Tornado-Ravaged Oklahoma Prepares for More Storms

Oklahoma, which was ravaged by storm and tornado devastation on Monday with winds of up to 103 mph, is girding its loins for another onslaught of storms expected to occur within a day.

In the first round of storms, the tornados tore across parts of Oklahoma, shredding and razing houses, uprooting trees, disrupting power lines and flipping vehicles as if they were dinky cars. Some areas have been closed off, even to residents who escaped harm. This is to allow rescue personel to search for more victims and cleanup officials to begin their difficult and dangerous task.

An area of 30 square miles was the worst hit. In one incident, travelers took refuge in a truck stop called Love's Travel Stops and County Stores. Two men decided to sit the storm out in their parked truck, whilst the others crowded into the restrooms and even a walk-in refrigerator. Minutes later the tornado ripped the roof off the truck stop. Those inside were shaken and in shock but unharmed and through some kind of miracle, the two men parked in their vehicle escaped unscathed.

So far 5 people have died, two in Oklahoma City and 3 in Cleveland County. 58 people have been reported injured, allegedly 10 of them critically. American Red Cross has opened up crisis centers where needed.

Over 65,000 businesses and houses are now without power, and close to 150 homes were damaged. A third of those were totally destroyed. Damages have not yet been accurately estimated.

Meteorology warnings were sounding all day, and the storms struck at about 5 pm CT.