Storm Damages Homes, Trees In Wagoner

Dan Bewley, News On 6

WAGONER, Oklahoma --  It's believed a tornado hit east of Wagoner Tuesday evening. The west side of Fort Gibson Lake, near Long Bay Marina, took a direct hit.

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"It's kind of isolated situations where it hit here and then moved over," Jim Pivec, a Red Cross volunteer, said.

Bob Sherwood's home was in the storm's path. His pecan tree slammed through the wall and the wind lifted up the home.

"It's off the foundation but I think it's twisted, the whole things twisted," Sherwood said.

Sherwood and his wife rode out the storm here in their cellar. They huddled together and listened as the storm passed over their heads.

"It didn't sound like a freight train or nothing, it went fast," he said.

The Wagoner County Emergency Manager says at least five homes in this area and several in the city of Wagoner were struck by the storm.

There's also a few RV's in the Long Bay Marina campground that were tossed around. But the people who were here during the storm were able to find shelter and there are no reports of any injuries.

Kathleen Southerland lives next door to Bob Sherwood. Her home escaped without any damage. It's just surrounded by trees and she can't get out of her driveway. She's not sure how she feels about dodging the storm's destructive path.

"I feel very lucky which makes me feel a little guilty for the ones who weren't so lucky," Southerland said.

Despite the devastation, life goes on here and Bob Sherwood is just doing what he can to get things back to normal.

Dan Bewley, News On 6: "You seem to have pretty good spirits."

Bob Sherwood/Homeowner: "I mean I'm alive, it's good to be alive."

Electricity in the area is expected to be out until at least Friday.

The American Red Cross has set up a distribution center to help residents at the Taylor Ferry Fire Department. But they say right now what they really need are cash donations.