Photos: Deadly tornadoes in central Oklahoma devastate rural community

Rebecca Corey and Yahoo News Photo Staff
Updated ·2 min read
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A front door with intricate grillwork lies on the ground, torn from its hinges.
The Scissortail Silos event center in Cole, Okla., destroyed during overnight tornadoes on Thursday. (Nick Oxford/Reuters)

At least three people are dead following destructive tornadoes that barreled through a small community in central Oklahoma on Wednesday night.

The McClain County Sheriff's Office said there were two confirmed fatalities on Wednesday night. On Thursday morning, a third fatality was confirmed, after a person in an adjacent county was “believed to have sustained fatal injuries from the storm.” The most significant damage was in and around the rural town of Cole, which has a population of about 600 people and is 25 miles south of Oklahoma City.

“Last night, severe weather devastated parts of Shawnee & Cole and three of our fellow Oklahomans lost their lives,” Gov. Kevin Stitt tweeted on Thursday. “As we come together in prayer for all those affected, we’re working diligently to assess the damage and restore our communities.”

Kimber Hendrickson looks at a rumpled carpet under a toppled wall in the interior of the event center, a scene of total desctruction.
Kimber Hendrickson, owner of Scissortail Silos, surveys the debris in the venue. (Nick Oxford/Reuters)

Tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings had been issued Wednesday evening in Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa, the Associated Press reported, with forecasters warning people to find shelter. Hailstones the size of baseballs were also reported.

The sheriff’s office said it was still gathering information on the number of injured and displaced persons and those without power. Deputy Sheriff Scott Gibbons said there were “definitely dozens of various injuries.” Photos show toppled trees and power lines and damage to a wedding venue, Scissortail Silos, and numerous homes, some of which were still being built.

More severe storm threats that include strong winds, heavy rain and hail were expected on Thursday, as the storm system responsible for Wednesday’s tornadoes moves east to Texas, Louisiana, Illinois and Arkansas.

A flagpole bent to a 45-degree angle to the ground, with a huge branch on the lawn beside it and a flattened ranch house in the background.
The aftermath of the tornadoes in Cole on Thursday. (Nick Oxford/Reuters)
A view over to a large, wrecked residence shows a ripped-up iron fence and a huge plush bear sitting amid a pile of chewed-up metal and planks.
Another scene of of devastation in Cole. (Nick Oxford/Reuters)
Robbie Bridwell, talking on her cellphone, stands in front of a brick house that has been cracked open.
Robbie Bridwell surveys the damage in Cole. (Nick Oxford/Reuters)
Another ranch house with more than half of its facade smashed to pieces.
A wrecked residence in Cole. (Nick Oxford/Reuters)
A tree in a field with many branches split from the trunk and a few spring shoots sprouting out.
A splintered tree in Cole. (Nick Oxford/Reuters)