Crews work to assess, fix damage caused by deadly Oklahoma tornadoes

At least eight tornadoes touched down Wednesday night in Oklahoma, leaving three people dead and widespread damage in parts of the state.

At least eight tornadoes touched down Wednesday night in Oklahoma, leaving three people dead and widespread damage in parts of the state.

ALL OF THE DAMAGE THERE ON CAMPUS. AND OB YOU, OF COURSE, IN SHAWNEE. LET’S GO LIVE TO MY CO-ANCHOR, EVAN ONSTOTT, WHO’S STANDING BY THERE IN SHAWNEE. AND EVAN, THE GOVERNOR JUST ISSUED A STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR THAT AREA AND OTHERS. YES. AND JUST THAT THAT EMERGENCY ORDER ACTUALLY INCLUDES FIVE DIFFERENT COUNTIES, INCLUDING. RIGHT HERE IN POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY, ALSO CLEVELAND, LINCOLN, MCCLAIN COUNTIES. THAT’S WHERE WE SAW THAT HORRIBLE TORNADO IN COLE LAST NIGHT, AS WELL AS THE OKLAHOMA COUNTIES. NOW, THIS MAKES IT EASIER FOR HELP TO GET INTO THESE HARD HIT AREAS. AND IT ALSO REMOVED SOME OF THE RESTRICTIONS FOR LARGE VEHICLES CARRYING SUPPLIES. I CAN TELL YOU RIGHT NOW, JUST DRIVING INTO THIS AREA, IT’S TRANSPORTATION IN GETTING AROUND. I’VE BEEN TOLD THAT MOST OF THE ROADS ARE OPEN, BUT THERE’S STILL A LOT OF PEOPLE ON THE ROADS RIGHT NOW. THERE’S A LOT OF DEBRIS AND THERE’S A LOT OF WORKERS WORKING. I JUST SPOKE EARLIER TO THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HERE IN POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY. HE SAID POWER GETTING POWER RESTORED RIGHT NOW, JESS, IS THE BIGGEST ISSUE THAT THEY’RE NOW FACING. AND WE’LL HAVE A CHECK ON THE POWER OUTAGE NUMBERS HERE COMING UP, EVAN. BUT WE KNOW THIS AFTERNOON THAT AT LEAST EIGHT TORNADOES HIT OKLAHOMA LAST NIGHT. SO YOU CAN JUST IMAGINE SO MANY AREAS NOW WITH WIDE SPREAD DESTRUCTION. OUR CHIEF METEOROLOGIST, DAMON LANE IS LIVE IN SHAWNEE AS WELL. AND DAMON, YOU’VE BEEN ABLE TO SEE SOME OF THE DAMAGE YOURSELF. SO MANY HOMES AND BUSINESSES TAKING A DIRECT HIT. SO, YOU’RE RIGHT, EIGHT TORNADO, THOSE HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED, AT LEAST EIGHT TORNADOES HERE FROM YESTERDAY’S STORMS. BASICALLY COMING OFF OF TWO SUPERCELLS THERE THAT STRUCK BETWEEN FIVE AND 1030 LAST NIGHT. THAT’S RIGHT. IT TOOK ABOUT FIVE AND A HALF HOURS FOR TWO TORNADIC STORMS TO TRACK ABOUT 60 MILES. THESE WERE SLOW MOVING STORMS. AND SO HERE WE ARE IN SHAWNEE RIGHT NOW. A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ASKING ABOUT WHAT’S THE RATING? WHAT DO WE SEE RIGHT NOW? THIS IS PRELIMINARY. ALL THE RATINGS WE HAVE RIGHT NOW ARE PRELIMINARY, BUT HERE IN SHAWNEE, EAF TWO, AND JUST LOOK AT THE DAMAGE. THIS IS JUST ONE CAR HERE, BUT THIS CAR IS UPSIDE DOWN. AND WHAT REALLY STANDS OUT TO ME IS LOOK AT THAT PIECE OF WOOD. IT IS SHOVED INTO THIS TIRE. THIS WAS A SLOW MOVING SUPERCELL