| Updated: 9/07/2012 9:24 pm |
Published: 9/07/2012 6:21 pm
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Emergency crews are in Nowata trying to determine the extent of damage from storms and wind gusts up to 80 mph that tore through the town late Friday afternoon. Two adults and a baby died when wind tore their mobile home from its foundation. Neighbors say they found the bodies of the family in a nearby ravine. Authorities say the victims are grandparents and their grand baby whom they were babysitting. Theirs was one of several mobile homes destroyed in Nowata.
Tree limbs and power lines toppled, the roofs at homes and businesses were torn off, including the home of Matt Rowell, a local pastor who lives right off of US 169.
"I was at the church and my in-laws were here with my daughter," said Rowell. "I tried to walk outside but I couldn't see."
The second the storm died down, he drove over. No one was hurt although his home was torn apart.
"Material things can be replaced," Rowell said, but about his neighbors who lost their lives, "well it's really sad."
Neighbors gathered around what was left of the victims' home Friday night and prayed.
US169 into Nowata was closed for several hours due to limbs and power lines in the roadway. OHP says it has since been re-opened.
We have crews in that area surveying the damage and will bring you continuing coverage.
