On May 25, 2024, a series of violent storms, including multiple tornadoes, struck Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, causing widespread destruction and claiming several lives. The most intense activity was reported in Oklahoma, where at least four people were killed, including an infant. The town of Sulphur, Oklahoma, experienced some of the worst damage, with reports of entire business districts being destroyed and numerous injuries among the residents.

In total, the National Weather Service confirmed that at least 22 tornadoes touched down in the Norman area alone, with some reaching EF-3 strength, characterized by wind speeds exceeding 136 mph. This severe weather event also led to significant property damage, flooding, and power outages affecting thousands of homes and businesses across the affected states【52†source】【53†source】.

Texas also faced severe impacts, with tornadoes reported in the northeastern part of the state, causing extensive damage in communities such as Paris and Sulphur Springs. In Arkansas, the storms continued to pose threats with additional tornado watches and warnings in effect as the weather system moved eastward【52†source】【53†source】.

The severity of these storms has prompted emergency declarations and mobilization of rescue and recovery efforts. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has declared a state of emergency and plans to tour the hardest-hit areas to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts. Meteorologists warn that the threat of severe weather, including the potential for more tornadoes, remains high across the southern Plains and into the Mississippi River Valley【53†source】.