US

Caught on Vid: Deadly Okla. Tornado Rips Through Semi Truck

(The Blaze/AP) — On the heels of the deadliest single tornado since the weather service began keeping official records in 1950, and the eighth-deadliest in U.S. history, in Joplin, MO, another group of violent storms swept through the central U.S. and killed at least 13 people in three states.* Eight of those fatalities occurred in Oklahoma. And the video below shows why.

This video was taken in Oklahoma City and shows a semi standing in the path of a twister like the protester from Tienanmen Square. But as the tornado moves along its path, it quickly blows the trucks to pieces:

The high-powered storms arrived Tuesday night and early Wednesday, just days after a massive tornado tore up the southwest Missouri city of Joplin and killed 122 people. The latest storms killed eight people in Oklahoma, two in Kansas and three more in Arkansas, before petering out.

Most of the Oklahoma fatalities occurred in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Cherokee Ballard, a spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s office, said early Wednesday that the storms killed five people in Canadian County, two in Logan County and one in Grady County.

Ballard said a child was among those killed, but she had no other details.

At least three people died as the storms bombarded Arkansas’ Franklin and Johnson counties.

Department of Emergency Management spokesman Tommy Jackson said one person died after a tornado raked across the tiny western Arkansas community of Denning early Wednesday, and another died in an area called Bethlehem, in Johnson County.

Franklin County’s chief deputy sheriff, Deputy Devin Bramlett, said early Wednesday that one person also died in the community of Etna.

Several people were also injured in Franklin and Johnson counties. A rural fire station in Franklin County was left without a roof as emergency workers rushed to the wounded. Downed trees and power lines tossed across roadways also slowed search-and-rescue crews’ efforts.

In Kansas, police said two people died when high winds threw a tree into their van around 6 p.m. near the small town of St. John, about 100 miles west of Wichita. The highway was shut down because of storm damage.

*This sentence has been updated to reflect that the Joplin tornado was the deadliest tornado since the National Weather Service started officially recording tornadoes in 1950.

Comments (106)

1 2 3
  • BlazingInSC
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:02am

    A common question I see/hear a lot — Why would God bring destruction to America’s heartland where there is more of a believing population instead of some place like Washington DC or New York City – where the diversity of the culture would suggest there is a lower per capita populace of believers?

    I would think that if the Lord God Almighty is calling someone home, He would be more apt to call someone home whose heart is prepared – giving others more time and opportunity to seek Him out. He wants every one of His children to come to Him and accept His gift of grace, and He can’t very well do that by wiping them out can He?

    Report Post »  
    • kelisue
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 11:45am

      It makes perfect sense… Christians, the church is Christ’s body on earth…we must walk the same path our Savior did… to put it in a nutshell… You can’t have Easter without Good Friday… for the church to rise in glory here on earth we must suffer along with Christ the Head first… the body must follow the Head.

      Report Post »  
  • Backatya
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:02am

    Dear God, please don’t kill any more people. A loving God doesn’t do that except when you have to go to hell!

    Report Post »  
  • JoeBtfsplk
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:02am

    With 6B people on Earth presently – natural disasters have the effect of affecting the human race more consistently.

    3500 years ago on Crete, were the Minoans crying in their cups about the tidal wave that struck?
    They had no knowledge of present day religion. They worshipped the sun, the moon and the stars.
    The only logic I can see involving God as presently known, is that if he created all things he knew overpopulation would take it’s tolls.

    Wait until there are 10B people on Earth.

    Report Post »  
  • Backatya
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:59am

    Thank you God for so many useful idiots who keep thanking you for not killing more people. Okay, God bless everybody and I’ll pray for everybody and everything will be nice and good …. bet me!

    Report Post »  
  • ndbooster
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:57am

    Initium sapientiae est timor Domini.

    Report Post » ndbooster  
  • ronmorgen
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:56am

    “Area churches are also stepping up in a big way. A Christian youth center partnered with CBN’s Operation Blessing International to collect and distribute thousands of pounds of food, clothing and other necessities. Other churches around town are reaching out to those in need as well.”
    http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2011/May/Joplin-Cleanup-Begins-Christians-Step-Up-to-Help-/

    May God bless the good folk of Oklahoma, and Missouri, and help them re- build.

