Searches And Cleanup Continue In Oklahoma

Associated Press

LONE GROVE, Okla. (AP) - One survivor of this week's tornado in Lone Grove, Okla., says she and her family "just prayed."

Sue Rose's home was heavily damaged and dozens more were destroyed after the tornado with winds estimated at 170 mph ripped through Lone Grove just after dark Tuesday night. At least nine deaths are blamed on the twister.

Search and rescue crews are expected today to resume the task of sifting through scattered bricks and beams to find any remaining victims.

The White House says President Barack Obama spoke to Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry and Sens. Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn. Press secretary Robert Gibbs says Obama "passed along his condolences and best wishes to the victims."

Authorities say between 100 and 150 homes were destroyed in Lone Grove, located about 100 miles south of Oklahoma City.