THAT JUST BASICALLY MADE ITS WAY RIGHT THROUGH SHAWNEE. VERY ERRATIC BEHAVIOR AS WELL. THIS WAS AN UNUSUAL STORM. WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT SUPERCELLS IN OKLAHOMA. YOU THINK ABOUT STORMS MOVING FROM WEST TO EAST. THIS CAME FROM THE SOUTH. IT WENT UP THROUGH A GOOD PORTION OF SHAWNEE DAMAGE. IT IS ALL OVER THE PLACE. SOME AREAS ARE WORSE THAN OTHERS. BUT TO SEE THE POWER OF MOTHER NATURE ABLE TO FLIP THIS CAR UPSIDE DOWN IS JUST CERTAINLY INCREDIBLE. NOW, YES, AS WE JUST MENTIONED, THERE ARE OTHER TORNADOES THAT OCCURRED. COLE HAS BEEN GIVEN A PRELIMINARY RATING OF ATF. THREE WITH WINDS OF 100 AND ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR. THAT’S A STRONG TORNADO. SO ALL OF THESE STORMS ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO BE SURVEYED OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. ETOWAH THERE, TOO, AS WELL. BUT ONCE AGAIN, PRELIMINARY HERE IN SHAWNEE HAVE THAT VERY WELL COULD CHANGE, BUT CERTAINLY QUITE THIS STORM, THIS IS WHAT WE’RE SEEING FROM THE GROUND. NOW, CHASE RUTLEDGE AND SKY 5 UP IN THE AIR, GIVING US A VERY UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE. CHASE. WHAT’S IT LOOK LIKE FROM UP IN THE AIR. WELL, DAMON, I MEAN, LOOK AT OUR SHOT FROM RIGHT HERE, FROM SKY 5. AND I CAN TELL YOU THIS, THIS KIND OF HITS CLOSE TO HOME BECAUSE I GREW UP IN THIS AREA. I GREW UP IN TECUMSEH, SPENT A LOT OF TIME IN SHAWNEE. AM I SISTERS ACTUALLY RIGHT UNDERNEATH US? THIS MORNING? THEY HAD TO WORK TO CUT HER FATHER IN LAW OUT OF HIS HOUSE. HE WAS KIND OF TRAPPED IN HIS HOUSE BECAUSE HE HAD SOME DAMAGE THERE. BUT YOU CAN SEE THIS IS WHY LOOK AT THE DAMAGE THAT THIS TORNADO CAUSED. MOVING THROUGH SHAWNEE. NOW, DAMIEN, I CAN TELL YOU THAT YOU WERE TRYING TO ASSESS WHAT WHAT THE MAGNITUDE OF THIS THIS TORNADO WAS. WE WERE LOOKING AT HOW WIDE IT WAS. WE KNOW HOW LONG IT WAS, BUT WE WERE LOOKING HOW WIDE IT WAS. IT’S ALMOST A MILE WIDE AS FAR AS THE DAMAGE PATH GOES. AND WE’RE GOING TO MAKE OUR WAY OVER TO THE HIGH SCHOOL TO TAKE A LOOK AT THAT HERE IN A LITTLE BIT. BUT THERE’S A LOT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT, A CAR THAT GOT FLIPPED OVER. THERE WERE TRACTOR TRAILERS THAT GOT FLIPPED OVER IN A NUMBER OF AREAS. SO, YEAH, A LOT OF DAMAGE RIGHT HERE IN THE SHAWNEE AREA. ONE OF THE HARDEST HIT IN THE STATE LAST NIGHT. OUR PILOT, CHASE RUTLEDGE LIVE FOR US UP IN SKY 5 AND SADLY, THE TORNADOES TOOK THE LIVES OF THREE PEOPLE. AND THIS AFTERNOON WE’RE JUST LEARNING MICHAEL BRADSHAW, SENIOR IS ONE OF THOSE VICTIMS. HE WAS 66 YEARS OLD AND HE DIED WHEN A TORNADO MOVED THROUGH MCCLAIN COUNTY. KOCO IS MEGHAN MOSLEY IS IN COLE CONTINUING. OUR TEAM COVERAGE. WELL, THE DAMAGE HERE IN COLE IS PRETTY EXTENSIVE. YOU CAN SEE THIS BARN IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED. SHEET