A tornado crossed Lake TexomaMarch 21, 2022, and to say the least, it was unexpected. With social media and the amazing cell phones, seeing pictures and videos of the tornado was easy. Even though, it was difficult to see the damage in photos, it was even more difficult for the Marshall County residents who witnessed it first-hand.
Having lived In Buncombe Creek since 1972 and some of my family much earlier, the phrase "tornados don't cross the lake" was commonly used. The phrase seemed to put folks at ease when the TV or radio was calling for a tornado watch. The myth was that tornadoes don't cross lake.
The view from the porch at our cabin gives way to a panoramic sky stretching from Texas to a few counties north and east of Marshall County. March21, 2022, was much like any other, however there seemed to be a grey brick wall easing slowly from the Willis Bridge toward the Buncombe Creek boat docks.
What seemed like a solid curtain wall of rain was in fact a tornado crossing the lake. Heading to the cellar was the action, but it was too late. The sound was like thunder. It did not quit, it roared and rumbled , and it h ad a crunching, rolling sound unlike any tornado I had been thru or even close to.
The wind came from the southeast and the southwest, creating a large vee shape just above the entrance to Buncombe Creek East . The power of the wind and rain stopped about the same time the electric power went off.
The thunder sound was the crunching of trees, structures, and sheet metal. What seemed like eternity was only about 30 seconds ofthe meanest lake crossing tornado that spanned approximately one quarter mile wide.
Even thou gh the devastation and impact of the tornado cannot be expressed by videos, pictures or words, the abun dant amount ofhelp is even more difficult to describe. Help poured in about five minutes after t he storm.
Neighbors, first responders, and Marsh all County EMS were among the first to act. Within the hour, help poured in from all over. Chickasaw Catastrophe teams, Choctaw Catastrophe teams, Southern Baptist Convention Disast er Relief, Marshall County Sherriff, Light horse Police, Forestry Department, the Game Warden, Highway Patrol, Kingston schools, First United bank, Marshall County Commissioner District #3, The Red Cross, and many more.
Governor Stitt came the next day and gave the order for everyone to stay as long as needed. The Texoma Southern Ba pt ist Church was destroyed, but Don Williams Oklahoma Disaster Relief Director of Southern Baptist Convention said there are plans in motion to remedy that.
"The Damage to the Texoma Southern Baptist Church is serious but don't worry we will rebuild the church," he said. He also said they have a top-notch construction crew. "We have the best," Williams said with a smile.
Daniel Nixon, the Marshall County Emergency Management Director said he will do whatever it takes to get Marshall County back to it was before the storm.
"I am on top of this and will see it thru and that the public property damage has not totally been determined," Nixon said.
For many in Marshall County, the storm was a total devastation, and many injuries were incurred but the storm brought the community together. The vast donations are literally overwhelming, they are still pouring in from individuals and all types of organizations.
One might make the analogy that a community that prays togeth er staystogether and any type of catastrophe truly brings out the enormous amount of love and compassion of a community like Marshall County.
On a sad note, looters are on theprowl and havealready hit the afflicted areas taking what they may assume to be abandoned . Local law enforcement is present , and signs are posted from the State Attorney General office in plain view reminding folks of contractor fraud and looters.
Marshall County residents will also be on the watch and if someone looks out of place or su spicious activity is occurring, immediately contact law enforcement. Any contractor can be checked out through the Secretary of State to ensure that they are licensed and registered by the state of Oklahoma
The clean up and restoration is by no means complete, but the spirit of Marsh all County is alive and well and some might even say it is better than ever. So, if you get a chance say a prayer for all the folks affected and the folks who have so graciously donated t ime and efforts.
For all those who have helped, prayed, or donated in any way may God Bless you and the biggest thank you is in order from Marshall County. It is now safe to say the old wives' tale of tornados not crossing the lake has been debunked.