Gov. Stitt Assessing Damage In Shawnee, Visit To Cole Expected Later

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt arrived in Shawnee Thursday morning to answer questions and tour the town damaged by severe storms on Wednesday.

In a short meeting with reporters, Stitt said he toured Shawnee and the Oklahoma Baptist University earlier on Thursday.

"The damage is unbelievable, we are so fortunate, we thank the Lord no lives were lost here in Shawnee," Stitt said. "I spoke with Heath Thomas, the president of OBU earlier [and] they're assessing all the damage over there."

Stitt said he applauded the work of rescue workers and ordinary citizens who showed up to help with recovery efforts.

"Oklahomans are here to help their neighbors, there's no doubt about that," Stitt said. "Oklahomans are [going to] stand up and help our neighbors in Shawnee and Cole."

The governor said they are preparing an emergency declaration for the areas most affected by tornadoes.