    Report Post » ronmorgen  
    • Backatya
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:01am

      God bless the good folk? Instead of blessing everybody I‘d much prefer He’d stop killing them!!!

      Report Post »  
    • ronmorgen
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:06am

      Some folk just don’t believe, so they don’t ask.

      Report Post » ronmorgen  
  • Backatya
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:55am

    Dear Lord, please don’t kill any more people. A loving God doesn’t do that except when you have to go to hell!

    Report Post »  
  • Backatya
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:50am

    Thanking God? Who do we “thank” for the people killed or injured? Pass the plate now ….

    Report Post »  
  • Myresponse2010
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:49am

    When a freak tornado brushes a city or town we all go Oooh… and go on with our daily lives. But when six or eight major cities are pummeled by monster tornadoes, we have to ask, what is God saying to the nation. Nahum 1:3 says that God has His way in the Whirlwind (tornado) and in the storm. The weather is controlled by God and it obeys Hid commands.

    Report Post »  
    • FreeMan5771
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:21am

      I don‘t personally think that this is God’s wrath on America. Why would he punish states that Obama didn‘t even carry because of Obama’s policy? Now if we are stupid enough to re-elect him, maybe.

      Anyway, folks, this is a little toy the Global Elite have in their hands up in Alaska called “HAARP Project.” It is being mis-used to enhance severe weather across America to prop up belief in climate change. I know that is sick, but I believe 100% that this is what is happening.

      If you are under even a slight risk, prepare for tornadoes. They are really trying to get one up here on Al Gore in delivering the climate change message. HAARP Project, evil Global Elite. This is being done by Lucifer’s people so they can steal 1/6th of the world’s wealth and convince you that is for your own good all at the same time. Lucifer’s people love deception just like their lord!

      Google “HAARP Project” do some reading and make up your own mind. Ignore the mis-information about mind control and read the stuff about this thing being able to heat small portions of the ionosphere thousands of degrees. Wind is caused by conduction and convection of heat, therefore doing this in the right spot will enhance severe weather making normal thunderstorms severe and severe thunderstorms tornadoes. Its not exactly that simple but heating the ionosphere this much does introduce more instability into the atmosphere thereby enhancing the severe weather.

      Report Post »  
  • Backatya
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:49am

    I guess we‘re supposed to be thankful that God didn’t kill more people ….. Uh, thank you ….. ?

    Report Post »  
  • Backatya
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:47am

    WHAT? Thanking God it wasn’t worse? Some serious theology needs to be reviewed or discarded!

    Report Post »  
  • krispy01
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:45am

    This is all Harold Camping’s fault !

    Report Post » krispy01  
  • okiedokey
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:33am

    Let me see… house still there…Check…Flag still flying….Check….People with a can do spirit….Check….time to go out and help….Check…

    Report Post »  
  • Hereigns7
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:18am

    God Bless these folks who must undergo this tragedy. Friends, every Christians must go thru the Great Tribulation before Jesus Christ returns. And when He does we know that it will not be a secret rapture because “every eye shall see.” (Rev. 1:7) “For as lightning comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Mat. 24:27) I am dedicated to helping Christians learn how to stand firm and not be easily shaken by the distress coming upon the world in the last days. No matter how bad it gets remember that God loves you and He hears your prayers. Posted by Rev. Daniel W. Blair

    Report Post » Hereigns7  
  • Lcpinco
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:04am

    The 1st video is frightening but who took it and how were they able to do so? Obviously way up in the air.

    Report Post »  
    • KewlBigDan
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:34am

      …anyone notice it wasn’t a Semi truck. More like a BillBoard. Look at the thickness when it 1st tumbles.

      Report Post » KewlBigDan  
  • windycitywoman
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:56am

    Wow! That was really neat how they caught that on video. Praying for those folks all day long and will keep praying. America is really a mess right now with TX, MO, OK and Mississippi.

    Report Post » windycitywoman  
  • TexasStu
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:47am

    I have survived 5 hurricanes two of which I have seen the eye of but those don’t compare to what is happening in the Mid West. I pray every day for these storms to pass without doing damage and sparing lives. My heart and prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones. God Bless.

