Thunderstorms Cause Damage

Wednesday, April 11th 2007, 6:22 am

By: News On 6

PITTSBURG, Okla. (AP) _ At least one person was injured and two mobile homes destroyed here when severe thunderstorms packing heavy rain, high winds and large hail pounded southern Oklahoma, authorities said Wednesday.

Sheriff's deputies and emergency management officials rescued an elderly man from a mobile home that was destroyed when severe thunderstorms raced through Pittsburg County late Tuesday. The man was treated at the scene and released, officials said.

Trent Myers, Pittsburg County emergency management director, said the damage may have been the result of a downburst, or a collapsing thunderstorm that sends damaging winds down to the surface. No tornado warnings were issued for the storms that hit the county between 10 p.m. and midnight.

One of the mobile homes was ripped off its foundation, moved several feet and flipped onto its top, officials said. In other parts of the town, roofs were damaged, outbuildings were destroyed, trees were uprooted and a boat was sent about 60 yards away from its original location, officials said.

The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm watch for about 20 counties in southwestern and south-central Oklahoma. Tornado warnings were issued after one wicked cell spawned funnels in Grady and Stephens counties, but none touched down.

Hail reached 1.75 inches in diameter in Comanche, Grady and Stephens counties and hail stones .75 inches or greater were reported near Elmore City, Norman and Vanoss, according to the weather service's Web site.

Hail also covered roads in southern Pittsburg County, contributing to a rollover accident near Savanna, authorities said. There were no immediate reports of injury.