Severe Windstorm Triggers Evacuations and Power Outages Across Oklahoma

A powerful windstorm has swept through Oklahoma, prompting evacuation orders in some areas and leaving thousands without electricity.

4:42 p.m. Friday Update: Residents of Chickasha in Grady County are being asked to voluntarily evacuate due to widespread fires. This affects the vicinity of 25th Street and Country Club Road, situated approximately a mile west of I-44 in the town’s southwest. Evacuated individuals can find refuge at Bible Baptist Church, located near 29th Street and Iowa Avenue. Sheriff Gary Boggess reported the fire in Grady County to be uncontrollable and noted it might be among the most severe outbreaks he has witnessed.

4:32 p.m. Friday Update: Fires have forced evacuations in several areas of Stillwater, including Karsten, Nottingham, Primrose, Kelowna Park (44th and Range), Golden Oaks, and Woodlake 1. The Stillwater Community Center is available for those seeking assistance. Additionally, officials informed KOCO 5 that multiple structures have burned at the mobile home park on West Sixth Street, located behind Smokin’ Joe’s Restaurant in Stillwater. It’s still unclear if there were any injuries.

4:30 p.m. Friday Update: Approximately 75,000 Oklahoma residents are experiencing power outages due to the combined impact of the windstorm and ongoing wildfires, per PowerOutage.US data.

4:25 p.m. Friday Update: In northern Oklahoma County, a building was consumed by flames and several cars were destroyed on Friday afternoon. KOCO 5 Meteorologist Michael Armstrong reported from the scene, situated between Northwest 220th Street and Sorghum Mill Road, where the fire was still active shortly after 4:15 p.m.

4:05 p.m. Friday Update: KOCO 5 First Alert Storm Chase Nick Smith reported from Newcastle, where gusty winds had torn off the roof of Luigi’s.

4 p.m. Friday Update: KOCO 5 First Alert Storm Chaser Amanda Benton was in Leedey, observing the evacuation efforts prompted by a wildfire. She witnessed substantial smoke clouds in the area.

3:55 p.m. Friday Update: A firefighter sustained injuries while combating flames in Cleveland County on Friday afternoon. The incident took place near 192nd and Robinson, close to the Little Axe Fire Department. Cleveland County deputies informed KOCO 5 that the injured firefighter was transported to a local hospital.