By Devyn Lyon, FOX23 News and KRMG Staff
UPDATE: The National Weather Service in Tulsa said their survey team found EF-3 damage in Beggs, with maximum wind estimated to be 135-140 mph. in that storm.
The City of Beggs saw significant tornado damage Friday night on several homes and a middle school. Two people sadly lost their lives, as well.
“When we went out, it was kind of chaotic,” said Beggs Middle School Principal Brandon Bookout. “I mean, the middle school got hit pretty good and it was less than 100 yards away from us.”
People in Beggs are trying to pick up the pieces after a tornado destroyed part of the middle school building and four homes, which have been considered a complete loss.
Principal Brandon Bookout said dozens of people took cover in the two dome auditoriums just yards away from where the tornado struck.
“We came here at about seven o’clock to open it up, and once we got that thing opened up, people started showing up to come here and shelter in place,” said Bookout. “Honestly, once you’re in this building it’s a blessing to have as a community because we didn’t hear it, we didn’t feel it.”
Bookout said the next step is figuring out how to get back up and running.
“Well, our head of maintenance…[has] our restoration crews headed our ways. Him and the superintendent have been working really closely with them on how to get us back up and running,” said Bookout. “Obviously, it’s going to take time.”
Just 10 minutes north of the middle school, four homes were destroyed and two lives tragically lost.
“…It’s widespread,” said Jeffrey Moore, Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director. “Some areas are starting to come back on slowly. The crews have been out since the early onset. Even while our first responders were going out last night, they were rolling in. They always do a great, fantastic job. They’re working here, so it’s coming on slowly. Obviously, there’s going to be no ETA, it just takes time to get miles and miles of power…back on.”
Moore said crews have been out since the tornado left trying to assess damage and restore power.
Crews are currently still working to restore power to different parts of Beggs. OG&E crews were also out repairing and servicing any gas lines near the wreckage.
Beggs Public Schools said it will be closed for the week of March 9 due to the recent tornado.
“Beggs Public Schools will be closed the week of march -13, 2026 due to the recent tornado that impacted our community. This closure will allow time for necessary assessments, cleanup, and recovery efforts to ensure the safety of our students and staff,” said Beggs Public School.