METAL JUST SPREAD EVERYWHERE, DEBRIS EVERYWHERE. AND THESE TWO SILOS OVER HERE, ONE IS STILL STANDING, AS YOU CAN SEE, BUT THE OTHER IS ALSO DAMAGED. THERE’S A LOT OF METAL STILL MANGLED AROUND THESE TREES. YOU SEE THIS SEMI TRUCK OVER HERE, THE GLASS IS BROKEN OUT OF IT, OUT OF THAT FRONT WINDOW THERE. AND THEN OVER HERE, YOU CAN SEE PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO CUT TREES DOWN. BUT A LOT OF THESE TREES HAVE BEEN UPROOTED. BUT REALLY, THE MESSAGE TODAY FROM THE GOVERNOR, HE SAYS THAT HE IS HOPEFUL AND CONFIDENT THAT THE TOWN OF COLE WILL REBUILD. WE’LL DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO TO HELP YOU REBUILD. AND THEN WE’VE GOT ALL THE HIGHWAY PATROL LEADERSHIP AND ALL THE LEADERSHIP ACROSS THE STATE IS GOING TO BE HELPING COLE REBUILD. I THINK OKLAHOMA STANDARD IS NOT USED ENOUGH WHEN WE DESCRIBE EVENTS LIKE THIS, BUT WE’VE HAD A PHENOMENAL RESPONSE BOTH BY FIRST RESPONDERS AND THE COMMUNITY. THE MESSAGE IS, LOOK AROUND YOU. THE SUPPORT THAT YOU HAVE AROUND YOU, THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE FLOODED INTO THIS AREA OF GREAT SUPPORT. YOU DO HAVE BACKING. YOU DO HAVE SUPPORT. AND WE DO KNOW THAT THERE WERE TWO CONFIRMED FATALITIES HERE IN COLE AND ONE IN ANOTHER COUNTY IN COLE, MEGHAN MOSLEY, KOCO 5, LIVE NEWS. MEGAN, THANK YOU. DOZENS OF NURSING HOME RESIDENTS RODE OUT THE STORM TOGETHER IN SHAWNEE AS THE TORNADO HIT THERE. THANKFULLY, THEY’RE ALL OKAY, BUT THEIR HOME IS NOT. KOCO IS AT ALEX JONES TAKING A LOOK AT THE DAMAGE. WE’RE AT COLONIAL ESTATES NOW. THIS IS THE SECOND NURSING HOME THAT WE KNOW OF IN SHAWNEE THAT HAS SUFFERED SEVERE DAMAGE FROM THAT TORNADO. I’M GOING TO SHOW YOU SOME OF THAT DAMAGE RIGHT NOW. YOU CAN SEE THE ROOF OF THIS BUILDING HAS BEEN RIPPED OFF. YOU CAN SEE THE SHATTERED GLASS, ALL OF THE DEBRIS. BUT THIS ISN’T THE ONLY BUILDING THAT’S AFFECTED. IF YOU LOOK OVER HERE, YOU CAN SEE THE OTHER BUILDINGS ALSO SEEING THE SAME THING. THEIR ROOFS JUST ABSOLUTELY DESTROYED. AND NOW WE DID TALK WITH SOME OF THE NURSES WHO WERE HERE DURING THE STORM. THEY SAY THAT THERE WERE 79 PEOPLE INSIDE, YET NO ONE WAS INJURED. THEY WERE ABLE TO GET EVERYONE OUT SAFE. AND THEY ALSO SAY THAT IT’S JUST REALLY A MIRACLE, AN EMERGENCY PLAN THAT WE WORK WHEN NEEDED. AND WE WORKED IT NIGHTSHIFT, WORKED IT, AND THEY DID A GREAT JOB. NO ONE WAS HURT. YEAH, IT WAS IT WAS AMAZING. WE’RE SO PROUD. WE’RE NURSES, SO WE JUST STUCK IT OUT AND AND REMAINED CALM ON THE OUTSIDE SO WE COULD GET THE JOB DONE. NOW, THEY SAY IT’S NOT CLEAR HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE FOR THE CLEANUP OR FOR THOSE RESIDENTS TO BE ABLE TO COME BACK HERE OR WHAT THAT’S GOING TO LOOK LIKE. BUT THEY ARE GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF THE HELP OKLAHOMANS HAVE BEEN PROVIDING. AND

