Oklahomans begin to clean up after deadly weekend of tornadoes
SULPHUR, Oklahoma — Cleanup is still underway across Oklahoma as people recover what's left of their homes and businesses after Saturday's deadly tornado outbreak.
Sulphur, Oklahoma's historic downtown was hit by a tornado, where residents said their famous Christmas parade was held and several family-owned businesses once stood. At least two people died in the area, including an infant near Holdenville.
"It's heartbreaking, you really cannot wrap your head around it, it just looks like a war zone," said Sulphur resident LeRhonda Jessop.
About 40 miles away in Marietta, Oklahoma, more than 200 volunteers are helping with cleanup and donations. Most of the town was without power as of Monday evening.
Volunteers say they are in need of clothes, food, water, cleaning supplies, and storage bins. EMS crews say the town's only grocery store and hospital were both destroyed in the tornado, so food is a main need right now. The Arms Family Homestead is collecting donations for the town.
"It hit the only grocery store that we have in town, so that affects a lot of people. And the hospital is not seeing anyone right now only sending prescriptions, so that's going to be a long fix," said volunteer and local school counselor Heather McMahan.
"So this community is a tight community and if someone needs help we are going to show up and help," said Ann Ruthledge, principal of Marietta Primary Elementary School.
The National Weather Service's preliminary assessment indicates that an EF-3 hit Sulphur, Oklahoma and an EF-4 hit Marietta, Oklahoma.
Four people total have been confirmed dead from the storms.
