Storm demolishes 1950s-era gymnasium in Welch
WELCH, Okla. — A decades-old, remodeled school gymnasium lost its roof and sustained serious damage prompting Welch school officials to close on Tuesday.
Warm & Breezy Today; Storm Chances Return For Tomorrow
“No injuries were reported,” said Jeremy Ramsey, Welch superintendent.
Damaging winds rolled through Welch around 11 p.m. leaving no power for the 600 residents. Power was restored on Tuesday morning, Ramsey said.
The “old” gymnasium was built in the 1950s.
Ramsey said a new gymnasium is used for competitive sporting events.
After campus damage is accessed, Ramsey said school may resume on Wednesday or Thursday.
Winds in the Craig County area reportedly hit 65 mph.
The National Weather Service
Spring River, Neosho River, Tar Creek and Honey Creek are all over flood stage, according to the National Weather Service in Tulsa.
A flood warning for the Neosho River near Commerce is extended to Friday morning. The river is expected to rise above flood stage on Wednesday evening and crest at 16.3 feet on Thursday morning, according to the weather service.
The flood stage is 15 feet.
In Ottawa County power was out overnight and some barns were destroyed.
Miami Mayor Bless Parker said that utility crews worked through the night restoring the power.
In Delaware County, Jay Mayor Becky Farley and Grove Mayor Ed Trumbull reported down tree limbs and debris. Farley said there was some flooding in the Jay area.
An F3 tornado with a 400-yard width hit Craig County on May 7, 1961, traveling almost nine miles, the weather agency reported. No injuries or fatalities were reported in the 63-year-old storm.
The area forecast for Craig, Ottawa and Delaware counties calls for temperatures 74 to 79 degrees with southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph.
