Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, released the following statement after tornadoes hit northeast Oklahoma Friday night:

"The severe weather that moved through Oklahoma this weekend resulted terrible loss to the Beggs community, where two lives were tragically taken. My heart is with those who are grieving and with everyone in the area who is dealing with the aftermath of this devastation.

I’m grateful for the first responders, emergency crews and volunteers who immediately stepped up to support their neighbors in this moment of crisis, including the Beggs First United Methodist Church, who have stepped up to provide meals. I also want to thank Governor Stitt and other state and local leaders for moving quickly to coordinate resources and support response efforts.

I ask Oklahomans to keep the families who have lost loved ones, as well as everyone affected by these storms, in their prayers."