    Report Post » TexasStu  
    • Cedi
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:49am

      I came from CA and the earthquakes to Conroe TX and like you, was in the eye of a hurricane (Ike) and many tree-topper tornadoes, even had a decent portion of my house damaged from a large tree……….but these tornados they have been seeing in the mid-west is unbelievable. I will take the “natural disasters” of CA over hurricanes and tornadoes any day……..

      Report Post » Cedi  
  • notreally
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:47am

    Notice how the world is rushing in with money to help us, like we help the world in their times of need?

    Report Post »  
  • larman
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:38am

    Wow these people need a break. Hopefully this will be the last of the tornados.
    http://www.larryfalco.com

    Report Post » larman  
    • GERATMO
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:37am

      The sad thing is, tornado season just started.

      Report Post » GERATMO  
  • Darla_K
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:32am

    My prayers are with all the people that have been affected by these tornados.

    Report Post » Darla_K  
  • travlman77
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:29am

    Here is a wonderful and safe place to donate to help the victims.

    http://www.asamom.org/

    Report Post » travlman77  
    • SlimnRanger
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:34am

      @Thunderrally,I am a native okie as well, and i put Gary England at the top of the list when it comes to storm coverage,and there are others that do a great job as well, but now that i am in eastern Okla. i get Arkansas news,and it‘s not even close to the knowledge of Okla’s own weather team,I don‘t understand why people don’t heed the warnings,i guess they think it won’t happen to them,my heart went out to all the folks in Alabama last month and then Joplin Mo. folks and i feel badly for all the people being flooded,this is uncertain times for sure, but the people in Okla, Tx, Ks. are use to tornadoes,God gives us enough intellegence to seek saftey,why some don‘t i just don’t know

      Report Post »  
  • On The Bayou
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:19am

    Tornado ally, we here who live on the Gulf Coast get the occassional hurricane that really tear us a new a$$. We have time to prepare and leave if we choose. The poor people that live in the mid-west are under fire when these systems set up that spawn these tornados are helpless. God help them. They have the same pattern for today, heads up!

    Report Post » On The Bayou  
    • thunderalley
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:37am

      IE BAYOU,

      What are you talking about being helpless and no time to prepare? I live in Oklahoma City and we were warned about the possible outbreak of tornados for more than a week. Then on Monday, the news of a possible outbreak like May 3, 1999 was everywhere. Our weathermen were on the air for 7+ straight hours tracking the storms plus the storm chasers and helicopter coverage which helped my family and I take shelter in our safe room when the time came. Lucky for us, the tornado’s path was a few miles north. We have some of the best weathermen and radars for tornado season. I have lived here my entire life and rely on those guys in times like what happened yesterday.

      Report Post »  
    • On The Bayou
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:49am

      Thanks for the info, I`m glad you and your family are fine. Good Luck

      Report Post » On The Bayou  
    • On The Bayou
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:00am

      It seemed that the person in the truck was pretty helpless and no time to prepare as the twister hit him head on. The prediction of the path and the time of the eye of a hurricane have become very accurate. These tornados drop out of the shy randomly and seem to dystroy some while leaving the neighbor untouched. Good Luck Thunderally

      Report Post » On The Bayou  
  • Oh, God!
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:19am

    We had those storms come through Texas last night. Very frightening, especially for my four kids.

    Report Post » Oh, God!  
  • NOTAMUSHROOM
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:16am

    Pray for these people.

    Report Post »  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:35am

      I am definitely praying for everyone. I have family living in Chickasha, Oklahoma City and Noble, I just saw these videos so I’ve got messages out to make sure family is okay.

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • dealer@678
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 1:05pm

      Did all the illegal mexicans stuffed inside make it out ok

      Report Post »  
  • GODSAMERICA
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:13am

    I do believe that God is very angry at obama’s decision to push towards the destruction of Israel. This always happens when the leaders of this nation turn against Israel. Things like this is why we must stand with Israel instead of playing with and daring God to do something.

    Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:35am

      While I don’t think it is God inflicting his wrath, because of Obama, I will pray for these unfortunate people. Doesn’t it say, somewhere in the Bible, that Satan would be in control of the winds of the world?

