Oklahoma Faces Damage After Intense Storms and Tornado Warnings

POND CREEK, Okla. — Severe storms impacted northern Oklahoma early Saturday morning, causing widespread damage and prompting tornado warnings across the region. Wind gusts were reported to exceed 80 mph, leading to fallen trees and power outages.

According to KOCO 5 Storm Chaser Shane Helton, the town of Pond Creek experienced extensive tree damage. “I could find tree debris and fallen trees pretty much down every road,” he said while surveying the scene. The storms knocked down several trees, some of which landed on homes and vehicles parked under carports.

Local authorities reported that many areas had lost electricity as trees fell onto power lines. At one point, some power was restored, but it soon went out again. Helton commented on the situation, stating, “Pond Creek got quite a bit of tree damage alongside high winds that moved through this area.”

In addition to Pond Creek, damage assessments have been ongoing in other parts of northern Oklahoma. Near Cherokee, Helton captured videos of downed transmission poles that caused roof damage to at least one house. Emergency crews are working to restore power and clear roadways affected by the storm.

The National Weather Service issued multiple tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings. Reports of substantial debris and infrastructure damage are expected as further assessments are conducted. Residents are urged to stay informed and take caution amid ongoing storm threats in the area.