Two dead in Oklahoma tornadoes; more storms predicted

Strong storms with tornadoes and hail killed at least two people in the central U.S., injuring others, destroying homes and leaving thousands without power. More severe storms were predicted for Thursday night.

The National Weather Service began issuing tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings Wednesday evening in Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa, with forecasters warning people to find shelter.

Central Oklahoma saw tornadoes, including one that raced through the communities of Shawnee and Cole.

At least two people were killed in the small town of Cole in McClain County, about 25 miles south of Oklahoma City, authorities said. There also were injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to some requiring hospitalization, although the numbers weren’t immediately clear as hundreds of people fanned out in search operations.

Power lines also were torn down, trees toppled, and homes and other buildings badly damaged or destroyed. Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee and an airport were damaged before the tornado moved away and weakened.

An additional round of tornado-producing storms was expected Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center.

“Very large hail is likely, and significant severe wind gusts along with a few tornadoes will be possible” in northern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, and parts of Missouri and Nebraska, according to the center.

The area currently at greatest risk includes about 3 1/2 million people and the cities of Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman and Edmond, Oklahoma, and Omaha, Nebraska.



A massive funnel-shaped storm cloud makes its way over a road, as seen from a car, in Cole, Okla., Wednesday night, April 19, 2023. Strong storms, including tornadoes, winds and hail moved through parts of the Central U.S. on Wednesday, causing fatalities and injuries, destroying homes and leaving thousands without power. (KOCO-TV via AP)