Tornado Leaves Widespread Damage In Barnsdall, 1 Resident Confirmed Dead

Governor Kevin Stitt surveyed the damage in Barnsdall, Oklahoma on Tuesday after a tornado hit the small town. At least one person died in the powerful storm on Monday and several others were injured.

Bob Mills Sky News 9 flew over Barnsdall where the storm wiped out 30 to 40 homes. The widespread damage was as far as the eye could see. Many people lost everything in Monday night's storm.

“It’s really devastating for this town,” said Brianna Halford, Barnsdall resident.

Related Coverage:

1. Barnsdall Mayor, Highway Patrol Address Tornado Recovery
2. 1 Killed In Barnsdall After Tornado Damages Town

Closer to the ground, residents wandered neighborhoods that looked like war zones. “We’ve never had anything like this happen around here,” said Billy Wells, Barnsdall resident.  

Neighbors huddled together in closets for safety Monday night. Halford described what she heard. “You just heard a bunch of loud noises and stuff was banging around.”

Others left their homes for shelter elsewhere. “I told my wife we better go to a shelter,” said Arlyn Hendricks, Barnsdall resident. “So, we went up to the Nazarene church.”

Arlyn Hendricks had to clean up 40 years of work and memories but said he was thankful his home was left standing. “We got major roof damage. We had a tree come down through the roof,” said Hendricks. “Of course, the garage here is gone, it’s flattened but it’s just stuff.”

While Hendricks' belongings can be replaced, he said the loss of life cannot. Barnsdall city officials confirmed one person died, several residents were injured and two people were initially reported missing. One of the missing has since been located. Residents are also living without water, gas, and power.

“They’re saying our power might not be restored for three to four days,” said Halford. “It’s pretty bad. Power lines are down all over the roads.”

The only nursing home in Barnsdall was significantly damaged. The city's mayor said all the residents were safe and bussed to healthcare facilities in nearby cities.

The Barnsdall High School gymnasium has become a hub for donations such as bottled water, food, and other necessities for residents.