At least two people were killed late Friday as tornadoes hit parts of Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas.
The two individuals were killed in Texas and Oklahoma, but all three states suffered significant power outages and damage to homes and properties, according to CNN. Search and rescue efforts are underway, with Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt issuing emergency declarations for a number of counties throughout the weekend.
A heartbreaking site touring Idabel this morning. 100+ homes and businesses destroyed from last night’s storm.
I will declare a state of emergency in affected counties to ensure these communities have support and resources from the state.
Pray for all those affected. pic.twitter.com/ZEXKChUQ2j
— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) November 5, 2022
“The state stands ready to send all the help, support, and resources southeastern Oklahoma needs to recover and rebuild from this devastating storm. Oklahomans are strong and resilient. We will build back these homes and businesses,” Sitt said in a statement, CNN continued. Tornadoes destroyed more than a hundred homes and businesses in Oklahoma throughout the weekend. The one individual killed in the state was identified as a 90-year-old man. (RELATED: Terrifying Timelapse Of Hurricane Ian Shows Mass Devastation)
A WFAA news report shared footage of the tornadoes’ shocking trail of destruction in North Texas. Reports suggest at least nine tornadoes touched down in the state Friday, with at least 13 people hospitalized in Lamar County alone, Fox 4 reported.
The hectic weekend also saw the strongest tornadoes to hit Arkansas since 2017, according to reports shared by KATV meteorologist James Bryant. More surveys are needed over the coming days to confirm the exact number of tornadoes that touched down throughout each state, but more are anticipated as the season continues, Fox 16 noted.