[Taxacom] Sam Noble Museum

[Burkhalter, Roger J.]

Forwarded message...



MESSAGE TO FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES OF THE SAM NOBLE MUSEUM CONCERNING YESTERDAY'S TORNADO OUTBREAK



The Sam Noble Museum of the University of Oklahoma in Norman was not damaged by yesterday's outbreak of powerful tornadoes that occurred in the late afternoon in Norman and central Oklahoma. Among the more than 30 tornadoes that were observed, a very large funnel passed near or even over the museum after most staff had left work for the day. It settled just east of the museum and caused severe damage from that point eastward.  Several other tornadoes touched down north, east, and south of the museum building. No museum staff members were injured, although some minor damage was sustained to vehicles and homes of some staff members. One home of a Zoology faculty member was totally destroyed. He and his wife survived the storm in an underground garage shelter and were not injured.



Museum staff appreciate queries that have been received concerning the status of the museum and the safety of its staff.



Michael A. Mares

Director