Crews work to assess, fix damage caused by deadly Oklahoma tornadoes

At least eight tornadoes touched down Wednesday night in Oklahoma, leaving three people dead and widespread damage in parts of the state.

At least eight tornadoes touched down Wednesday night in Oklahoma, leaving three people dead and widespread damage in parts of the state.KOCO 5 has teams in Shawnee and Cole as well as Sky 5 covering the devastation. Below is a running blog of the morning updates.Click here for Wednesday night's live coverage. 7:20 p.m. Thursday Update: The preliminary tornado ratings from Wednesday's deadly storms were updated Thursday as crews continue to assess damage across the state. Crews have found evidence of EF-3 damage in Cole after Wednesday night's tornado outbreak. Although, the tornado still has some sport which need further examination and investigation. The National Weather Service also said they found EF-o damage just south of Tinker Air Force Base, and this survey is complete. EF-2-type damage was reported near Etowah, although the investigation is still ongoing. It appears that there were at least two distinct tornadoes. The Shawnee storm has been preliminarily rated an EF-2. Click here for more details. 6:30 p.m. Thursday Update: OG&E trucks that staged in areas preparing to respond to storms were damaged during Wednesday's tornadoes, according to the emergency manager of Pottawatomie County. 5:20 p.m. Thursday Update: The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security said there were approximately 50 to 100 homes that were estimated to have some level of damage in McClain County. Teams reported approximately 100 homes with some level of damage were identified in Shawnee. However, these assessments are ongoing. 5 p.m. Thursday Update: The National Weather Service is surveying areas in Shawnee to see if the preliminary rating of EF2 will remain. The Red Cross has set up shelters in Shawnee, Noble and Washington for anyone impacted by the storms. Those looking to help can make donations to the Red Cross at redcross.org/donate or they can text "Red Cross" to 90999 to make a $10 donation toward disaster relief. The three Red Cross locations are: Washington School, 101 East Kirby Avenue in Washington, OK Noble High School, 4601 E. Etowah, Noble, OK Shawnee Shelter, 1701 Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK4:35 p.m. Thursday Update: Shawnee Public Schools Superintendent Dr. April Grace spoke with KOCO about how the storm damage could impact the district. 4:30 p.m. Thursday Update: Oklahoma Baptist University President Heath Thomas provided an update after the university saw extensive damage from last night's storms. Open the video player below to watch. 3:25 p.m. Thursday Update: One of the victims killed when a tornado moved through a McClain County town Wednesday night was identified as a 66-year-old man.McClain County Deputy Scott Gibbons told KOCO 5 that the victim was identified as Michael Bradsher Sr. He was one of three people killed when severe storms hit parts of Oklahoma late Wednesday.Click here for more.3:10 p.m. Thursday Update: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency in multiple counties impacted by severe storms and tornadoes.An executive order Stitt signed declared an emergency for Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties. The declaration temporarily suspends size send weight permits for oversized vehicles transporting supplies used for emergency relief and power restoration, according to the news release by Stitt's office.Click here for more details.2:50 p.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Meghan Mosley shared pictures from Cole, showing heavy damage a tornado left behind.2:30 p.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane says the Cole tornado was rated an EF-3 and that winds were 165 mph.2:25 p.m. Thursday Update: A viewer shared an incredible photo of what last night's severe storm did to a McDonald's sign in Shawnee. The picture shows the golden arches damaged, slanting the giant M.1:25 p.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Kilee Thomas was live in Bethel Acres surveying storm damage. Open the video player below for her report. 1:05 p.m. Thursday Update: Gov. Kevin Stitt spoke with the media again after surveying damage in Shawnee and Cole. Open the video player below for his comments. 12:40 p.m. Thursday Update: Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Foster provided an update on last night's tornado damage and what authorities are doing to help. Open the video player below for more. 12:15 p.m. Thursday Update: The National Weather Service in Norman said survey crews near Cole found a home with EF3 damage. They also said they found EF0 damage just south of Tinker Air Force Base and EF1-EF2-type damage near Cole and near Etowah.They said the surveys are just beginning and will take time to complete. Click here for more details. Noon Thursday Update: The National Weather Service said the tornado count from Wednesday night's severe storms is down from nine to eight. 11:25 a.m. Thursday Update: A preliminary report confirmed that at least nine tornadoes touched down Wednesday night across Oklahoma. KOCO 5's Taylor Cox looks at where those tornadoes hit as well as where hail was reported. Open the video player below to learn more. 11:05 a.m. Thursday Update: OG&E officials said that as of 11 a.m., about 17,200 customers are without power. At their peak, outages affected about 23,000 customers.Crews continue to work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible, officials said.10:50 a.m. Thursday Update: Oklahoma Highway Patrol officials told KOCO 5 that Gov. Kevin Stitt will tour the tornado damage in Cole later this morning.10:40 a.m. Thursday Update: The McClain County Sheriff's Office provided an update to KOCO 5, saying they are changing the number of deaths in the county back to two.Deputy Scott Gibbon said on KOCO 5 News at 9 a.m. that a third death had been confirmed. He later said that a third person has died, but they are working to confirm whey they are from. Crews are still conducting grid searches and are about 99% done in affected areas. 