Oklahoma City Tornado: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know

Thousands of people were in danger in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area Friday night as a tornado system threatened the heavily populated area and other areas of Oklahoma that just recently got hit with devastating storms. It’s being reported that three tornadoes touched down and at least nine people have now been killed.

To see the live coverage of the event as it unfolded go here:

Here’s what you should know.

1. The National Weather Service Issued a Tornado Warning

The declaration meant a large, destructive tornado was moving into a densely populated area where widespread damage and fatalities could have occurred. Around 9:30 p.m. EST, the National Weather Service announced that the tornado threat started to weaken in Oklahoma, but moved to a separate tornado system in St. Louis, Missouri. By 10:30, the tornado warnings were lifted.

2. There Were Multiple Tornadoes

3. A Tornado Touched Down in El Reno

4. Moore Was Also in Danger

A tornado warning was also issued for Moore, Oklahoma, where just last week a massive tornado flattened everything in its path and was responsible for 24 deaths.

5. There Are At Least Five Confirmed Fatalities Reported

Authorities reported that at least five people have died as a result of the severe storm system. A mother and her baby were among the dead after they were found by a vehicle after one of the tornadoes hit I-40.

6. Interstate 40 in Oklahoma City Was Shut Down

I-40 east of Oklahoma City was shut down and there were at least six reports of semi-trucks overturned.

7. 80,000 People are Without Power

8. A Weather Channel Storm Chaser Truck Was Damaged

9. Baseball Sized Hail Accompanied the Storm

10. Passengers at Will Rogers Airport Have Been Evacuated to an Underground Tunnel