Cleanup Begins After Storms Batter Tulsa Area

NewsOn6.com & Emory Bryan, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- A line of severe thunderstorms rolled across Oklahoma early Wednesday morning leaving thousands without power and minor storm damage in the Tulsa area. 

News On 6 meteorologist Alan Crone says winds were clocked between 70 and 80 mph as the storms moved through the Tulsa area. 

Riverside Chevrolet took a heavy hit from the overnight storm and even though a cleaning crew was inside when it happened, no one was hurt.

"We're just thankful nobody's hurt and it was when we were closed," Mike Capel, with Riverside Chevrolet, said.

The storm collapsed the roof over the showroom and the debris landed on top of the most expensive cars on the lot. The ones outside weren't damaged.

It's not certain yet if high wind or heavy rain trapped on the roof caused the collapse.

"Maybe water, to a microburst, to just wind shears, we're just not sure," Capel said.

The storms also caused damage to Collinsville High School, where school is scheduled to start Thursday.

8/10/2011 Related Story: Thunderstorm Damages Collinsville School Buildings

Shortly after the storms rolled through Wednesday morning, Public Service Company of Oklahoma reported on its website that nearly 30,000 customers lost power.

In Tulsa, about 1,500 customers were still without power as of 8:30 p.m.

There were other reports of minor damage including trees in the roadway, signs blown over and debris in yards. 

A tree fell onto a house near 31st and Garnett.   No injuries were reported.