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At Least Two killed As Tornadoes, Severe Storms Sweep Through Central U.S.
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A series of strong storms, including tornadoes, winds, and hail, wreaked havoc across central U.S. on Wednesday.
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CBS News weather producer David Parkinson predicted that around a dozen tornadoes had touched down in the affected areas.
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Central Oklahoma bore the brunt of the storms, with multiple tornadoes wreaking havoc in the communities of Cole and Shawnee.
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At least two people were killed in Cole, and many others were injured, with the exact number yet to be confirmed.
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A 90-year-old grandmother miraculously survived the storm that hit her home in Shawnee.
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A KWTV helicopter lost its windshield as it flew into the path of a tornado, but managed to land safely.
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Power lines were downed, trees uprooted, and buildings badly damaged or destroyed across the affected areas.
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Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee and an airport were among the badly damaged buildings.
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The school canceled classes for the next two days.
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At the height of the storms, over 23,000 customers were without power in Oklahoma.
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Some residents south of Oklahoma City were trapped in their shelters underground, with emergency crews using GPS to locate addresses.
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Two people in Cole rode out the storm in a manhole and escaped unharmed.
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The storm caused widespread destruction, leaving many homes and buildings in ruins.
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Many people suffered injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to hospitalization.
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The McClain County sheriff feared more fatalities based on the extent of the damage in Cole and the surrounding areas.
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The storms added to the already high death toll from tornadoes in the South, Midwest, and Northeast this spring.
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The affected communities began assessing the damage caused by the storms and started the long process of recovery.
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Residents expressed their gratitude to the emergency crews who worked tirelessly to save lives and rescue those trapped.
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The storms served as a reminder of the devastating power of nature and the importance of being prepared for such disasters.