Multiple school districts and businesses are closed on Thursday, 20 April, 2023
(SHAWNEE, Okla)
Multiple school districts and businesses are closed on Thursday following tornadoes that swept through the state on Wednesday night.
The National Weather Service confirmed nine tornadoes swept through the State last night, doing heavy damage across McClain County in areas like Shawnee, Cole, Washington and Noble.
The following schools and businesses have closed for Thursday:
Bethel Public Schools
Dale Public Schools
Dexter Axle-Shawnee
Dibble Public Schools
Earlsboro Public Schools
Gordon Cooper Tech Ctr.
Washington Public Schools
Family of Faith-Shawnee
Grove Public School-Shawnee
McLoud Public Schools
Oklahoma Baptist University
Pleasant Grove Public Schools-Shawnee
Red Rock BHS-Shawnee
Shawnee Public Schools
Shawnee Senior Rec Center
Tecumseh Public Schools
As a result of the damage throughout McClain County, the Red Cross has set up three locations for those who are in need of assistance or shelter. The locations are as follows:
Noble High – 4601 E Etowah Rd., Noble, OK
Citizen Potawatomi Reunion Hall – 1702 Gordon Cooper Dr., Shawnee, OK
Washington High School Gym – 101 E. Kerby Ave., Washington, OK
The Salvation Army will be providing breakfast in Cole on Thursday morning to residents and first responders, as well.
As a result of the nine confirmed tornadoes, two people have died in McClain County.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (ODEMHS) is asking those who have non-emergency questions about a friend or family member affected by the storm to keep the 9-1-1 lines clear and to instead call 2-1-1 or (405) 955-4600.
ODEMHS says residents who were impacted by the storms can report damages to their property online. Reporting damage helps both local and state emergency managers better coordinate response and recovery efforts.
