Unusually severe and destructive weather across several US states sparked powerful tornadoes, blinding dust storms and fast-spreading wildfires over the weekend, leaving at least 39 people dead.
More than 400 homes have been damaged by wildfires burning across the state, according to the latest figures from the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management released Sunday evening.
Mayor Will Joyce said on Facebook that at least 74 homes in and around Stillwater have been destroyed by wildfires.
The Department of Emergency Management also said the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed four deaths caused by the fires and high winds.
The National Weather Service said tornado warnings for the weekend have largely ended, but dangerous winds could still develop in the Carolinas, eastern Georgia and northern Florida.
In Mississippi, Haley Hart and her fiance Steve Romero took refuge in a car with their three huskies when a tornado destroyed their Tylertown home on Saturday.
Mr Romero said he was praying out loud and hugging Mr Hart as the car flipped on its side, shattering its windows before landing back on its wheels. After the twister passed, they heard cries for help from people nearby.
“It was a nightmare come true,” Mr. Romero said.
Next door, Ms Hart's grandparents emerged from the rubble of their collapsed home after they managed to take refuge in a bathroom when falling trees brought down the roof.
“Everything was falling on us,” said Donna Blansett, Ms. Hart's grandmother. “All I could do was pray to God to save us.”
They escaped with only a few scratches and aches. Family, friends and volunteers spent Sunday sifting through the rubble and salvaging whatever they could find, including some damp clothing, a photo album and a few toiletries.
“I'm so happy you're alive,” Ms. Hart said through tears as she hugged her grandmother on Sunday.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
