Vicious Tornadoes Tear Through Oklahoma Once Again, At Least 5 Dead [UPDATED]
UPDATE Saturday 6:15 a.m. EST: The number of reported fatalities is at least five, with another 71 injuries caused by what authorities say are a total of 17 tornadoes ripping through the Midwest on Friday.
UPDATE 10:12 p.m. EST: The Associated Press reports a mother and a baby have died due to the tornadoes. Their bodies were found near their car.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Oklahoma City and its surrounding areas, including the town of Moore, which was ravaged by a tornado just a few weeks ago.
At least three tornadoes are reported to have touched down and several overturned trucks were spotted along I-40.
There are reports of damage in the town of El Reno, although it’s unclear how severe that is. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol also says there are several injuries and downed power lines.
The storms have produced hail the size of baseballs, while Interstate 40 was totally shut down. Authorities have urged drivers to remain off the road.
Roughly 170,000 people around the Midwest have lost power due to the extreme weather and officials have reportedly had trouble reaching those injured because of hail and strong rains.
One official said, "The damage is very, very widespread."
[News9]