Patients transported to Norman Regional for injury treatment

After tornadoes swept through central Oklahoma on Monday afternoon, approximately 20 people were being treated for injuries at Norman Regional Healthplex.

An emergency services staff member confirmed that patients had been transported to Norman Regional, but could not say whether numbers were higher or comment on the condition of patients being treated at the time.

Early reports have confirmed one known fatality from the storm so far, but emergency officials expect more conclusive numbers as information becomes available.

The OU Medical Center helicopter was damaged by the storm as it attempted to transport patients. The helicopter is unable to take off or fly, and is stranded on the ground near the airport, an OU Medical Center representative confirmed.

Damage has been reported throughout the Oklahoma City area, with many trailer and mobile home communities suffering the brunt of the damage due to the strong, high-speed winds.

Golf ball- to baseball-sized hail accompanying the storm has been reported by officials and students, causing damage to vehicles, buildings and other structures.

The Storm Prediction Center of OU’s National Weather Center had predicted the severe weather outbreak earlier, stating that the combination of winds, heat and moisture were perfect conditions for tornado and twister rotation.

A twister touched down just east of the center's building location on the OU campus in Norman, but minimal damage has been reported.

Stay with OUDaily.com for continuing coverage of the severe weather outbreak.

-Daily Staff Reports

Ricky Ly

Ricky is a former staff member of The Oklahoma Daily who worked as Night Editor, Editor-in-Chief / Online Editor / Sports Editor and Assistant Online Editor.