Flash Flood and Flood in Oklahoma, May 29 to 30, 2001

Name: Flash Flood and Flood in Oklahoma, May 29 to 30, 2001
Start: 2001-05-29T20:13
End: 2001-05-30T03:00
Location: Oklahoma

May 29 to 30, 2001 · NWS OUN · 57 events in 16 counties and zones

Severe thunderstorms formed across portions of northern and western Oklahoma during the evening of the 29th and moved southeastward overnight. Straight-line wind damage and large hail accompanied many thunderstorms.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 4 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $95,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 57

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS OUN wrote it up.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Norman, OK wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 29, 1:30 PM CST, 6 hours 43 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 29, 1:30 PM CST, 6 hours 43 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
230 PM CDT TUE MAY 29 2001

SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL MOVE INTO WESTERN OK THIS EVENING
FROM THE TX AND OK PANHANDLES AS THE CORE OF THE UPPER LEVEL TROUGH
MOVES INTO WESTERN OK TONIGHT. THE LOW LEVEL JET WILL STRENGTHEN
ACROSS CENTRAL OK LATER TONIGHT AND THE HEAVIER RAINFALL IS EXPECTED
TO BE FROM CENTRAL TO NORTHERN OK...AREAS THAT WILL BE NORTH OF THE
RED RIVER WARM FRONT AND CLOSER TO THE STRONGER KINEMATICS. STORMS
THAT MOVE INTO WESTERN OK ARE EXPECTED FOR FORM AN MCS AND MOVE
ACROSS THIS AREA OVERNIGHT.

AS THE UPPER TROUGH PASSES TO THE EAST TUESDAY, A COLD FRONT WILL
MOVE INTO NORTHWEST OK TUESDAY MORNING AND INTO THE CENTRAL PART OF
THE STATE BY EVENING. SHOWERS AND STORMS WILL REMAIN IN THE FORECAST
ALONG AND AHEAD OF THIS FRONT...LASTING INTO WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACROSS
SOUTHERN OK.

ONCE THIS SYSTEM CLEARS...THURSDAY AND FRIDAY WILL SEE DRIER AND
COOLER NIGHTTIME AIR. AN UPPER RIDGE IS EXPECTED TO BUILD INTO THE
SOUTHERN PLAINS DURING THE WEEKEND WITH WEAK SOUTHWEST FLOW EARLY
NEXT WEEK...A WARMING AIRMASS AND NO SIGNIFICANT WEATHER MAKER.

FCSTID = 9
OKC   67  81  57  83 /  70  40   0   0
HBR   66  81  57  84 /  70  20   0   0
SPS   67  86  60  88 /  60  40   0   0
GAG   62  80  54  84 /  80  20   0   0
PNC   66  80  55  84 / 100  30   0   0
DUA   69  85  63  85 /  60  80  60   0

.OUN...
OK...NONE.
TX...NONE.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

36 hail, 17 thunderstorm wind, 1 funnel cloud, 1 lightning, 1 flood, 1 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Harper

When: May 29, 8:13 PM CST
Where: Harper County, Buffalo
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph)
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates: 34.883, -98.367

Thunderstorm Wind, Harper

When: May 29, 8:15 PM CST
Where: Harper County, 1 mi SW of Buffalo
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph)
Reported by: AWOS,ASOS,MESONET,ETC
Coordinates: 36.789, -99.667 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wind was measured by Oklahoma mesonet.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodward

When: May 29, 8:40 PM CST
Where: Woodward County, 21 mi NNE of Mooreland
Measured: 58 kt (67 mph)
Reported by: AWOS,ASOS,MESONET,ETC
Coordinates: 36.833, -99.617

Wind was measured by Oklahoma mesonet.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodward

When: May 29, 8:45 PM CST
Where: Woodward County, 21 mi NNE of Mooreland
Measured: 58 kt (67 mph)
Reported by: AWOS,ASOS,MESONET,ETC
Coordinates: 36.817, -99.633

Wind was measured by Oklahoma mesonet.

