Write a story based on these notes you took at a press conference by the mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma, where a major tornado struck the city last night.

Reporter’s Notes – Tulsa Tornado Press Conference
Date: Oct. 8, 2025
Location: Tulsa City Hall, Council Chambers
Speaker: Mayor Sarah Whitfield
Time: 10:00 a.m.

Opening statement:

• Mayor Whitfield opened by expressing condolences to families of the four people killed in last night’s tornado.

• Called it “one of the most devastating weather events Tulsa has faced in decades.”

• Said city crews and emergency services are “working around the clock.”

Casualties & Injuries:

• Four confirmed fatalities.

• 36 people injured, mostly due to flying debris and building collapses.

• Injured taken to St. Francis Hospital, Hillcrest, and Ascension St. John.

• Some still in critical condition.

Damage Overview:

• Tornado touched down around 9:42 p.m. on city’s southwest side, moving northeast through midtown.

• Path roughly 12 miles long, up to 400 yards wide.

• Major damage in neighborhoods near 71st and Lewis, Brookside area, Cherry Creek subdivision.

• Power lines down; about 28,000 customers without electricity overnight (PSO crews restoring).

• Several gas leaks reported, all under control.

• Two schools (Edison Prep and Memorial High) sustained roof and window damage.

• Dozens of homes “completely destroyed.”

• Preliminary damage estimate: “tens of millions of dollars.”

Emergency Response:

• City EOC (Emergency Operations Center) activated last night at 9:30 p.m.

• Police, fire, and EMSA working “jointly and continuously.”

• National Guard units assisting with traffic control and debris removal.

• FEMA officials expected later today to begin preliminary assessment.

• Curfew in hardest-hit neighborhoods from 8 p.m.–6 a.m. for safety and to prevent looting.

Shelters & Assistance:

• Three emergency shelters open:

  • Tulsa Fairgrounds (Expo Center)

  • Reed Community Center

  • East Central High School gym

• Red Cross and Salvation Army distributing food, blankets, toiletries.

• City website has donation links and volunteer sign-up forms.

Mayor’s remarks / quotes:

• “Tulsa is resilient. We will rebuild stronger.”

• “We ask for patience — this recovery will take time.”

• “Right now our priority is saving lives and accounting for everyone.”

• Confirmed search-and-rescue operations ongoing in several neighborhoods.

• Asked residents to stay off roads to allow emergency vehicles through.

Questions from reporters:

• Q: Cause of deaths? — Three from collapsed homes, one in a vehicle swept off the road.

• Q: Tornado rating? — NWS preliminary estimate: EF3, winds around 145 mph.

• Q: Any missing persons? — A few unaccounted for, but authorities hopeful they’ll be found safe.

• Q: Timeline for power restoration? — “Most should be back on within 48 hours.”

• Q: Federal disaster declaration? — Governor Stitt has requested it; waiting for FEMA review.

Closing:

• Mayor thanked first responders, utility crews, hospital staff, volunteers.

• Promised daily updates at 10 a.m. until further notice.