Tornado leaves extensive damage in Barnsdall, 1 resident confirmed dead

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

Bob Mills Sky News 9 flew over Barnsdall, where the storm destroyed 30 to 40 homes. The extensive damage was as far as the eye could see. Many people lost everything in the storm on Monday evening.

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

Related Coverage:

1. Barnsdall Mayor and Highway Patrol discuss tornado recovery
2. 1 killed in Barnsdall after tornado damages town

Closer to the ground, residents wandered through neighborhoods that looked like war zones. “Nothing like this has ever happened here before,” Barnsdall resident Billy Wells said.

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

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

Arlyn Hendricks had 40 years of work and memories to clean up, but said he was grateful his house remained standing. “We suffered major roof damage. A tree fell through the roof,” Hendricks said. “Of course the garage here is gone, it’s flat, but it’s just stuff.”

While Hendricks’ belongings could be replaced, the loss of life was not possible, he said. Barnsdall city officials confirmed that one person died, several residents were injured and two people were initially reported missing. One of the missing people has now been found. The residents also live without water, gas or electricity.

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

The only nursing home in Barnsdall suffered significant damage. The city’s mayor said all residents were safe and were being bused to health facilities in nearby towns.

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