April 20, 2025 — Communities in Texas and Oklahoma are reeling after a series of powerful tornadoes tore through the region over the weekend, leaving three people dead and causing widespread destruction.
The slow-moving storm system unleashed heavy rain, large hail, and at least 17 reported tornadoes on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Five of these tornadoes were confirmed in south-central Oklahoma, including one that devastated a small town still recovering from a tornado just last month.
In Moore, Oklahoma, a city of 63,000 residents located about 16 kilometers south of Oklahoma City, rescue teams faced harrowing conditions. Police received dozens of reports of vehicles stranded in floodwaters. Tragically, a woman and a 12-year-old boy lost their lives when their car was swept away under a bridge.
Another fatality was reported in Spaulding, Oklahoma, approximately 130 kilometers southeast of Moore, after a tornado touched down. Preliminary assessments rated the tornadoes as at least EF1, with wind speeds between 138 and 177 kilometers per hour.
The storm system also battered parts of north-central Texas. In Parker County, emergency crews responded to multiple homes with roofs torn off and interiors exposed. Detached roofs were found smashed across driveways, highlighting the sheer force of the winds.
On Sunday, the storm shifted northeast, bringing the risk of hail, high winds, and heavy rain to Arkansas, Missouri, southern Illinois, and southeastern Iowa. Thousands in Missouri were left without power as the severe weather continued its destructive path.
While heavy rain subsided in Texas and Oklahoma by late Sunday afternoon, forecasters warn that additional downpours are expected across parts of the Plains this week. With already swollen streams and saturated ground, the region remains at risk of further flooding.
As communities begin the arduous task of cleaning up and rebuilding, local authorities are urging residents to stay alert and prepared for potential severe weather in the days ahead.
