Strong storms hit eastern Oklahoma on Tuesday afternoon, ripping part of the roof off a hospital in Sallisaw and forcing some patients to be moved for safety. The Northeastern Health System hospital had about nine patients evacuated after a section of its roof was torn away, causing water to leak into the building. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Brad Taylor, the Emergency Management director for Sequoyah County, said crews worked quickly to protect the hospital from more rain. They brought tarps and sandbags to keep water out and moved important supplies to safer spots.
The same storms brought heavy rain and damaging winds to parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas. In some areas, rain fell at a rate of about 2 inches per hour. The National Weather Service reported flash flooding in eastern Arkansas, especially in Franklin County, though wind damage wasn’t seen there.
Outside the hospital in Sallisaw, fallen tree limbs blocked the area, and a nearby road had to close because of the severe weather. Sallisaw is a small farming town with around 8,500 residents.
As more rain was expected later Tuesday evening, officials worked to prepare and limit further damage. The hospital had not yet responded to requests for comment.
The storm serves as a reminder of how quickly weather can change and the importance of being ready when severe weather strikes small communities.