Major damage was reported and people were trapped after a tornado ripped through Elk City, a community in Oklahoma.
Here’s some damage from the Elk City tornado courtesy of Bob Moore Chopper 4 & @Chopper4Jon.
The tornado struck on May 16, creating dramatic scenes of damage. Multiple people were injured in the tornado, but authorities had not yet released the exact number of injuries.
More Elk City
“Multiple homes and condos are damaged,” KOCO-TV reported. “Crews are also responding to a gas leak around the golf course. They are asking people to stay away from the area.”
We’ve been able to get closer to the homes that we’re damaged in Elk City. #okwx
The Elk City mayor told the television station that everyone had been accounted for.
It was a bad night for weather. In Chetek, Wisconsin, a tornado also struck on May 16, demolishing a mobile home park, injuring at least 25 people, and killing one person. You can see videos and photos of the Chetek tornado disaster scene here.
The Elk City tornado occurred in Beckham County, Oklahoma.
“Just after 7:15 p.m. a rain-wrapped tornado moved through Beckham County, hitting the towns of Carter and the southeast portion of Elk City,” reported Fox 25.
Fox 25 reporters surveying the damage said some of the damaged homes were spotted near the Elk City Golf Course and Country Club.
Well that was an eventful chase!! Saw tornado near McLean, insane structure on Elk City storm and Elk City wedge, and broke the windshield.
According to Fox 25, a disaster relief center has been established at the Elk City Sale Barn and people can seek food and shelter at the Elk City First Baptist Church.
News 9 reported that businesses were also damaged, although it was not yet known how many.
Tornado damage from @Chopper4Jon in Bob Moore Chopper 4 over tornado damage in Elk City. Thoughts and prayers to all impacted. @kfor #okwx
The television station reported that the damage in Elk City was “significant.”
Wow. Look at this aerial view from @jimintheair SN9 over Elk City. It really shows the extent of the tornado damage. @NEWS9 #okwx
Rescuers were going from home-to-home to make sure that no one was still trapped in the rubble, according to the television station.
This is the supercell that produced the damaging tornado at Elk City a few hours ago.#okwx @NWSNorman
Three tornadoes had touched down overall as a result of the major weather system moving through Oklahoma, News 9 reported.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Elk City and the surrounding areas. #oklahomastrong
Photo courtesy: @NEWS9
Elk City is a community of just over 11,000 people.
According to the city website, “Elk City is located on Interstate 40 and Historic U.S. Route 66 in Western Oklahoma, approximately 110 miles (180 km) west of Oklahoma City and 150 miles (240 km) east of Amarillo.”
