A Community Tested: Surviving the Atoka County Tornado in Caney, Oklahoma
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, started as a typical spring day for the residents of Caney, Oklahoma. That quickly changed in the mid-afternoon when a powerful storm system moved through Atoka County, producing a strong tornado that tore through the area.
The National Weather Service rated the tornado as a preliminary EF-2. It left a path of destruction stretching through Caney and continuing north of Bentley.
Source: kxii.com
Widespread Damage Across the Community
The storm brought destructive winds, heavy rain, and hail that tossed debris through the streets and snapped or uprooted large trees. Dozens of homes and structures were damaged. Some had roofs torn away. Others were pierced by falling trees. Power lines were downed, leaving many residents without electricity. Several roads, including Iron Stob Road, Cottonwood Road, Forrest Hill Road, and Allison Road, were blocked by debris and fallen trees.
Local homeowners shared harrowing stories of survival. Jayne Walton and Chase Hunter emerged from their storm cellars to find their campers almost completely destroyed, thankful that their underground shelters had protected them. Heather and her daughter Jaden huddled inside their home as a massive tree crashed onto their roof. At the local school, students and staff took shelter in the lunchroom saferoom as the storm roared past like a freight train.
Despite the significant property damage, homeowners and community members reported no serious injuries or fatalities.
Source: kxii.com
Documenting the Damage from Above
In the aftermath, many homeowners faced the difficult task of assessing damage to their properties. With roads blocked and debris everywhere, getting a clear picture of the destruction was challenging.
Collin County Drone stepped in to help the community by providing aerial damage assessment. Using FAA-certified drones, our team captured high-resolution imagery, 2D maps, 3D models, and topographic data. This gave homeowners accurate visual documentation of the damage to their homes and land, making the insurance and recovery process safer and easier.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
While the physical damage was extensive, the spirit of the Caney community remained strong. Almost as soon as the storm passed, neighbors began checking on one another. Residents like Hunter Jackson went house to house to make sure everyone was safe and had what they needed.
Support came quickly from within the community. Disaster relief centers were set up at Lane Baptist Church and Voca Baptist Church, providing meals to affected families. The Caney Volunteer Fire Department also made tarps and bottled water available to homeowners in need.
A Community Coming Together
Rebuilding will take time, but the resilience of the homeowners and the strong sense of community in Caney and Atoka County have already been proven. With neighbors supporting neighbors and tools like aerial imaging aiding in damage assessment, this community is coming together to recover and rebuild.
