The massive tornado that tore across central Oklahoma on Monday and killed at least 51 people, nearly half of them children in a school, has elicited an emotional response from stars, including Beyonce, Rihanna, Carrie Underwood and Chris Brown.
The images of devastation caused by the twister, reportedly two miles wide, were hard to fathom, as the town of Moore was lashed by 200 mile-per-hour winds for more than 40 minutes.
Beyoncé posted a message on Instagram with her thoughts, writing, "Prayers for #Moore Oklahoma," while little sis Solange wrote, "Oklahoma, you are in my thoughts."
Oklahoma, you are in my thoughts...
Rihanna posted the words, "Praying for Oklahoma" on her account and Alicia Keys tweeted, "So much going on in the world ... I'm saddened by the devastating news ... My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected #PrayForOklahoma."
So much going on in the world...I'm saddened by the devastating news... My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected #PrayForOklahoma
Carrie Underwood, who grew up in the rural Oklahoma town of Checotah, could relate to the heartache of the people of Moore. "Growing up in tornado alley, you always know what could happen," she tweeted. "It doesn't change how devastating it is when something does happen ... I'm thinking about and praying for my beautiful home state and the people in it tonight."
Growing up in tornado alley, you always know what could happen...it doesn't change how devastating it is when something does happen. #pray
Katy Perry tweeted some information for fans who want to lend a hand, writing, "Sending out prayers for the people of Oklahoma tonight. Let's help, just text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate 10 dollars to those in need."
Sending out prayers for the people of Oklahoma tonight. Let's help, just text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate 10 dollars to those in need. ❤
They were among dozens of celebrities who offered their support, including Khloe Kardashian Odom, Alyssa Milano, "Parks & Recreation" star Adam Scott, Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O'Donnell, Olivia Munn, director Kevin Smith, Neil Patrick Harris and Floyd Mayweather.
Country couple Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton, who have a home in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, weighed in as well, with Lambert writing, "Pray. That's all we can do. Pray for peace for Oklahoma." Shelton added, "Just landed in L.A. and hearing about all the tornados in Oklahoma right now ... Get somewhere safe!!!" Flaming Lips lead singer an Oklahoma native Wayne Coyne watched the coverage from London on Monday and gathered his thoughts on the aftermath of the storm on Tuesday morning. "Just now getting to Wi-Fi ... Mother nature ... so beautiful ... so horrible ... peace on Earth," he wrote.
Though he grew up far from tornado alley, "The Vinny Show" star Vinny Guadagnino offered his support as well. "Wow. Terrible day. #PrayForOklahoma," he wrote, while Chris Brown said, "Sending my love and prayers to the people of Oklahoma."
Wow. Terrible day.. #PrayForOklahoma