Downtown Sulphur Closed To Prevent Looting, Authorities Say

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Murray County Sheriff's Office said they're putting a strict lockdown on the downtown area to prevent looting.

Authorities said anyone in the downtown area will be arrested after 10:30 p.m., no exceptions.

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People in Sulphur are recovering Sunday morning after a tornado caused significant damage to the area.

Andy Freeman the Sulphur City Manager says at least 20 people have been injured at this time, but they are still doing search and rescue.

Image Provided By: Griffin Media

Related: 'Worst I've Seen Since I've Been Governor': State Of Emergency Declared After Tornado Outbreak

During a press conference Sunday afternoon, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said the damage to Sulphur was the "worst damage he's seen" during his tenure as governor, and said one person was confirmed to have been killed as a result of the tornado.

The Murray County Sheriff's Office recommends avoiding the area as they assess damage.

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*ATTENTION PUBLIC*

DO NOT COME TO SULPHUR UNLESS YOU ARE A FIRST RESPONDER!!!

AGAIN DO NOT COME TO SULPHUR!!! Stay at home and do not come to LOOK! Those who are, you are making things difficult for all emergency personal to do their job! Sulphur is currently very congested. Reunification is at CrossWay Rec Center church.Do not call 911 unless it’s an actual emergency! Please be respectful and let emergency personal do their job!!

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Sulphur Public Schools Superintendent Matt Holder released the following statement on social media Sunday:

Dear Bulldog Family:

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our students, staff, friends and neighbors as we face the devastating loss and damage caused by last night’s tornado. We appreciate the emergency personnel who urgently responded to help our community, the utility employees who are working to restore service, and the countless volunteers who have offered their assistance during this difficult time.

Our greatest priority is the safety and well-being of our students, staff and all Sulphur residents. Currently, we are working closely with city and county emergency management officials to determine how to best move forward. We know our fellow community members have experienced injuries, loss and destruction to their homes and places of business. Most are also still without electricity and internet access, including some of our schools.

Classes will be closed tomorrow – and likely longer – to allow district officials to assess damage on school campuses and to give families time together. We will communicate more about school plans when additional information is available. We know it is important for students to return to school as quickly as it is safe and possible to do so.

Currently, we know the following about the condition of our school sites:

1. As of this letter the HS is without electricity.
2. Several sites, including Sulphur High School, have water damage.
3. Every bus in our transportation fleet has been severely damaged.
4. Most campuses and athletic fields have loose debris, broken tree limbs and downed fences.



We are grateful to the many community partners and area school districts who have offered support over the last few hours. This includes Davis Public Schools, which will provide two school buses to our district so that our track team can attend regional competition in Madill tomorrow. Coaches will send information about the competition to participants today.

We are #SulphurStrong, and the faith, resilience and unity of our community will help us overcome this tragedy. If you need immediate assistance and support, the Red Cross has resources available for residents at Crossway Baptist Church on Broadway Avenue. Our school team will also work to assist families in any way that we can.

This is a close-knit community, and we take pride in caring for one another. I know we will come together during this great time of need. Every day – but especially today – thank you for your support of Sulphur Public Schools and the Sulphur community.

Sincerely,

Matt Holder

Superintendent

Image Provided By: Griffin Media

Murray County Emergency Management reported a significant amount of damage in Sulphur and numerous injuries. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said that its troopers are responding to apartments on Woodruff Blvd where tornado damage occurred.

MCEM said that US-177 approximately 2 miles north of Sulphur is closed due to flooding and search and rescue is ongoing.

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The Red Cross opened a shelter at Crossway Church, 2108 W Broadway Ave., Sulphur.

The Murray County Sheriff's Office said that the Crossway Church is also serving as a reunification center.

Gov. Kevin Stitt released the following statement:

“My prayers are with those who lost loved ones as tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma last night. Thank you to Oklahoma Emergency Management and those who have worked through the night to keep Oklahomans safe and have worked to clear debris and assess damage.”

Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby also released a statement on social media on Sunday:

Our hearts go out to all the individuals and families affected by this tragic and destructive storm. We are actively collaborating with local authorities and emergency management agencies in relief efforts and will be there to assist our employees, neighbors and friends. We are diligently evaluating the extent of the damage caused by the storm. Reports from the Artesian Hotel and the ARTesian art gallery are that all guests and team members are safe. Damage to the hotel is still to be fully evaluated but the building was impacted on the south side and in the restaurant. Our prayers are with all those who have been affected by these storms. We will continue collaborating with local authorities and relief efforts to help.

The Red Cross shared some advice for staying safe after a tornado:

1. Do not enter damaged buildings.
2. If the building you are in has been damaged, exit with extreme care and stay out. Look around for things that might fall or dangerous debris. Do not use matches or lighters inside. If you smell gas or see spills that could be flammable, leave immediately.
3. Watch out for exposed nails and broken glass.
4. Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.

This is a developing story. Bookmark this page for updates.