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Osage County officials search for man missing after tornado

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BARNSDALL, Okla. — As daylight shines on Barnsdall, 2 News is learning more about the destruction that took place overnight.

Leaders held a press conference at 9:30 a.m. and another at noon. Gov. Kevin Stitt will be in the town at 4:30 p.m.

Watch the noon press conference:

Barnsdall tornado damage update 12:00 p.m.

Mayor Johnny Kelley said the response was swift as soon as the tornado hit.

"We've had significant damage to a large portion of the town," he said.

Around 30-40 homes are destroyed, he said.

One person died, and a man is missing. They closed down the town to continue search and rescue.
Osage County officials are asking the public for help in finding the man, Kenneth Wayne Hogue. No one's seen him since the storms.

Kenneth Hogue

If you have any information, call OCSO at 918-287-313.

The National Weather Service rated the tornado an EF-4 rating.

Barnsdall tornado path.jpg

Some displaced people are being housed in Pawhuska.

"There've been people bussed all over," he said. "We're just kinda taken them where we can and doing the best we can for people."

There are injuries reported, but the mayor said they are mostly cuts and bruises. He gives credit to those in town being weather aware for injuries not being worse.

He said Gov. Stitt said the state is at the ready to help however it can.

Barnsdall was hit by an EF-1 tornado on April 1. Mayor Kelley said what happened in April doesn't compare to the damage from May 6.

"“There’s no comparison between what happened a month ago to what happened last night," he said.

The town's largest employer, NuCera Solutions, took a big hit.

Here's a look at the oil refinery:

Barnsdall refinery takes big hit from tornado

Senator James Lankford also toured the town on May 7.

Those wanting to volunteer are asked to wait until May 8, when search and rescue is completed. If you are in town to help, check in at the Barnsdall Fire Station.

The Red Cross opened a shelter in Pawhuska for those displaced in Bartlesville and Barnsdall.


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