May 20, 2013 Tornado: News & Information

[zookeeper]

This didn't seem proper in the weather thread or the media coverage thread.

This thread will serve as information for the destructive tornadoes of May 20, 2013. May 19th too as far as that goes.

Official information, how to help, pictures, links, whatever you want.

[zookeeper]

The Daily Mail newspaper in London, of all places, has many photos and videos on one page.
US tornadoes: Yet more heartbreak for Oklahoma as another massive tornado touches down in highly populated suburb | Mail Online

[Buffalo Bill]

A couple of notes:

Moore needs to re-label some streets. East and west it's OKC with their numbering system. In Moore it's something else. I think people don't connect the 2. IHNFI what SW 149th is in Moore.

The timing of this storm was really bad, but not as bad as it could be. If it was 30 minutes later, it may have been far worse with school busses on the streets.

The weather people have done a fantastic job. We've known about this since last Wednesday, or at least the probabilities of this. Unlike earthquakes and other natural disasters with no warning, the forecasting in this arena just gets better and better.

Prayers to all of those affected today, and later tonight.

[zookeeper]

The City of Moore Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/cityofmoore...28210043874859

[OSUMom]

Why wasn't some of the MAPS for kids money used on storm shelters for all the schools?

[zookeeper]

via News 9 Twitter feed
UPDATE: If you or someone you know is displace because of today's storms, Graceway Baptist Church at 1100 SW 104th is taking victims.
https://twitter.com/NEWS9

[hoya]

Why wasn't some of the MAPS for kids money used on storm shelters for all the schools?

These are Moore schools. Wouldn't have been covered by OKC-only MAPS.

[zookeeper]

[zookeeper]

The extent of the damage is being estimated at 3X that of May 3rd, 1999. That puts this in perspective.

[zookeeper]

[zookeeper]

Official Statement from the White House:

The Administration, through FEMA, is closely monitoring the storm. The President has been notified by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco and is receiving updates from his team as information comes in from the ground. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has spoken with Governor Mary Fallin to make sure there are no unmet needs and to make clear that at the President’s direction the Administration and FEMA stand ready to provide all available assistance in response to the severe weather.

The Administration continues to urge all those in affected or potentially affected areas to follow the direction of state and local officials as this severe weather continues.

UPDATE: Gov. Mary Fallin says the President personally phoned her within the past hour and has promised anything we need on the fast-track.

[zookeeper]

Washington Promises Help After Oklahoma Tornado Devastation

Check out the slideshow of tweets from Washington DC. We've got a lot of support. It begins right after the 3rd paragraph at the link above.

Even Hollywood has some sensitivity http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/liv...led-due-525705

[Plutonic Panda]

Midwest Tornadoes News & Headlines

[Plutonic Panda]

Obama is expected to make an announcement tomorrow.

[Plutonic Panda]

Massive Tornado Rips Through Oklahoma City Suburbs : The Two-Way : NPR

[Plutonic Panda]

BBC News - Massive tornado rips through Oklahoma City suburbs

[zookeeper]

Plaza Towers has moved from Search & Rescue to Search & Recovery. As hard as it is to even write, they said there was crying and anguish heard under the rubble and they no longer hear any children. It's believed two dozen children have died under Plaza Towers Elementary. No wonder Lance West burst into tears on live TV as Lance was on the scene there at Plaza Towers. Heartbreaking.

[Plutonic Panda]

City of Moore Hit by Tornado | City of Moore

[shriekingviolet]

These are Moore schools. Wouldn't have been covered by OKC-only MAPS.

Has Moore ever tried to organize a similar effort? It seems crazy to me that their schools weren't outfitted with shelters after the '99 tornado.

[Plutonic Panda]

Has Moore ever tried to organize a similar effort? It seems crazy to me that their schools weren't outfitted with shelters after the '99 tornado.

I'm sure they will now

[zookeeper]

7 Children drowned at the bottom of Plaza Towers Elementary. Lance West is reporting another 20-30 are believed dead in the rubble.

Press conference by the City of Moore coming up within the hour.

[zookeeper]

www.safeandwell.org

To check on missing people, check yourself in as OK. This was set-up by the Red Cross.

[adaniel]

7 Children drowned at the bottom of Plaza Towers Elementary. Lance West is reporting another 20-30 are believed dead in the rubble.

Press conference by the City of Moore coming up within the hour.

Is this confirmed? I am going to be sick if this true.

[kelroy55]

7 Children drowned at the bottom of Plaza Towers Elementary. Lance West is reporting another 20-30 are believed dead in the rubble.

Press conference by the City of Moore coming up within the hour.

So sad... words cannot express the grief Moore and the nation must be feeling.

[Dustin]

7 Children drowned at the bottom of Plaza Towers Elementary. Lance West is reporting another 20-30 are believed dead in the rubble.

Press conference by the City of Moore coming up within the hour.

Oh my god.