By Associated Press
Tulsa, OK – Strong storms leave damage in NE Okla.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) Authorities are investigating whether a tornado touched down in northeastern Oklahoma, causing extensive damage in the Tulsa area.
Tulsa City-County Emergency Management director Michael McCool said a tornado may have barreled across the southern half of the city Thursday morning, damaging homes and businesses and knocking down trees and power poles. He says one minor injury was reported.
McCool says it appears the storm "hopped and skipped and jumped across city from west to east."
The National Weather Service had a preliminary report of a tornado touching down northeast of Sapulpa in Creek County, which is adjacent to Tulsa.
McCool says the sirens were sounded when officials received reports of winds gusting to 80 mph.
Numerous severe storms that initially developed in western Oklahoma swept rapidly eastward overnight, some packing straight-line winds of 60 mph and greater.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.