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • ronmorgen
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:59am

      There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear , and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
      Luke 21:25

      Earthquakes in Haiti, tsunamis in Japan, tornadoes in Missouri and Oklahoma, revolutions in the Middle East, evil empires with nukes, economic crisis. These types of events are increasing at an alarming rate. Are we seeing the beginning of the signs spoken of by our Savior concerning His coming? What will it be like if they increase in frequency and intensity? What is missing that we might be looking for?

      Report Post » ronmorgen  
    • EJ1979
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:01am

      Gods wrath for Obama’s decisions? Seriously? Why just twisters in the midwest? Why not earthquakes in California? Hurricanes in Florida? Hail in Pittsburgh?

      Report Post » EJ1979  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:14am

      @Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      It says that satan was in charge of the world. But the Bible also says God is a JEALOUS God and to paraphrase, He says that if anyone messes with His people (the Jewish people) then He will “mess” with them. As obama made the declaration that he did definitely qualifies with messing with them and God says that He WILL “pay them back”, and since obama is the leader of this nation then the nation itself is responsible for what the leaders do especially since he was elected into that position. It doesn’t matter if we personnally voted for him or not, we are still part of this nation. It is up to the each person if they want to believe that God will pay back or not but it doesn’t change the fact that for every one of the worst disaster that we have had, happened within days of one of our leaders speaking out or trying to force Israel to give up their land and/or their sovereignty. Whatever we believe though doesn’t change that fact.

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • ronmorgen
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:23am

      EJ1979
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:01am
      Gods wrath for Obama’s decisions?

      Not necessarily,
      Who are we to sit around making statements about God’s judgment with our sinnful, cloudy minds. It would behoove us to fear God, and repent of our sins before it hits us. That we can do. Then afterward we may be able to make better judgments.

      Report Post » ronmorgen  
    • boogeo
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:25am

      I live in Oklahoma and I can’t believe what you wrote. I am supposed to believe that the U.S. is being singled out by God for destruction. What about the rest of the world. We give more aid to Israel than any other country. According to your logic we might as well save are money for we here in the heartland are going to be punished anyway. I’m sure the people of Joplin are not comforted by your words! I dad a relative that died in a tornado in 1947 before the state of Israel was established. Things like this happen all the time. Please everyone, make a donation to the Red Cross.

      Report Post »  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:27am

      If that’s the case, why didn’t God “mess” with Hamas, Iran, the Palestinians, etc? You could say that God “messed” with Germany, or you could say that America and it’s Allies defeated them. Why did God allow Germany to build back up and succeed?
      Tornados happen every year in the Spring. This year, it just happens that they are hitting more populated areas.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • mtnclimberjim
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:30am

      To say this is God’s wrath is foolish. Don’t be so naive. This stuff has gone on since the beginning of time and will continue.

      Report Post » mtnclimberjim  
    • KewlBigDan
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:35am

      It is not a semi truck. at most its a billboard. Look at the thickness when it 1st tumbles.

      Report Post » KewlBigDan  
    • churchdog
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:08am

      Lord Jesus, come quickly and deliver your church from stupid theology!

      Report Post »  
    • Cerealface
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:12am

      This is why we can’t have nice things…

      Wackos like you are ruining the country.

      Report Post » Cerealface  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:16am

      It rains on the just and unjust…God allows it for His good will and purpose. Who can understand His infinite wisdom, a finite mind? Therefor, pray for understanding. Seek Him and He will find you.

      I love the scientist…God created a larger void for them and gave them a greater desire for them to seek Him. And Einsteins own theory is being challenged and weakened today. “Dark Energy”

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
    • FormerLib
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:26am

      @RONMORGEN “What is missing that we might be looking for”?
      The missing piece to the return of Christ is the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple, whose site is currently occupied by the Dome of the Rock. This has to happen, and mark my words, will if things keep going the way they are and Israel is backed into a corner. Prophecy says that Israel will be all alone, with no allies and her enemies arrayed against her, before God intervenes. We’re well on our way to that, as the US continues to distance itself (courtesy of Obama and the left) and ally with her enemies, mostly over oil and a deep rooted anti-semitism that is characteristic of the left. When you see Israel one day blow up the Dome of the Rock, get ready.

      Report Post »  
    • ronmorgen
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:36am

      @ FormerLib
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:26am
      @RONMORGEN “What is missing that we might be looking for”?
      The missing piece to the return of Christ is the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple.