Hail, Beckham

When: May 29, 8:51 PM CST
Where: Beckham County, 3 mi WNW of Mayfield
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: GENERAL PUBLIC
Coordinates: 35.269, -99.682 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Jackson

When: May 29, 9:15 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 2 mi W of Eldorado
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 35.350, -99.933

Thunderstorm Wind, Garfield

When: May 29, 9:25 PM CST
Where: Garfield County, Lahoma
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 36.717, -99.050

Wind was measured by Oklahoma mesonet.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When: May 29, 9:49 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, Eldorado
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph)
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 36.717, -99.050

Thunderstorm Wind, Kay

When: May 29, 10:00 PM CST
Where: Kay County, Tonkawa
Property damage: $35,000
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 35.483, -97.533

The roof of a trailer home was blown off, and pontoon boats were blown over.

Funnel Cloud, Kay

When: May 29, 10:06 PM CST
Where: Kay County, 4 mi W of Braman
Reported by: STORM CHASER
Coordinates: 35.133, -97.667

Thunderstorm Wind, Kay

When: May 29, 10:08 PM CST
Where: Kay County, Braman
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates: 34.467, -99.650

A light pole was downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kay

When: May 29, 10:10 PM CST
Where: Kay County, 2 mi ENE of Tonkawa
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph)
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.467, -99.683

Wind was reported near Highway 60 and Interstate 35.

Hail, Washita

When: May 29, 10:23 PM CST
Where: Washita County, Canute
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 36.383, -98.083

Hail, Tillman

When: May 29, 10:50 PM CST
Where: Tillman County, Frederick
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates: 36.700, -97.267

Thunderstorm Wind, Caddo

When: May 29, 10:50 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 10 mi NW of Hinton
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 35.417, -99.283

A truck was blown over on Interstate 40 near mile marker 96.

Hail, Jackson

When: May 29, 10:59 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, Altus
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: STORM CHASER
Coordinates: 36.933, -97.333

Hail, Washita

When: May 29, 11:00 PM CST
Where: Washita County, Burns Flat
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: NWS EMPLOYEE(OFF DUTY)
Coordinates: 34.850, -98.850

Hail, Jackson

When: May 29, 11:03 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, Altus
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: STORM CHASER
Coordinates: 34.383, -99.017

Thunderstorm Wind, Tillman

When: May 29, 11:31 PM CST
Where: Tillman County, 10 mi N of Grandfield
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph)
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.783, -99.683

Hail, Tillman

When: May 29, 11:33 PM CST
Where: Tillman County, 10 mi N of Grandfield
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 35.650, -97.750

Lightning, Canadian

When: May 29, 11:41 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, Piedmont
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: NEWSPAPER
Coordinates: 35.500, -97.267

Lightning struck an oil tank battery causing it to catch fire.

Hail, Canadian

When: May 29, 11:41 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, Piedmont
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: STORM CHASER
Coordinates: 35.567, -98.483

Hail, Greer

When: May 29, 11:52 PM CST
Where: Greer County, 4 mi SW of Mangum
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates: 34.767, -99.667

Hail, Greer

When: May 29, 11:53 PM CST
Where: Greer County, 8 mi S of Reed
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.717, -99.583

Hail, Canadian

When: May 29, 11:54 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, Piedmont
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.783, -99.400

Hail, Greer

When: May 29, 11:56 PM CST
Where: Greer County, Russell
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 35.450, -97.717

Hail, Jackson

When: May 29, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 4 mi N of Duke
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 35.483, -97.533

Thunderstorm Wind, Canadian

When: May 30, 12:08 AM CST
Where: Canadian County, 5 mi N of Mustang
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph)
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.633, -99.333

Hail, Jackson

When: May 30, 12:10 AM CST
Where: Jackson County, 4 mi W of Blair
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 35.650, -97.750

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 30, 12:20 AM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph)
Reported by: STORM CHASER
Coordinates: 34.633, -99.333

Wind was estimated at the county courthouse.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cleveland

When: May 30, 12:21 AM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 5 mi NW of Moore
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph)
Reported by: NWS EMPLOYEE(OFF DUTY)
Coordinates: 34.883, -98.200

Wind was reported near SW 89th and Pennsylvania Ave.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 30, 12:21 AM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 8 mi SSW of Oklahoma City
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph)
Reported by: NWS EMPLOYEE(OFF DUTY)
Coordinates: 36.683, -97.300

Wind was reported near SW 89th and Pennsylvania Ave.

