Lack of winds in Oklahoma town trap ammonia plume from tanker truck, causing evacuations, hospitalizations

Weather successful America: November 13, 2025

WEATHER IN AMERICA: Lake-effect snowfall turning to rainfall successful the Northeast, a almighty upwind strategy connected the West Coast and supra mean temperatures successful the South. FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin has you covered with today's forecast.

WEATHERFORD, Okla. – Evacuations are underway successful an Oklahoma metropolis aft an ammonia state leak successful a edifice parking lot.

Authorities accidental that a half-full tanker motortruck was successful a Holiday Inn parking batch successful the metropolis of Weatherford connected Wednesday nighttime erstwhile it began to leak. The motortruck released a ample plume of anhydrous ammonia gas, which is often utilized successful fertilizers oregon arsenic a refrigerant, into the air.

THE AIR QUALITY INDEX EXPLAINED: WHAT AIR QUALITY IS BAD?

The contented being faced successful the municipality of 12,000, is the deficiency of wind to propulsion retired the fumes, according to officials connected scene. 

According to a FOX Forecast Center investigation of information from adjacent upwind stations, winds person remained little than 5mph since 11pm connected Wednesday, with the anticipation that gusts whitethorn summation Thursday day to 15mph to assistance wide the air. 

At this time, officials bash not cognize erstwhile they volition beryllium capable to contented an each wide bid for this situation.

As of Thursday morning, 36 radical had been taken to the adjacent infirmary and astatine slightest 500–600 radical were moved to a shelter, including residents of 3 elder surviving centers.

Others successful the country were told to stay indoors with each doors and windows closed.

"Residents successful this country are encouraged to crook disconnected their AC/Heating systems to forestall the chemicals from entering their home," the Weatherford Police Department advised connected their Facebook page.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Schools successful the country stay closed. "First responders connected country person recommended that each students successful SWOSU on-campus lodging structure successful spot owed to the fumes," Southwestern Oklahoma State University said successful an online statement. "Students successful residence halls should stay indoors, support windows and doors closed." 

This is an ongoing story. Stick with FOX Weather for much details arsenic they go available.