NewsChannel 8 is in Ottawa County, where there are reports major damage and injury near the town of Picher. (OK)
Picher is located about 85 miles northeast of Tulsa. It’s best known for the Tar Creek Superfund site, but today’s tornado may leave a much larger impact.
There are reports that the town was leveled by the tornado, which storm spotters expected to be classified as an EF-3 tornado, capable of producing winds of between 136 and 165 miles per hour and cause extensive damage to even large buildings.
Steve Osburn lives in Ottawa County and says rescue crews from Miami are responding to the area.
“The ambulances here in Miami are running back and forth as fast as they can,” Osburn said. “You can’t see any homes anywhere, no street signs left and trees torn out of the ground.”
NewsChannel 8 Storm Chaser Mike Scantlin also reported multiple injuries and lots of damage after the twister crossed over into the southwestern Missouri town of Racine, which is located 20 miles to the east of Picher.
We will continue to update this story with additional details as they become available.
There was a tornado over your house a little while ago. Happy Mother’s Day!