Severe Storms and Flooding Devastate Oklahoma
On April 20, 2025, Oklahoma faced a catastrophic weather event as severe storms and flooding led to at least five fatalities and widespread destruction. The storms, which began on Saturday, April 19, and intensified into Sunday, April 20, brought heavy rainfall, large hail, and multiple tornadoes, causing significant damage across the state.
In Moore, approximately 10 miles south of Oklahoma City, authorities reported numerous high-water incidents. A particularly tragic event occurred when a vehicle was swept into a creek, resulting in the deaths of a mother and her 12-year-old son. The boy, Rivers Bond, was a sixth-grade student at Apple Creek Elementary. The principal, Rachel McNear, expressed profound sadness over the loss. (abc17news.com)
Near Leonard, about 25 miles southeast of Tulsa, a 47-year-old woman and her 7-year-old daughter were swept away by floodwaters. Despite extensive search efforts, both were found deceased. (abc17news.com)
The storms also spawned a tornado in Spaulding, Oklahoma, around 10:35 p.m. on Saturday, April 19. The tornado destroyed two homes and several nearby structures, resulting in one fatality and injuries to two others. (abc17news.com)
In response to the devastation, Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency for 12 counties, including Carter, Cotton, Garfield, Hughes, Johnston, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Murray, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, and Okmulgee. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinated with various agencies, including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, and the Oklahoma State Department of Health, to provide assistance and assess damage. (oklahoma.gov)
Residents affected by the storms were urged to report damages to the OEM to aid in recovery efforts. The Oklahoma Insurance Department offered support for insurance claims, and the Department of Environmental Quality monitored water and wastewater systems impacted by the flooding. (oklahoma.gov)
This tragic event underscores the importance of preparedness and community resilience in the face of severe weather.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
