Tulsa tornado update: Big 12 gets major notice after tornado hits Oklahoma; scene at BOK Center
A large tornado was spotted TulsaOklahoma State on Friday, prompting a crucial decision in the Big 12 Wrestling Championships. Race officials announced they were suspending the event after a tornado warning was issued for the area. Meanwhile, the BOK Center asked fans and players to take shelter immediately.
“Due to a tornado warning in the Tulsa area, we are suspending the Big 12 Wrestling Championships presented by Allstate. We will provide updates as they become available,” the Big 12 Conference wrote on the X (formerly Twitter) platform.
Read more: Oklahoma tornado tracker: Where are the tornadoes now? Owasso, Tulsa, Kellyville scenes
“Attention Big 12 Wrestling fans: There is a tornado threat in our immediate area and activities must cease. Building staff will direct you to the nearest safe area for shelter. This is not a drill,” the BOK Center tweeted.
Soon the BOK Center announced that the severe weather threat had passed. “It is now safe to return to your seats for the remainder of the match. Wrestling will resume at 7:10.”
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service in Tulsa confirmed there was a tornado on the ground near Owasso, Oklahoma, heading toward Collinsville.
declare a state of emergency
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) on Friday due to wind damage and possible tornadoes in southwest Michigan.
“Tonight, I will activate the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate an all-hands-on-deck response to severe weather in Southwest Michigan,” Whitmer said. “By taking this action, we can ensure the state can monitor and respond to local requests. I want to thank all of the rapid responders on the ground who responded quickly to keep Michiganders safe.”
According to the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), the SEOC was activated at 6:00 p.m. local time.
“SEOC personnel are monitoring the situation and working with state and local officials and private sector partners to ensure any resource needs are met. MSP/EMHSD regional coordinators are on scene with local emergency management officials and providing support to local emergency operations centers. SEOC is prepared to meet resource requests as they may arise,” the release reads.
