Owasso Residents Tackle Tornado Aftermath Amid Severe Weather Threat

OWASSO, Okla. — A tornado struck Owasso Wednesday morning, causing extensive damage to homes and neighborhoods. Cleanup efforts are currently underway, with residents and community organizations rallying to assist those affected.

According to the Tulsa Area Emergency Management (TAEM), an EF-1 tornado impacted approximately 287 residential and commercial units, with 15 sustaining major damage while 52 experienced minor damage. This morning’s storm left debris, shattered windows, and damaged roofs throughout affected areas, notably in the Fairways and El Rio Vista neighborhoods.

Resident Tyson Mosley recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “The sirens went off, our phones went off, and then it was here.” He rushed to ensure the safety of his son, who was showering upstairs as the storm approached.

“It’s still kind of surreal,” Mosley added. “Until we’re probably sleeping at a different place tonight, then it’ll kind of hit. But right now, we’re just in that mode of taking care of things.”

In the wake of the tornado, Owasso Police have implemented road closures and are supervising the neighborhoods to maintain security. Officers are verifying identification to ensure only residents and authorized personnel access the affected areas. Police report no injuries have been documented.

The City of Owasso has activated cleanup initiatives, collaborating with local organizations to offer resources such as free dumpsters and brush removal services. Community members are encouraged to report tree and limb damage for assistance.

“We are encouraging residents to take precautions and be aware of any potential unlicensed contractors trying to take advantage of this situation,” advised a city representative. Licensed roofing contractors are required to register with the State of Oklahoma Construction Industries Board and should have their orange state registration cards available.

To further support displaced homeowners, six U-Haul centers across the Tulsa metro area will offer 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container services. The city council has also declared a state of emergency to facilitate recovery efforts.

As recovery commences, more severe weather is anticipated to affect the area, complicating existing cleanup measures. City officials urge residents to stay informed about weather updates and prepare for further storms.

Community support has surfaced in various forms, with volunteers assisting neighbors in clearing debris and offering guidance on what can be salvaged. Many families are preparing for extended displacement as they seek temporary housing solutions.

Looking to the future, Owasso remains resilient, aiming to restore homes and help residents return to normalcy. Stay connected for updates as recovery efforts continue across the city.