The tornado touched down near the intersection of Highway 81 and Interstate 40, according to Fox News. At least two people were killed and several reported missing, according to local emergency services.
I’m in El Reno. I was just in a tornado. I’m ok but the hotel across the street from us was leveled. Victims are being pulled from the rubble @NEWS9 pic.twitter.com/IjZI3Jcvgk
— Aaron Brilbeck (@AaronBrilbeck9) May 26, 2019
A mobile home park in the area was almost totally deestroyed.
NEW drone video showing near total destruction of trailer home park in El Reno! Search and rescue workers can be seen picking through the rubble for survivors! @kfor #OKWX pic.twitter.com/rHAu2hChiZ
— Aaron Brackett (@Aaron_Brackett) May 26, 2019
El Reno City Councilwoman Tracey Rider said that there had been an unknown number of fatalities at the American Budget Value Inn, which was hit by the tornado, according to News 9, a CBS TV media outlet.
@kfor @NWSNorman Tornado damage from El Reno just East of 81 on 66. pic.twitter.com/9BJlBfCHuj
— Marc Dillard (@F5Video) May 26, 2019
In turn, El Reno Mayor Matt White did not confirm or deny any fatalities.
Damage at NW 23rd and Classen. pic.twitter.com/3DcnumrZOm
— Dylan Buckingham (@DylanBuckingham) May 26, 2019
"It's been a serious, serious event here," he said. "We have all hands on deck."
Highway 81 is closed near the area due to debris and downed power lines, according to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
Earlier, the US National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado watch for sections of Oklahoma and Texas following a weekend of storms in Nebraska and Texas.
