m. to “seek shelter in the building you are in NOW. Go to the lowest floor/interior.”

Storm Chaser Jordan Hall Shared images of areas affected by the storm in Valley Brook, a small community southeast of Oklahoma City.

“Major tornado damage here in Valley Brook. Houses destroyed, cars overturned. Total loss of structure. Search and rescue operations are underway,” Hall posted at 1 a.m

Valley Brook police said Newsweek that no one was trapped by the storm, which caused “almost no damage” in the small town.

However, the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) provided insightful reports of more serious problems Newsweek that areas in the southeastern part of the capital had suffered “major damage.”

About 10 to 12 homes sustained extreme damage, the department said, and several people required “assistance evacuating their homes.” These people have all been accounted for and no injuries or deaths have been recorded.

“Lots of tree damage. Power out, vehicles damaged,” OKCPD also said Newsweek.

Images from storm chaser, firefighter and videographer Ben McHone show a car overturning into a home west of Sooner.

Another account, Falcon Storm Chasing, posted videos of tornadoes forming amid a severe thunderstorm in Byers, Texas. This was followed by video of what appeared to be a large fire near Velma, Oklahoma, which the report said was caused by a lightning strike. Newsweek could not confirm that the fire outbreak was a result of the storm.

The severe weather threat in Oklahoma City and several surrounding areas has “passed for the night,” NWS Norman said on X. However, a tornado warning was issued for areas in Oklahoma and Texas until 9 a.m. CST.

Authorities expect more tornadoes, hail “up to 2 inches” in size and wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour.

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