1 Dead as Severe Storms, Tornadoes Sweep Across Oklahoma

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak said more than 1,100 homeowners insurance claims had been filed by the day after severe weather crossed the state in late March, leaving one dead and many injured in the wake of the storms.

The National Weather Service reported multiple tornadoes throughout Oklahoma, as well as widespread hail and high winds on March 25. At least one severe tornado, estimated at an F2, touched down in southwest Oklahoma City and traveled to the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore.

Moore is still recovering from a powerful EF5-rated tornado that hit the area on May 20, 2013, causing around $2 billion in damage and leaving 24 dead. At the time it was the fourth known tornado to hit the city. The 2013 tornado was on the ground for 40 minutes and path extended for 17 miles and measured 1.3 miles wide at some points.

At least one death, in the Tulsa suburb of Sand Springs, has been reported as a result of the March 25 storm. Multiple injuries were also reported. Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said it had reports of nine people taken to hospitals, according to the Associated Press. Tulsa County Sheriff’s Capt. Billy McKelvey told the AP he believed at least 15 were hurt.

The mobile home park in Sand Springs where the death occurred was hard hit. McKelvey estimated it held about 40 to 50 mobile homes.

A local gymnasium in Sand Springs was also destroyed, according to the Weather Channel.

Oklahoma Attorney General Pruitt said Oklahoma’s Emergency Price Stabilization Act went into effect for 25 Oklahoma counties after Gov. Mary Fallin declared a state of emergency due to the tornadoes, severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding.

“Last night’s storms led to wide-spread damage throughout a large portion of the state,” Fallin said in an announcement. “I appreciate the ongoing work of our first responders who have been working through the night to assist those in need. I also offer my continued thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the storms.”

Pruitt warned Oklahomans cleaning up after the storms to be wary of criminals who stream into communities to target tornado-damaged homes and businesses with scams involving cleanup, removal, home repair, and tree trimming.

Oklahoma’s price gouging statute prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent in the price of most goods and services during a state of emergency and for 30 days thereafter, the attorney general said. The act additionally is in effect for another 180 days for prices to repairs, remodeling and construction.

“Tornadoes are a devastating act of Mother Nature that Oklahomans are all too familiar with. After seeing the damage in Sand Springs and Moore, I know it will take a while for these families to recover,” said Doak. “We want to make sure these folks have their insurance claims handled promptly and fairly.”

The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) set up consumer assistance booths to help storm survivors. The booths are located at the Serve Moore Community Renewal Center, 224 S. Chestnut Ave. and the Foundation Church, 7785 S. Highway 97, Sapulpa.

Additionally, OID’s Anti-Fraud Unit has investigators deployed to Sand Springs and Moore. In addition to installing yard signs featuring OID’s consumer assistance phone number, the investigators are going door-to-door to educate storm survivors about potential scams.

The department also offers EAGLE Mediation to help insureds and insurance companies settle insurance claims disputes. Doak encourages storm victims to use this free service.

The counties included in the governor’s disaster declaration are: Caddo, Canadian, Carter, Cleveland, Comanche, Creek, Garvin, Grady, Lincoln, Logan, Love, McClain, Murray, Oklahoma, Osage, Pawnee, Payne, Pontotoc, Rogers, Seminole, Stephens, Tulsa, Wagoner, Washington and Washita.

Tornadoes were also reported in Arkansas from the March 25 storm system.