City officials tackle tornado damage in the metro

Mayor David Holt, Police Chief Ron Bacy and Battalion Chief Scott Douglas held a news conference Sunday to address the tornado damage that hit Oklahoma City neighborhoods. Leaders say the situation continues and residents should remain vigilant as more storms could develop.

“This event is not necessarily over,” Mayor Holt said. “It’s November and people don’t always think about severe weather in November, but here we are.”

At this time, Holt says there are no confirmed fatalities.

Holt praised Oklahoma City’s emergency management team and residents who stepped up to support neighbors affected by the storm. Community members and organizations, including churches, have already begun mobilizing relief efforts. “

To donate to the Red Cross for recovery efforts, you can visit www.Redcross.org.donate and select your local Red Cross chapter, or text RED CROSS to 90999.

Police Chief Bacy urges caution and outlines the damage

Police Chief Ron Bacy echoed the mayor’s call for continued caution. “This is the first round of storms, so stay aware of the weather and be prepared to take shelter if necessary,” Bacy said.

According to an initial damage assessment, 39 buildings were destroyed, 43 buildings suffered major damage and 54 buildings suffered minor damage. Bacy detailed road closures that will remain in effect as crews work to clear debris and repair power lines, including areas from Southeast 89th at Sooner to Sooner Elementary and Southeast 44th from Triple X Road to Indian Meridian. “We ask people to stay out of these disaster areas to keep themselves safe and recovery efforts running smoothly.”

Bacy expressed gratitude for the quick action of first responders, adding, “Oklahoma City is resilient. No matter what happens to us, we rise as a community.”

Fire Department Battalion Chief Scott Douglas on response and rescue efforts

Battalion Chief Scott Douglas of the Oklahoma City Fire Department provided a timeline of the fire department’s response, which began just after 1 a.m. in hard-hit areas such as Southeast 89th and Sooner Road and Southeast 44th and Triple X Road.

Douglas reported that 11 people were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. “We had six shipped from Southeast 89th and Sooner and five from Southeast 44th and Triple X Road,” he said. Douglas noted that flash flooding posed additional challenges, leaving many stranded vehicles along the roads. “Fortunately, most people were able to reach great heights on their own, but our team worked quickly to help those in need.”

Douglas explained that when warnings of another tornado appeared, firefighters took extra safety precautions during primary and secondary searches of affected neighborhoods. “We are grateful that new staff have been added to the day shift, especially as we may experience more weather tonight,” he added.

Local officials urged Oklahoma City residents to remain vigilant and closely monitor updates as they continue to assess damage and prepare for possible additional severe weather.