      I was thinking in terms of the above verse, “There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars”.

      Report Post » ronmorgen  
    • Cedi
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:45am

      @GODSAMERICA
      Please, please read and study the Word before making silly comments like this one. Please.

      Report Post » Cedi  
    • Gasparri
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:53am

      Well, we need to build stronger trucks.

      Report Post » Gasparri  
    • JoeBtfsplk
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 11:19am

      @GODSAMERICA;

      My reply was posted somewhere else rather than underneath GODSAMERICA – WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH BLAZE?

      CAN’T YOU EVER RUN A WEBSITE CORRECTLY?

      Report Post »  
    • JoeBtfsplk
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 11:22am

      @GODSAMERICA

      I posted two replies underneath you. They either disappear or move out on their own.

      I‘m getting tired of BLAZE and it’s ineptness.

      Report Post »  
    • wordweaver
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 11:30am

      “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55: 8,9 We would do well with our little pea brains not to ever suppose what God thinks or why he allows certain things to happen here on earth. He is in a league we can’t even fathom. The best we can do is trust that everything, even the very tragic in our eyes, serves His purpose.

      Report Post » wordweaver  
    • Coffeehead
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 11:39am

      Satan is the prince of the power of the air but that does not refer to him having power to over rule Gods sovereign hand over all the events on earth. Job was afflicted UP TO A POINT. That point was set in stone by God. Luther said, “Even the devil is God’s devil”. So we may well be under judgment and it’s well deserved. What a selfish nation we are …our parents gorged themselves at the entitlement buffet for 30 years and left the bill on the table. I will NOT do that to my kids.

      Report Post » Coffeehead  
    • Cerealface
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 11:53am

      That’s like saying I leave things up to God to do the right thing when it comes to sanitation services.

      No one but US are going to clean up after OURSELVES. Stop blaming God for everything.

      Report Post » Cerealface  
    • Thomas
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 1:22pm

      No it does not say anything about angels being in charge of anything. That is the interpretations of rebellious human beings. God place us here and said we rule over the whole Earth. It is man’s inability to practice self control that causes the Earth and the whether to behave the way it does. God gave us that ability to influence this planet and even the whole universe. We must stop passing the buck and take responsibility for our actions. Any one who believe angels are in charge is still having a problem understanding the Monotheistic rooted bible and are lost in the pagan imagination.

      Report Post » Thomas  
    • WSGAC
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 2:00pm

      “Jesus can come at any moment….but first the Jewish temple needs to be rebuilt.”

      So much for the immanent return mumbo-jumbo!

      Report Post »  
    • Wayner
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 2:24pm

      Remember the words of Ruth Graham? “We asked God to stay out of our schools and our government and [and our lives] and Him being the gentleman that He is, did”

      Report Post »  
    • jsDway
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:58pm

      @EJ1979
      Just wait and the rest will happen sooner or later!
      @GODSAMERICA & ANONYMOUS T. IRRELEVANT
      Satan is the prince of this world – but God gives him his power as in the days of JOB. When we as a nation have said we don’t want God to have anything to do with our country – just leave us along – well we are reaping what we sowed!
      We as Christians need again to be the light of the world as Jesus spoke of in Matthew – God is angry at Christians for not being a sperate people for HIM – we Christians are just like the world – sad!

      Report Post »  
    • bjc535
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:43pm

      It is not a truck for sure…..

      Someone said something about the Bible saying Satan would be in control of the winds…. I do not recall, if that is what it says…..BUT if it does, everyone quoting scripture would be interested in H.A.A.R.P. ……just sayin’……….lol

      Report Post »  
    • BobParker2003
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:08pm

      You might be right. We as a people have to stand up to Obama and tell him and Him that we will never abandon Israel and we will never forget!

      Report Post »  
    • UncleKenC
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 1:05am

      The reason the USA is suffering these disasters is not because of Obama’s handling of Israel. It is because of all the abortions that are being done and the other sinful lifestyles in the USA.
      The disasters will continue to get worse, Obama is also another punishment send onto the USA.
      The USA will be brought down onto it knee’s. Until we return to our faiths it will continue.

      Report Post »  
    • akzero
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 6:09am

      You’re ef-ing kidding me????

      Report Post »  
1 2 3

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love