"Tulsa Weathers Storms, Preps for Clean-up; Highlights Business, Community, and Sports"

Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Tuesday, May 20, 2025. We wake up today in Tulsa where the weather is making headlines once again. Last night, powerful storms swept through the region, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and several tornado warnings. Hail hammered Tulsa, damaging vehicles across the city and leaving neighbors assessing dented roofs and broken windows. North and east Tulsa saw the brunt of the storm, with some flash flooding around key intersections and tree limbs scattered on arterial roads. As you plan your day, expect lingering showers early, then cloudy skies and breezy conditions as crews work to clear debris. Keep an eye on local alerts if you’re out and about, especially near downtown and along Highway 169. The aftermath of the storms is felt in nearby communities as well. In Collinsville, a sudden tornado spin-up launched a barn onto a neighbor’s home, while in Fort Gibson, damage to homes and downed trees has prompted Fort Gibson Public Schools to cancel classes today so folks can focus on recovery. If you travel southeast, allow extra time as there are still power outages and blocked roads in Muskogee County. Tulsa Public Schools, meanwhile, is open today, but afterschool activities are canceled to keep everyone safe. Turning to city hall, the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment have both been busy this month reviewing zoning, development, and variance requests, including a notable request for a new fence on South Florence Avenue. These decisions continue to shape how our city grows and adapts, impacting things like neighborhood boundaries and business opportunities. Speaking of business, while severe weather has slowed some activity this week, we’re still seeing movement on the job market. Local listings show just under 2,000 open positions across Tulsa, ranging from warehouse and logistics work near the Port of Catoosa to healthcare and tech jobs downtown. In real estate, the market remains tight, with roughly 1,100 homes actively listed—median prices are steady but competitive, especially near Maple Ridge and Brookside. On the community front, music fans should note that several outdoor events this week are shifting indoors or have postponed kickoff times while organizers clean up after the storms. The Tulsa Arts District is still planning its Friday Night Live series, so check social media for updates. High school sports saw a big moment last night, with Booker T. Washington's baseball team clinching a playoff win despite the rain delays—congratulations to them and their fans. In terms of public safety, Tulsa Police responded to several storm-related calls, mostly about property damage and power outages. There were a few break-in reports overnight on Peoria and Admiral, which police believe may be connected to power outages, but no major injuries have been reported. Finally, a feel-good note as neighbors along Utica Avenue came together late last night to he This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.