A “confirmed extremely dangerous tornado” hit Wednesday evening near Tulsa, Oklahoma, according to the National Weather Service, which warned residents nearby: “You are in a life threatening situation.”
The tornado was spotted at 6:02 p.m. (7:02 p.m. ET) and was moving east at 40 mph in the genral direction of Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Verdigris, Oneta and Inola, the weather service said.
“Flying debris will be deadly to those caught without shelter,” it said.
The funnel cloud of a tornado reaches down to the ground as a storm approaches Sand Springs, Okla. on March 25, 2015. Alix Chin—EPALightning flashes as a utility crew works on a power line on East 15th Street just west of Sheridan, Okla., on March 25, 2015. Mike Simons—Tulsa World/APA man runs to his car after a roof fell on it near First and Greenwood in Tulsa, Okla., on March 25, 2015. Tom Gilbert—Tulsa World/APStorm clouds gather over downtown Tulsa, Okla., on March 25, 2015. Christopher Smith—Tulsa World/APSpencer Courtney posted this photo of a tornado near Tulsa, Okla. on March 25, 2015.Spencer Courtney (@spencecourtney) via InstagramA Tornado is seen in Sand Springs, Okla. on March 25, 2015. Kathryn Piotrowski—ReutersThe roof was blown off this home in Moore, Okla. on March 25, 2015.Jazz Bishop—Demotix/CorbisCars, homes, downed trees and buildings damaged by a storm that spawned a tornado in Moore, Okla. on March 25, 2015.Jazz Bishop—Demotix/CorbisFirst responders work to free a man from a rubble pile after a round of severe weather hit a trailer park in Sand Springs, Okla., on March 25, 2015. Matt Barnard—Tulsa World/APDebris and downed trees litter the streets after a tornado ripped through Moore, Okla. on March 25, 2015.Jazz Bishop—Demotix/Corbis