News 9 OKC Investigates Tornado Outbreak Aftermath

News 9 OKC Investigates Tornado Outbreak Aftermath...

Severe tornadoes ripped through central Oklahoma overnight, leaving widespread damage and at least one confirmed fatality. News 9 OKC's storm trackers captured live footage as the twisters touched down near Oklahoma City shortly after 9 p.m. Tuesday.

The station's meteorologists issued life-saving warnings nearly 30 minutes before the first tornado hit Moore, a suburb still recovering from 2013's deadly EF5 tornado. Viewers flooded social media with praise for the news team's precise tracking and urgent alerts.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports major structural damage along a 12-mile path from Newcastle to Del City. Emergency crews are currently searching collapsed buildings near Tinker Air Force Base, where winds reached an estimated 135 mph.

Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency for Cleveland, McClain, and Oklahoma counties early Wednesday. "We've activated all available resources," Stitt told News 9 during a live interview. The Red Cross has opened three shelters for displaced residents.

Power outages affect over 47,000 customers according to OG&E, with some areas facing multiday restoration times. News 9's helicopter footage shows snapped power poles and overturned vehicles along I-35, which remains closed between Norman and Oklahoma City.

The station's trending coverage comes as national attention focuses on Oklahoma's severe weather preparedness. NOAA confirms this marks the state's third major tornado event already in 2026, raising concerns about an active early season.

News 9 will host a 6 p.m. town hall Wednesday featuring emergency management officials and storm survivors. Viewers can submit damage reports through the station's "Weather Eye" app, which saw record usage during last night's outbreak.