Tornadoes Destroy Homes, Injure at Least 16 in Oklahoma
— -- Dozens of tornadoes were reported Wednesday in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska, with homes destroyed and cars flipped by the powerful winds.
At least 16 people in Oklahoma were hospitalized after sustaining storm-related injuries, authorities said. Many of the injured came from an Oklahoma City RV park, including two people in critical condition, said Emergency Medical Services Authority field operations supervisor Maj. Susie Patterson.
According to officials with INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center, an 80-year-old woman is in critical condition with a fractured pelvis and internal bleeding. Additionally, OU Medical Center received eight patients, and five have been treated in the facility's trauma center.
About 16,400 customers were without power because of the storms by 5 a.m., said Oklahoma Gas & Electric.
The storm system also brought heavy rains. Up to 8 inches fell as some areas experienced flash flooding.
The tornado threat also forced the evacuation of Will Rogers World Airport.
In Grady County, all animals were accounted for after a zoo about 25 miles southwest of Oklahoma City was hit by a tornado, Alisa Voegeli, a dispatcher at the sheriff's office, said.
Additional severe weather is expected for the region in the coming days, including the potential for additional tornadoes, damaging winds and hail on Friday.
Albert Ashwood, Oklahoma Emergency Management Director, told ABC News that he's concerned by the threat of continued flooding.
"We’re looking for storms the remainder of this week and the weekend, so there’s still a good chance for severe weather coming up," Ashwood said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
