Tornado Touches Down Multiple Times, Warning Issued for Southern States

Seven people were injured after severe storms caused multiple tornado touchdowns, devastating northeastern Oklahoma on March 30.

A tornado touched down and lifted up various times as it traveled from northern Tulsa and Owasso areas.

The Tulsa Fire Department spokesman, Stan May, said about a square mile of a mostly residential area was devastated. He said one home was destroyed while other houses and businesses sustained roof and structural damage.  

Officials checked the area door to door and said there were no immediate reports of anyone unaccounted for.

“We want to check each house,” he said. “We’ve got some elderly people in the area. We want to make sure people have the medicines they need,” said May.

TORNADO NORTH OF AIRPORT pic.twitter.com/tHZJT39een

— Brandyn (@BAK_yn) March 31, 2016

The seven injured people were taken to the hospital. One of the victims is in critical condition, while others are in serious condition.

May said several other people suffered minor injuries but declined treatment.

#Tornado spotted just north of Tulsa International Airport; latest #storm impacts: https://t.co/eOw8gv0SoEhttps://t.co/4FSlnrSKw6

— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) March 31, 2016

#okwx pic.twitter.com/L665xJ3s7c

— Rob Armstrong (@rarmstrong_rob) March 31, 2016

The National Weather Service said hail and strong winds moved across the lower Mississippi River Valley, warning that the storms may cause flash floods in some areas. They said northern Mississippi and Alabama, along with parts of Tennessee and southern Kentucky are at higher risk of tornado activity and large hail.

Forecasters said more than 8 million residents in parts of Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee are at an “enhanced risk” of severe weather.

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Alabama, Florida and Mississippi until 2 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/jB1kpzKdEJ

— NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) March 31, 2016

The Associated Press contributed to this report.