WOODWARD, Okla. (AP) — Thunderstorms unleashed bursts of heat and strong winds on parts of northwestern Oklahoma, damaging homes and businesses, electric power poles and an emergency management command center. Woodward County Emergency Management Director Matt Lehenbauer said Saturday officials believe heat bursts from collapsing storms miles away created winds ranging from 70 mph to 76 mph in the county about 10:15 p.m. Friday. No injuries were reported, but Lehenbauer says the strong winds destroyed a trailer that was used as an emergency command center in the aftermath of the deadly April 15 tornado. He also said two businesses were damaged and several power poles were snapped. The National Weather Service reported a 75 mph wind gust near Woodward, and a 72-mph gust in Ellis County, where a steel-framed barn was blown apart. Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
Storms Cause Damage in NW Oklahoma
