KOAM NEWS NOW (Okla. News) — Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency Saturday, November 5, 2022 for Bryan, McCurtain, Choctaw, and LeFlore counties following destructive tornadoes that swept through southeastern Oklahoma.
More than 100 homes and businesses were damaged and there has been one confirmed fatality, as well as localized power outages.
“The state stands ready to send all the help, support, and resources southeastern Oklahoma needs to recover and rebuild from this devastating storm. Oklahomans are strong and resilient. We will build back these homes and businesses.” — Gov. Stitt
The Gov. toured Idabel to survey the damage alongside other state and local officials.
Adair County experienced heavy rains and flash flooding as a 6-year-old died and the driver is missing as a car was swept off the roadway in flooding. Two others in the car were transported to Siloam Springs, Ark. hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Wagoner County Emergency Management is part of Oklahoma Disaster Task Force, they deployed to the tornado touchdown in Idabel Oklahoma. “We arrived on scene at 11:45 PM got briefed at the command post and immediately started search and rescue operations our crews continue to work through the night to ensure life and property safety,” WCEM stated in a release.
There was one confirmed fatality of a 90-year-old man. The Gov. said, “Our prayers are with that family as they mourn the loss of their loved one.”
Governor Stitt’s Executive Order declaring state of emergency can be read here.
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