Lone Grove, Oklahoma, Tornado Wreaks Death and Destruction

Wilson, Oklahoma -- Tornado sirens on Tuesday were wailing as hail and high winds moved through the small southern Oklahoma community. However, the tornado skipped over this Carter County community and dropped down from the angry skies to deliver a terrible blow to the neighboring community to the east, Lone Grove, Oklahoma. The deadly tornado struck just south of downtown Lone Grove, ripping entire portions of the roof from the local post office, tearing up trees from their roots, throwing vehicles through garages, and destroying houses and businesses as it trekked northeasterly over U.S. Highway 70.

Rescue workers, state troopers, local law enforcement and volunteers continued to account for missing persons and assess damage this morning as traffic slowly moved through this major east-west roadway amid traffic light outages and debris. The entire community is still without electricity. Some local residents are gathering in coffee shops and restaurants in nearby Ardmore as they try to gather their wits, appreciate they are still alive and pray for those whom have lost loved ones and the missing.

The deadly storm last night was not an unfamiliar occurrence in this area. Every few years, a deadly storm strikes this southern Oklahoma tornado corridor. Residents respect the tremendous force and energy of tornadoes, but don't always have time to seek safety in their storm cellars. Others don't have a storm cellar, if the warning comes. Sometimes there simply isn't time for a warning. In the rural areas, the community sirens aren't audible and power outages cause residents to lose contact with broadcast weather updates. Often, the storms strike at night and by the time you hear the tornado above the roar of the wind and hail, it's too late.

May God's healing love touch those unfortunate neighbors and friends whom have lost loved ones, homes, and businesses.