10:20 a.m. Thursday Update: A preliminary report says nine tornadoes touched down Wednesday night throughout Oklahoma. KOCO 5 Meteorologist Taylor Cox breaks down where the tornadoes were. Open the video player below for more from Taylor. 10:15 a.m. Thursday Update: The Shawnee VA Outpatient clinic will be closed because of tornado damage. The clinic will be closed until the full extent of the damage can be assessed and repaired. Patient appointments will be rescheduled.10:05 a.m. Thursday Update: Gov. Kevin Stitt addressed the media as he surveys the tornado damage in Shawnee. Open the video player below to watch. 9:45 a.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Audrey Goodson was live in Cole – a town in McClain County – after a tornado caused three deaths and left behind significant damage. Open the video player below for her report. 9:30 a.m. Thursday Update: Sky 5 showed the extent of the damage Shawnee High School's athletic facilities sustained. Open the video player below to see. 9:10 a.m. Thursday Update: McClain County Deputy Scott Gibbons told KOCO 5 that a third death has been confirmed in connection with last night's severe storms.Gibbons said a man was found dead at the scene of severe storm damage, and a woman was taken to a hospital and died following a cardiac event. Information about the third victim has not been released. 9:05 a.m. Thursday Update: The American Red Cross has opened disaster shelters in various parts of the state. Here's a look at where the shelters are:Noble High School, 4601 E. Etowah RoadCitizen Potawatomi Reunion Hall, 1702 Gordon Cooper Drive in ShawneeWashington School Gym, 101 E. Kerby Ave. 8:50 a.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Meteorologist Jonathan Conder says a risk of severe storms continues in southeastern Oklahoma. Open the video player below for his latest forecast. 8:45 a.m. Thursday Update: Gov. Kevin Stitt's office confirmed that the governor will tour the storm damage in Shawnee this morning.8 a.m. Thursday Update: Oklahoma Baptist University was among the places that saw significant damage after severe storms moved through Shawnee on Wednesday. University President Heath Thomas called this the worst disaster in the university's history.Buildings were significantly damaged, but Thomas said they can be rebuilt and they are happy no one on campus was injured. University officials are assessing the damage, saying it was bad.Shawnee Hall and the Raley Chapel were severely damaged. The chapel is history and had a shelter in it where students went into Wednesday night. | MORE | Sky 5 shows damage left behind following Oklahoma tornado outbreakStudents were inside tornado shelters and followed university protocols when the severe storms moved through Shawnee.Thomas said OBU has disaster relief coming in this morning. Students have been moved to a safe place to stay until it is deemed safe to come back.Thomas added that they will finish the semester and have finals, but they may be online. 7:55 a.m. Thursday Update: OSSAA officials said the State Vocal Music Contest that was supposed to be held at Oklahoma Baptist University on Thursday and Friday has been canceled due to damage at OBU.7:40 a.m. Thursday Update: Multiple school districts across the state are closed following last night's severe weather. Click here to see a full list of school closings. 7:35 a.m. Thursday Update: Sky 5 showed a metal container that had been thrown into and knocked over a light pole at Oklahoma Baptist University's baseball field. Open the video player below for more. 7:30 a.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Audrey Goodson was live in Cole, where at least two people died and widespread damage was caused because of a tornado. Open the video player below for more. 7:25 a.m. Thursday Update: Shawnee Public Schools canceled all classes Thursday because of the widespread damage across town.The Shawnee Police Department also sent out an alert for anyone impacted by the severe storms and tornado.They said search and rescue efforts are underway, and they urge people to stay off the roads and call 911 only for emergencies. Police also said people should be aware of down power lines and gas leaks.Reunion Hall is open to those in need of shelter.7:15 a.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Audrey Goodson shows more damage in Cole after a tornado hit the town in McClain County on Wednesday. Authorities confirmed that two people died because of this storm cell. Open the video player below for her latest update. 7:10 a.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Alyse Jones is in Shawnee showing the latest damage to neighborhoods. Open the video player below for her latest update. 6:50 a.m. Thursday Update: The Shawnee Regional Airport suffered heavy damage in Wednesday night's severe storms. Open the video player below for Sky 5 coverage. 6:40 a.m. Thursday Update: Buildings at Oklahoma Baptist University suffered significant damage in last night's severe storms and tornado. Open the video player below to see some of the damage. 6:30 a.m. Thursday Update: Sky 5 is flying over Shawnee, where widespread damage can be seen to homes, apartments and businesses. Open the video player below to see some of the damage. 6:10 a.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Audrey Goodson is in Cole, where two deaths have been confirmed because of Wednesday night's severe storms. Open the video player below for her report. 6:05 a.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Alyse Jones is in Shawnee showing the latest damage to neighborhoods. Click here for her report. 6 a.m. Thursday Update: As of 6 a.m. Thursday, about 18,300 OG&E customers do not have power. Authorities said the primary cause of the outages is because of high winds that damaged power lines and equipment. Crews worked overnight and continue to do so during the morning hours to restore power. They have not said when power will be restored.Top Headlines Two dead after multiple tornadoes leave significant damage across Oklahoma on Wednesday At least two people confirmed dead after tornadoes tear through McClain County, officials say Heavy damage reported after tornado tears through Shawnee Shawnee assisted living center hit by tornado, leaves dozens without shelter Tuttle man rushes to check on loved ones in Cole after tornadoes hit

