Tornado Tears Through Oklahoma as Severe Storms Blast South

Andrew MacFarlane
Published: March 30,2016
Severe thunderstorms are making their presence known, crashing into the South, spinning up a tornado in Oklahoma that has injured at least 13 people.
At least 9 people have been transported to Tulsa hospitals as a result of the tornado, one of which was in critical condition, the Emergency Medical Services Authority told FOX News 23. A family of 4 was taken to a local hospital after a tree was blown over onto their truck in Tulsa, according to a Tulsa news station. Police stated that all injuries reported were minor.
The strong winds, heavy rainfall and widespread hail are only the beginning of the harsh weather that will continue across the surrounding area, possibly producing a few more tornadoes along the way.
(MORE: Check the Forecast for the Latest Severe Event | Firemen Injured as Severe Weather Whips Across Florida)
Here are latest impacts from the severe weather event to sweep the South:

Oklahoma

A tornado was spotted just north of the Tulsa International Airport in northern Tulsa County early Wednesday evening, according to KTUL in Tulsa.

"Radar imagery showed lofted debris associated with the tornado near Tulsa," said weather.com meteorologist Quincy Vagell. "The radar data lines up with footage from the airport showing a tornado in progress shortly before sunset."
The National Weather Service (NWS) has called the twister both "extremely dangerous" and "potentially deadly", advising that all near the Tulsa area seek shelter immediately.
Immediate reports show damage in North Tulsa, Catoosa and Stone Canyon, including major damage to homes and a local church, as well as downed power lines blocking streets.

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More photos of damage around 46th & Garrison in North Tulsa. Street blocked off. @NewsOn6

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Strong winds have contributed to downed power lines across the state. Some 10,000 people were without power during the damaging storm.

Kansas

The NWS has reported hail up to 2 inches in diameter, resulting in dangerous driving conditions along the Kansas Turnpike between mile markers 105 and 110.
The menacing amount of falling hail is being blamed for a rollover accident that occurred near Cassoday around mile marker 92.

Emergency response crews are arriving on the scene of the accident, according to local news sources. The northbound lanes of the highway were halted as a result of the crash, but have been cleared since. No injuries have been reported.
Hail has also resulted in broken windows in numerous vehicles in the El Dorado area.

Arkansas

A plane making its way from Dallas to Memphis was forced to land in Little Rock due to turbulence, leaving two flight attendants injured, according to THV 11.
American Airlines officials announced that the two Envoy flight attendants were transported to a local hospital. None of the passengers were injured during the turbulence.
Over 2,000 customers were without power across the state as of 8:30 p.m. local time, according to an Entergy report.
Reports of powerful lightning strikes have been reported across the Natural State, splintering nearby trees.

Firemen in Franklin County are blaming the destruction of a local barn on a nearby lightning strike, according to 4029 TV. The three tractors inside the burnt down barn on Carbon City Road were left damage, however, no injuries were reported.
Rock Region Metro announced on social media that they've suspended their streetcar service for the rest of the evening due to the rough weather.

Texas

A Tarrant County home caught fire after a lightning strike hit their chimney, according to local news. One person inside the home was shocked but wasn’t injured in the ordeal. Fire crews diminished the fire shortly after arriving.
The NWS reported hail the size of tennis balls near Breckenridge, Texas. These large pieces of hail fall only a week after a hail storm left close to $500 million in damages in north Texas, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.