On April 2, 2025, a tornado wreaked havoc across Owasso, Oklahoma, causing extensive damage to homes, vehicles, and the local Whirlpool plant. The tornado touched down around 7 a.m. near 96th Street North and Garnett, according to local reports, and left a trail of destruction in its wake.
The Whirlpool plant, a significant employer in the area, will remain closed on Wednesday due to severe damage to its roof and vehicles. Preliminary investigations suggest that while the building sustained some minor damages, the impact on its operations will be significant. Images and videos showcasing the destruction have circulated widely on social media, highlighting the storm's ferocity.
As the storm moved through northeastern Oklahoma, it prompted the Owasso Police Department to issue warnings and advisories. The department enclosed a section near 145th East Avenue and reported that at least six electricity poles were damaged between 1116th Street and 111th Court North. In a tweet, they urged residents to avoid downed utility lines and not to drive around barricades, stating, "City and outside resources are currently working to assess damage throughout the area and help those in immediate need." The police emphasized the importance of caution as recovery efforts commenced.
Eyewitnesses described harrowing moments as the tornado approached. One resident, Trenton White, recounted the experience: "We heard loud crashing, high winds howling, and then suddenly, it just went quiet. I told my wife, ‘We might have actually just gotten hit.’" Fortunately, despite the extensive damage, no injuries have been reported as of the latest updates.
Local news outlets reported that significant storm damage was evident across various neighborhoods, particularly in the Fairways at Bailey Ranch area. Some homes sustained heavy damage, with roofs torn off and attics exposed. Aerial footage captured by Osage SkyNews 6 revealed the extent of the destruction, showing debris scattered across streets and entire rooftops missing from homes. Insulation and other debris littered the properties, leaving many residents in a state of shock as they began to assess the aftermath.
The severe weather conditions are not over yet. Meteorologists have warned of another round of storms expected later in the evening and into the early morning hours of April 3, raising fears of additional damage in the region. According to the Storm Prediction Center, a high-risk alert has been issued for parts of the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, with intense storms anticipated to worsen throughout the day. A Level 5 out of 5 risk for severe weather has been declared, indicating the potential for tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds.
As residents begin the recovery process, many are now awaiting insurance assessments to determine the extent of their losses. The community has come together, with neighbors helping each other clear debris and support those hardest hit by the storm. An elderly woman, whose front yard was blocked by fallen trees, received assistance from community members cutting branches and removing limbs to aid in the cleanup.
In addition to the damage in Owasso, storms across the state prompted a tornado watch for much of Oklahoma until 10 a.m. on April 2. While tornadoes did not touch down in other areas, the storms brought heavy rainfall, lightning, and hail, contributing to the overall hazardous conditions.
The city of Owasso, home to over 41,000 residents, is located just north of Tulsa and about 115 miles northeast of Oklahoma City. As officials and emergency services continue to assess the damage, they are urging residents to stay cautious around unstable debris and downed power lines. The community is rallying together, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity as they begin the long process of recovery.
With the potential for more severe weather on the horizon, residents are advised to stay tuned to local news updates and weather alerts. The situation remains fluid, and the commitment to safety and support will be paramount as Owasso navigates the aftermath of this devastating tornado.