At least eight tornadoes touched down Wednesday night in Oklahoma, leaving three people dead and widespread damage in parts of the state.

KOCO 5 has teams in Shawnee and Cole as well as Sky 5 covering the devastation. Below is a running blog of the morning updates.

Click here for Wednesday night's live coverage.

7:20 p.m. Thursday Update: The preliminary tornado ratings from Wednesday's deadly storms were updated Thursday as crews continue to assess damage across the state.

Crews have found evidence of EF-3 damage in Cole after Wednesday night's tornado outbreak. Although, the tornado still has some sport which need further examination and investigation.

The National Weather Service also said they found EF-o damage just south of Tinker Air Force Base, and this survey is complete.

EF-2-type damage was reported near Etowah, although the investigation is still ongoing. It appears that there were at least two distinct tornadoes.

The Shawnee storm has been preliminarily rated an EF-2.

Click here for more details.

6:30 p.m. Thursday Update: OG&E trucks that staged in areas preparing to respond to storms were damaged during Wednesday's tornadoes, according to the emergency manager of Pottawatomie County.

5:20 p.m. Thursday Update: The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security said there were approximately 50 to 100 homes that were estimated to have some level of damage in McClain County.

Teams reported approximately 100 homes with some level of damage were identified in Shawnee. However, these assessments are ongoing.

5 p.m. Thursday Update: The National Weather Service is surveying areas in Shawnee to see if the preliminary rating of EF2 will remain.

The Red Cross has set up shelters in Shawnee, Noble and Washington for anyone impacted by the storms. Those looking to help can make donations to the Red Cross at redcross.org/donate or they can text "Red Cross" to 90999 to make a $10 donation toward disaster relief.

The three Red Cross locations are:

Washington School, 101 East Kirby Avenue in Washington, OK
Noble High School, 4601 E. Etowah, Noble, OK
Shawnee Shelter, 1701 Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK

4:35 p.m. Thursday Update: Shawnee Public Schools Superintendent Dr. April Grace spoke with KOCO about how the storm damage could impact the district.

4:30 p.m. Thursday Update: Oklahoma Baptist University President Heath Thomas provided an update after the university saw extensive damage from last night's storms. Open the video player below to watch.

