Storms Sweep Through Oklahoma with Tornadoes, Hail

Oklahoma Attorney General Pruitt announced that Oklahoma’s Emergency Price Stabilization Act is now in effect for 25 Oklahoma counties after Gov. Mary Fallin declared a state of emergency due to tornadoes, severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that hit the state on March 25.

The counties included in the governor’s 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.

“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.”

The storms resulted in at least one death reported in the Tulsa suburb of Sand Springs, along with multiple injuries, the governor’s office said.

A mobile home community in Sand Springs was devastated and a local gymnasium was also destroyed, according to the Weather Channel.

The National Weather Service reported multiple tornadoes throughout the state, as well as widespread hail and high winds. At least one severe tornado touched down in southwest Oklahoma City, causing sporadic damage until dissipating in Moore, Okla., which was devastated by a tornado in 2013.

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.

Related:

• Moore, Oklahoma Tornado Damage Estimated at More than $2B
• Arkansas, Oklahoma, Warned of Hail, High Wind-Packing Storms