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Although a tornado was never officially reported, many reports from individual citizens say they saw a tornado pass over southeast Altus where train cars were turned over and many businesses were all but destroyed. Another tornado sighting was reported near Blair.
The south side of Altus was heaviest hit by the storm. Winds clocked at 90 mph were reported to have damaged buildings, some to the point of destruction, on East Broadway.
Parts of Altus Auto Glass, the Super 10 Motel and Altus Radiator were all heavily damaged. A section of the second floor of the Super 10 Motel was blown away and other businesses along East Broadway had their roofs blown off or they collapsed. Bar-S also reported roof damage, but until the extent of their damage was accessed, they told workers not to report for the first shift, and they would determine later in the day if other workers would need to report in for work.
Storm damage and power outages also caused other businesses to close for the day including Altus OK-1 Manufacturing, Grace Day Care Development, the Adult Day Care at Enterprise Drive and SW Enterprise, the Dialysis Center on S. Park Lane and the Head Start facilities at both Wilson and Lincoln.
Residential damage was restricted to mostly tree damage, but siding, shingles and lawn items were blown for blocks.
The severe storm also swept through Altus Air Force Base last night causing moderate to severe damage.
Recovery operations are currently underway at the site and people are asked to cooperate with base security forces who will be directing traffic around the affected areas.
The base is currently without power. No injuries have been reported due to the storm, on or off base.
Base personnel have been appointed to assess damage.
High winds during the day Thursday caused many to lose power briefly off-and-on throughout the day, but as power poles and lines started snapping during the storm, the entire city was without power.
City and PSO crews worked throughout the night to restore power, with some sections regaining power around 4 a.m., but authorities said that power could still be out to some areas of town, mainly southwest and west Altus, for another day or two.
Even as crews continued to work today, power that was restored to some areas of town flickered back off and on.
Citizens in Altus who do not have power and would like to receive cooling and comfort are directed to the new shelter at the City Community Center, 401 E Falcon. This replaces the Red Cross shelter operated last night in the City gymnasium.
Persons requiring non-emergency assistance or request for information should call 211.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol shut down a portion of U.S. Highway 62 east of Altus last night due to power lines and debris in the road. Falcon Road was also closed for a time due to downed power lines. Veteran’s Drive south off of Broadway, as well as part of Ridgecrest Road was also closed today as crews repaired power lines.
For those clearing tree limbs from the storm, City officials ask that, if at all possible, to take the limbs to the City disposal site on Ridgecrest Road, or they can be left in resident’s front lawn by the street to be picked up.
Other damage reported from the storm include a portion of the roof caving in at Altus Jr. High, traffic signs bent to the ground from high winds, shingles being blown off houses, bletchers moved at the rodeo grounds, roof damage at the Horizon Apartments, tractors and trailers being blown over at 3-KB, and storage sheds twisted and blown from yards.
It was also reported that a part of The Tunnel Convenience Store’s roof was blown off and landed Altus Police Officer Ray Minst’s car.
Calls also came in about gas leak concerns on East Broadway and one on North Main.
Altus Firefighters also responded to a few calls about fires that had been started by downed power lines.
The complete extent of the damaged caused from the storm has yet to be determined.
Citizens, in Altus, are encouraged to check on their neighbors during the power outage in the City.
"The elderly and infirm are at risk as the heat increases through the day," said Lloyd Colston, City of Altus Emergency Manager.
The weather service calls for a warm and windy day in Southwest Oklahoma.
Citizens are also encouraged to keep streets clear for emergency workers. Sightseers are requested to stay out of the affected area. Disaster crews continue to work in Altus to restore power and other essential services to the Citizens of Altus.
Colston encourages citizens in Altus and the surrounding area to conserve water; those with power are encouraged to conserve powerstay off road to keep them clear for emergency use; and use caution with generators.
Southwest Rural Electric Association's outage information is being posted regularly at www.swre.com.
Statewide, about 47,400 homes and businesses are without electric service.
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