3:25 p.m. Thursday Update: One of the victims killed when a tornado moved through a McClain County town Wednesday night was identified as a 66-year-old man.

McClain County Deputy Scott Gibbons told KOCO 5 that the victim was identified as Michael Bradsher Sr. He was one of three people killed when severe storms hit parts of Oklahoma late Wednesday.

Click here for more.

3:10 p.m. Thursday Update: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency in multiple counties impacted by severe storms and tornadoes.

An executive order Stitt signed declared an emergency for Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties. The declaration temporarily suspends size send weight permits for oversized vehicles transporting supplies used for emergency relief and power restoration, according to the news release by Stitt's office.

Click here for more details.

2:50 p.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Meghan Mosley shared pictures from Cole, showing heavy damage a tornado left behind.

📍COLE, OK: This is damage left behind from last night’s tornado that touched the town of Cole.

📺 Coming up at 5, we’re hearing from the homeowners who’ve live here for nearly 20 years, plus how the community is coming together tonight. | @koconews pic.twitter.com/gDaL46xAFr
— Meghan Mosley (@KOCOMeghan) April 20, 2023

2:30 p.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane says the Cole tornado was rated an EF-3 and that winds were 165 mph.

2:25 p.m. Thursday Update: A viewer shared an incredible photo of what last night's severe storm did to a McDonald's sign in Shawnee. The picture shows the golden arches damaged, slanting the giant M.

Hearst Owned

1:25 p.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Kilee Thomas was live in Bethel Acres surveying storm damage. Open the video player below for her report.

1:05 p.m. Thursday Update: Gov. Kevin Stitt spoke with the media again after surveying damage in Shawnee and Cole. Open the video player below for his comments.

12:40 p.m. Thursday Update: Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Foster provided an update on last night's tornado damage and what authorities are doing to help. Open the video player below for more.

12:15 p.m. Thursday Update: The National Weather Service in Norman said survey crews near Cole found a home with EF3 damage. They also said they found EF0 damage just south of Tinker Air Force Base and EF1-EF2-type damage near Cole and near Etowah.

They said the surveys are just beginning and will take time to complete. Click here for more details.

Noon Thursday Update: The National Weather Service said the tornado count from Wednesday night's severe storms is down from nine to eight.

11:25 a.m. Thursday Update: A preliminary report confirmed that at least nine tornadoes touched down Wednesday night across Oklahoma.

KOCO 5's Taylor Cox looks at where those tornadoes hit as well as where hail was reported. Open the video player below to learn more.

11:05 a.m. Thursday Update: OG&E officials said that as of 11 a.m., about 17,200 customers are without power. At their peak, outages affected about 23,000 customers.

Crews continue to work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible, officials said.

10:50 a.m. Thursday Update: Oklahoma Highway Patrol officials told KOCO 5 that Gov. Kevin Stitt will tour the tornado damage in Cole later this morning.

10:40 a.m. Thursday Update: The McClain County Sheriff's Office provided an update to KOCO 5, saying they are changing the number of deaths in the county back to two.

Deputy Scott Gibbon said on KOCO 5 News at 9 a.m. that a third death had been confirmed. He later said that a third person has died, but they are working to confirm whey they are from.

Crews are still conducting grid searches and are about 99% done in affected areas.

10:20 a.m. Thursday Update: A preliminary report says nine tornadoes touched down Wednesday night throughout Oklahoma. KOCO 5 Meteorologist Taylor Cox breaks down where the tornadoes were. Open the video player below for more from Taylor.

10:15 a.m. Thursday Update: The Shawnee VA Outpatient clinic will be closed because of tornado damage. The clinic will be closed until the full extent of the damage can be assessed and repaired. Patient appointments will be rescheduled.

10:05 a.m. Thursday Update: Gov. Kevin Stitt addressed the media as he surveys the tornado damage in Shawnee. Open the video player below to watch.

9:45 a.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Audrey Goodson was live in Cole – a town in McClain County – after a tornado caused three deaths and left behind significant damage. Open the video player below for her report.

9:30 a.m. Thursday Update: Sky 5 showed the extent of the damage Shawnee High School's athletic facilities sustained. Open the video player below to see.

9:10 a.m. Thursday Update: McClain County Deputy Scott Gibbons told KOCO 5 that a third death has been confirmed in connection with last night's severe storms.

