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Oklahoma Governor Declares State of Emergency After Deadly Tornadoes

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First 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.
First 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/AP
By David Stout
Updated: | Originally published: ;

Oklahoma’s governor declared a state of emergency for 25 counties Thursday, a day after severe weather whipped through large swathes of state, resulting in one death and widespread power outages.

Governor Mary Fallin announced the declaration in the city of Moore, after touring a stricken elementary school, according to NBC News. No students or staff were injured at the school, which was closed when the tornado hit.

“It’s hard to believe that two years later, we’re back at a Moore public school, surveying damage,” Fallin said. “I am very thankful that this school did not sustain damage during school hours.”

Outside Tulsa, a tornado cut through a mobile home park in the suburbs of Sand Springs Wednesday night, killing at least one person and injuring three others.

“Right now, rescue efforts are continuing and officers are aiding the injured and helping those who need immediate medical care,” Shannon Clark, with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, told CNN. “It’s very tough conditions right now — very touch and go. The conditions my people are working in right now are deplorable at best.”

Further south, near Oklahoma City, officials reported that another tornado touched down outside the town of Moore, overturning vehicles, uprooting trees and injuring at least three people. However, no deaths were reported in the area.

Thousands of Oklahoma residents were without power early Thursday as officials mobilized rescue efforts.

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Witness the Deadly Tornadoes That Hit Oklahoma

The funnel cloud of a tornado reaches down to the ground as a storm approaches Sand Springs, Okla. on March 25, 2015.
The funnel cloud of a tornado reaches down to the ground as a storm approaches Sand Springs, Okla. on March 25, 2015. Alix Chin—EPA
Lightning flashes as a utility crew works on a power line on East 15th Street just west of Sheridan, Okla., on March 25, 2015.
Lightning 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/AP
A man runs to his car after a roof fell on it near First and Greenwood in Tulsa, Okla., on March 25, 2015.
A 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/AP
APTOPIX Southern Plains Storms
Storm clouds gather over downtown Tulsa, Okla., on March 25, 2015. Christopher Smith—Tulsa World/AP
Tornado near Tulsa, Okla. on March 25, 2015.
Spencer Courtney posted this photo of a tornado near Tulsa, Okla. on March 25, 2015.Spencer Courtney (@spencecourtney) via Instagram
A Tornado is seen in Sand Springs
A Tornado is seen in Sand Springs, Okla. on March 25, 2015. Kathryn Piotrowski—Reuters
The roof was blown off this home in Moore, Okla. on March 25, 2015.
The roof was blown off this home in Moore, Okla. on March 25, 2015.Jazz Bishop—Demotix/Corbis
Cars, homes, downed trees and buildings damaged by a storm that spawned a tornado in Moore, Okla. on March 25, 2015.
Cars, homes, downed trees and buildings damaged by a storm that spawned a tornado in Moore, Okla. on March 25, 2015.Jazz Bishop—Demotix/Corbis
First 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.
First 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/AP
Debris and downed trees litter the streets after a tornado ripped through Moore, Okla. on March 25, 2015.
Debris and downed trees litter the streets after a tornado ripped through Moore, Okla. on March 25, 2015.Jazz Bishop—Demotix/Corbis

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