A severe storm with strong winds caused significant destruction in Pawnee, resulting in one fatality Thursday night. Reports from the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center indicated wind gusts surpassing 70 mph near the area, and the aftermath left a path of debris and damage, as highlighted by KOCO. "This one is weird because of the time of the year. First time in a while I can think of that we confirmed fatalities or injuries," Pawnee County Sheriff Darrin Varnell stated, revealing the uncommon nature of such a storm occurring at this time of year.
In the wake of the upheaval, the city of Pawnee has asked residents to remain indoors to allow emergency crews to navigate the streets safely, amid hazards such as downed, potentially live power lines and blocked roads, the necessity stemming not from an abundance of caution, but the clear danger presented by the tactile aftermath of such a tempest, News On 6 reported.
The identity of the victim claimed by the storm has yet to be disclosed. After the storm caused damage and closed several roads, the city is working diligently to restore power and has called in additional emergency help. Pawnee Public Schools have announced they will be closed on Friday to allow city workers time to clear hazards and assess the storm's impact, as per KJRH. Additionally, the city has designated the Pawnee Nation Law Enforcement building as a refuge for those displaced or in need of shelter during the ongoing recovery efforts.