Gibbons said a man was found dead at the scene of severe storm damage, and a woman was taken to a hospital and died following a cardiac event. Information about the third victim has not been released.

9:05 a.m. Thursday Update: The American Red Cross has opened disaster shelters in various parts of the state. Here's a look at where the shelters are:

Noble High School, 4601 E. Etowah Road
Citizen Potawatomi Reunion Hall, 1702 Gordon Cooper Drive in Shawnee
Washington School Gym, 101 E. Kerby Ave.

8:50 a.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Meteorologist Jonathan Conder says a risk of severe storms continues in southeastern Oklahoma. Open the video player below for his latest forecast.

8:45 a.m. Thursday Update: Gov. Kevin Stitt's office confirmed that the governor will tour the storm damage in Shawnee this morning.

8 a.m. Thursday Update: Oklahoma Baptist University was among the places that saw significant damage after severe storms moved through Shawnee on Wednesday.

University President Heath Thomas called this the worst disaster in the university's history.

Buildings were significantly damaged, but Thomas said they can be rebuilt and they are happy no one on campus was injured. University officials are assessing the damage, saying it was bad.

Shawnee Hall and the Raley Chapel were severely damaged. The chapel is history and had a shelter in it where students went into Wednesday night.

| MORE | Sky 5 shows damage left behind following Oklahoma tornado outbreak

Students were inside tornado shelters and followed university protocols when the severe storms moved through Shawnee.

Thomas said OBU has disaster relief coming in this morning. Students have been moved to a safe place to stay until it is deemed safe to come back.

Thomas added that they will finish the semester and have finals, but they may be online.

7:55 a.m. Thursday Update: OSSAA officials said the State Vocal Music Contest that was supposed to be held at Oklahoma Baptist University on Thursday and Friday has been canceled due to damage at OBU.

7:40 a.m. Thursday Update: Multiple school districts across the state are closed following last night's severe weather. Click here to see a full list of school closings.

7:35 a.m. Thursday Update: Sky 5 showed a metal container that had been thrown into and knocked over a light pole at Oklahoma Baptist University's baseball field. Open the video player below for more.

7:30 a.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Audrey Goodson was live in Cole, where at least two people died and widespread damage was caused because of a tornado. Open the video player below for more.

7:25 a.m. Thursday Update: Shawnee Public Schools canceled all classes Thursday because of the widespread damage across town.

The Shawnee Police Department also sent out an alert for anyone impacted by the severe storms and tornado.

They said search and rescue efforts are underway, and they urge people to stay off the roads and call 911 only for emergencies. Police also said people should be aware of down power lines and gas leaks.

Reunion Hall is open to those in need of shelter.

7:15 a.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Audrey Goodson shows more damage in Cole after a tornado hit the town in McClain County on Wednesday. Authorities confirmed that two people died because of this storm cell. Open the video player below for her latest update.

7:10 a.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Alyse Jones is in Shawnee showing the latest damage to neighborhoods. Open the video player below for her latest update.

6:50 a.m. Thursday Update: The Shawnee Regional Airport suffered heavy damage in Wednesday night's severe storms. Open the video player below for Sky 5 coverage.

6:40 a.m. Thursday Update: Buildings at Oklahoma Baptist University suffered significant damage in last night's severe storms and tornado. Open the video player below to see some of the damage.

6:30 a.m. Thursday Update: Sky 5 is flying over Shawnee, where widespread damage can be seen to homes, apartments and businesses. Open the video player below to see some of the damage.

6:10 a.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Audrey Goodson is in Cole, where two deaths have been confirmed because of Wednesday night's severe storms. Open the video player below for her report.

6:05 a.m. Thursday Update: KOCO 5 Reporter Alyse Jones is in Shawnee showing the latest damage to neighborhoods. Click here for her report.

6 a.m. Thursday Update: As of 6 a.m. Thursday, about 18,300 OG&E customers do not have power. Authorities said the primary cause of the outages is because of high winds that damaged power lines and equipment. Crews worked overnight and continue to do so during the morning hours to restore power. They have not said when power will be restored.

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Crews work to assess, fix damage caused by deadly Oklahoma tornadoes

At least eight tornadoes touched down Wednesday night in Oklahoma, leaving three people dead and widespread damage in parts of the state.

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