Tornado damage in Blanco, Pittsburg County, leaves widespread destruction, no fatalities reported

Cleanup efforts are underway in southern Pittsburg County after powerful storms, including what emergency managers believe were two tornadoes, tore through the area Monday. The rural community of Blanco appears to have taken a direct hit.

Pittsburg County Commissioners have declared a state of emergency for the county on Tuesday.

Related: Osage SkyNews 6 surveys destruction from severe weather in Pittsburg County

What is the current damage report?

Pittsburg County emergency managers say at least 10 buildings were destroyed in the storm, with damage stretching from Blanco to the Pittsburg community along Highway 63. Trees were ripped from the ground, power lines knocked down, and structures flattened.

Were there any injuries or fatalities?

"Incredibly, no fatalities have been associated with the storm.

One person was taken to the hospital after being hit by a falling beam. Their condition has not been released.

What’s being done right now in the area?

Residents and response crews are already working to clear debris. The sound of chainsaws and bulldozers echoes through the community as cleanup begins.

Law enforcement has blocked off roads into Blanco and other affected areas of Pittsburg County, allowing only emergency responders and essential personnel in.

What are officials asking from the public?

People are being urged to stay out of storm-damaged areas to keep roads clear for recovery crews. Anyone in the affected zones is encouraged to report storm damage at damage.ok.gov.

What’s next?

The National Weather Service is expected to conduct a damage survey today to determine the official tornado rating and path length.

WEB EXTRA: JP All American Tree service out of Krebs Oklahoma came to Blanco to help clean up tree debris free of charge. Photojournalist Michael Blair captured their crews hard at work.