Tourist family shocked as Oklahoma tornado rips roof off hotel

Brazilian family visiting Oklahoma experiences tornado hitting hotel, unaware of sirens meaning, captured destruction on video. Viral-worthy footage shared.

A family from Brazil had a harrowing experience while visiting Bartlesville, Oklahoma, as their hotel was struck by a tornado, catching them completely off guard. The family, who were only in Oklahoma for a few days and experiencing their first night in the United States, found themselves in the midst of a terrifying situation when the roof of their Hampton Inn hotel was ripped off and hurled across the parking lot.

In a video captured by the family, you can see the chaos unfolding as the tornado sirens blare and lights flash in the lobby. The camera shakes as the sound of destruction fills the air, leaving the family in a state of shock and disbelief.

The city of Bartlesville was bustling with activity due to a college golf tournament, resulting in the hotel being full of people when the tornado struck. Before hitting Bartlesville, the tornado passed through the small town of Barnsdall, where a nursing home took a direct hit. Reports indicate that there are two individuals unaccounted for and one confirmed fatality as a result of the storm.

The National Weather Service had issued a warning of a "potentially dangerous situation" in the state, with a high probability of strong tornadoes. Meteorologists like David Payne and Emily Sutton expressed concern over the influx of storm chasers and spectators descending upon the area, potentially putting themselves at risk by venturing too close to the storm.

Despite the risks, professionals like Australian news director Daniel Shaw, storm chaser Mike Olbinski, and photographer Shane R. Muckey were on the ground capturing stunning images and videos of the tornadoes as they swept through the state. Their dedication to documenting these powerful natural phenomena serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring and destructive forces of nature.

The experience of the Brazil family serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and danger posed by tornadoes, especially for those who may not be familiar with the warning signs and safety protocols. It underscores the importance of being prepared and informed when traveling to areas prone to severe weather events.