Hail, Jackson

When: May 30, 12:23 AM CST
Where: Jackson County, 5 mi W of Altus
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.700, -98.950

Hail, Jackson

When: May 30, 12:24 AM CST
Where: Jackson County, Martha
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.767, -99.000

Hail, Jackson

When: May 30, 12:25 AM CST
Where: Jackson County, Altus
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.633, -99.417

Hail, Oklahoma

When: May 30, 12:25 AM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 35.017, -98.983

Hail, Jackson

When: May 30, 12:33 AM CST
Where: Jackson County, Altus Afb
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.717, -99.383

Hail, Kiowa

When: May 30, 12:39 AM CST
Where: Kiowa County, 7 mi E of Hobart
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.650, -98.983

Hail, Oklahoma

When: May 30, 12:40 AM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 7 mi SSE of Oklahoma City
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: BROADCAST MEDIA
Coordinates: 35.300, -97.533

Hail was reported at Crossroads Mall.

Hail, Oklahoma

When: May 30, 12:45 AM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, Choctaw
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 35.552, -97.407 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail was reported at NE 43rd and Choctaw Road.

Hail, Oklahoma

When: May 30, 12:45 AM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, Choctaw
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: STORM CHASER
Coordinates: 35.383, -97.583

Hail, Kiowa

When: May 30, 12:59 AM CST
Where: Kiowa County, 2 mi W of Snyder
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.633, -98.933

Hail, Kiowa

When: May 30, 1:00 AM CST
Where: Kiowa County, Tom Steed Res
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 35.383, -97.483

Hail, Cleveland

When: May 30, 1:05 AM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 3 mi SW of Moore
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.717, -98.800

Hail was reported at 164th and Western.

Hail, Kiowa

When: May 30, 1:08 AM CST
Where: Kiowa County, Mountain Park
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 35.500, -97.267

Hail, Kiowa

When: May 30, 1:10 AM CST
Where: Kiowa County, 1 mi SE of Snyder
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.883, -98.200

Hail, Caddo

When: May 30, 1:15 AM CST
Where: Caddo County, Apache
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 35.500, -98.533

Hail, Comanche

When: May 30, 1:15 AM CST
Where: Comanche County, 7 mi NNW of Indiahoma
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.383, -98.683

Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 30, 1:15 AM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.383, -98.683

Portions of Interstate 35 were covered with approximately 1 foot of water near Interstate 40.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 30, 1:17 AM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 8 mi S of Oklahoma City
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.833, -98.850

Cars were stalled in high water on Interstate 35 near Southwest 89th.

Hail, Caddo

When: May 30, 1:17 AM CST
Where: Caddo County, Cyril
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.650, -99.267

Hail, Caddo

When: May 30, 1:18 AM CST
Where: Caddo County, Cyril
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 35.174, -98.375 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Comanche

When: May 30, 1:19 AM CST
Where: Comanche County, 16 mi NNW of Indiahoma
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.850, -99.550

Hail, Kiowa

When: May 30, 1:19 AM CST
Where: Kiowa County, 2 mi SE of Cooperton
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 34.633, -99.333

Hail, Washita

When: May 30, 2:40 AM CST
Where: Washita County, 6 mi N of Colony
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: GENERAL PUBLIC
Coordinates: 35.350, -99.167

Thunderstorm Wind, McClain

When: May 30, 3:00 AM CST
Where: McClain County, Blanchard
Property damage: $10
Reported by: NWS EMPLOYEE(OFF DUTY)
Coordinates: 35.433, -98.683

Large tree limbs were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Caddo

When: May 30, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Caddo County, 4 mi SSE of Hydro
Property damage: $10
Reported by: GENERAL PUBLIC
Coordinates: 35.383, -97.567

Large tree limbs were downed.

What these are

Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Funnel Cloud: A rotating column of cloud extending from a thunderstorm that did not reach the ground.
Lightning: A lightning strike that killed, injured or caused damage.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Oklahoma in 2001 Every state in 2001 This day in weather history Warnings in Oklahoma, May 2001

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 5248528, 5248529, 5248531, 5248607, 5248530, 5248608, 5248609, 5248610, 5248726, 5247874, 5248613, 5248611, 5248612, 5248614, 5248615, 5248616, 5248727, 5248617, 5248628, 5248627, 5247873, 5248618, 5248626, 5248625, 5248624, 5248623, 5248622, 5248620, 5248621, 5248619, 5248728, 5248729, 5248718, 5248719, 5248721, 5248723, 5248722, 5248720, 5248636, 5248635, and more.