Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Oklahoma, May 13 to 14, 2009

Name: Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Oklahoma, May 13 to 14, 2009
Start: 2009-05-13T17:34
End: 2009-05-14T03:00
Location: Oklahoma

May 13 to 14, 2009 · NWS OUN · 76 events in 19 counties and zones

A cold front moved south into Oklahoma during the evening of the 13th and early on the 14th. Widespread thunderstorms developed over much of the eastern two thirds of Oklahoma.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. 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: 7
Property damage: $50 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 76

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.

A cold front moved south into Oklahoma during the evening of the 13th and early on the 14th. Widespread thunderstorms developed over much of the eastern two thirds of Oklahoma. Deep moisture and favorable atmospheric conditions allowed for thunderstorms to become severe along and south of the cold. A strong cap over western Oklahoma didn't allow for much development, although thunderstorms were able to develop west during the late evening hours. All forms of severe weather developed as several supercell thunderstorms developed. Hail up to baseball size, wind gusts over 60 mph, and four tornadoes were reported as the evening progressed. Damage was reported, especially with the tornadoes. The worst damage was reported with a tornado that moved from Gracemont to near Anadarko. Luckily, no injuries were reported with any of the damage.

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 13, 5:32 PM CST, 2 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 13, 5:32 PM CST, 2 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
632 PM CDT WED MAY 13 2009

.AVIATION...
/0Z TAFS/... A COLD FRONT WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE ACROSS THE REGION
TONIGHT. THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP NEAR THE FRONT BECOMING
WIDESPREAD AND MOVING ACROSS THE AREA. HOWEVER... KGAG/KWWR WILL
MOST LIKELY REMAIN DRY. THUNDERSTORMS WILL SHIFT SE OF MOST TAF
SITES THURSDAY MORNING.

MAXWELL
&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 313 PM CDT WED MAY 13 2009/

DISCUSSION...ANTICIPATING AN ACTIVE EVENING OF SEVERE WEATHER AND
HEAVY RAIN. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MANY DAYS...THE ENTIRE REGION WAS
IN THE WARM SECTOR RELATIVE TO THE FRONTAL ZONE THAT HAS BEEN
OSCILLATING ACROSS THE REGION IN RECENT WEEKS. MOISTURE WAS
DEEP...WITH MIDDLE TO UPPER 60S DEWPOINTS COMMON. THE MAXIMUM IN MID
LEVEL TEMPERATURES AND CAP STRENGTH HAD MOVED OUT OVER THE
DRYLINE...MAKING THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOPMENT LESS LIKELY IN WESTERN
OKLAHOMA AND NORTH TEXAS COMPARED TO YESTERDAY. BASED ON SATELLITE
AND UPPER AIR ANALYSES...AND A CONSISTENT MODEL SIGNAL...WE DO
ANTICIPATE THE CAP WILL WEAKEN ALONG THE COLD FRONT. STORMS WILL
DEVELOP THIS EVENING FROM NORTH CENTRAL INTO AT LEAST CENTRAL
OKLAHOMA...WITH A LOWER CHANCE FARTHER SOUTHWEST.

THE NAM HAS BEEN REMARKABLY CONSISTENT IN ITS RUNS OVER THE PAST 48
HOURS OR MORE. IT PLACES A STRONG MAXIMUM IN PRECIPITATION OVER
CENTRAL OKLAHOMA AFTER DARK TONIGHT...PERHAPS SIGNALING WHERE
THUNDERSTORM OUTFLOW WILL MEET WITH THE LOW LEVEL JET DURING ITS
MAXIMUM INTENSITY. THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PORTIONS OF OUR FLASH
FLOOD WATCH LOOK WELL WARRANTED...ALTHOUGH THE MAXIMUM COULD ALSO
OCCUR A LITTLE FARTHER EAST DEPENDING ON CAP STRENGTH. THE FAR
NORTHERN PORTION OF THE FLOOD WATCH WILL SEE THE STRONGEST ACTIVITY
EARLY THIS EVENING...BUT THERE IS A SECOND TROUGH ANALYZED AT
700-500 MB...THAT WILL SUPPORT SCATTERED REDEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER
BASED THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS NORTHERN OKLAHOMA AFTER MIDNIGHT.

WE HAVE ALSO ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY FOR THE OVERNIGHT PERIOD IN
WESTERN OKLAHOMA. MODELS DEPICT A 50 KNOT...NORTHERLY LOW LEVEL JET
BEHIND THE COLD FRONT. COLD ADVECTION SYNCED WITH STEEP LOW LEVEL
LAPSE RATES WILL LIKELY BRING WINDS TO THE SURFACE FOR AT LEAST A
FEW HOURS. THE EVENT COULD BE MARGINAL...BUT WOULD RATHER COVER IT
IN ANTICIPATION...TO LIGHTEN THE WORKLOAD FOR THE BUSY EVENING SHIFT.

IN THE WAKE OF ACTIVITY TONIGHT...WIDESPREAD CLOUDS WILL FILL THE
FRONTAL ZONE AND EXPAND BACK NORTHWARD ON THURSDAY. THIS SHOULD KEEP
TEMPERATURES IN THE 60S TO LOW 70S. FARTHER SOUTH...THE FRONT IS
FORECAST TO STALL NEAR THE RED RIVER. ALTHOUGH WE MAINTAIN LOW RAIN
CHANCES THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT...THE CAP WILL BE REBOUNDING
FROM THE SOUTHWEST...AND UPPER SUPPORT WILL BE MINIMAL OR SLIGHTLY
NEGATIVE FOR SUSTAINING THUNDERSTORMS.

FRIDAY THEN LOOKS VERY SIMILAR TO TODAY...IN THAT THE WARM FRONT
WILL LIFT NORTH...ALLOWING TEMPERATURES AND INSTABILITY TO
INCREASE...JUST BEFORE ANOTHER COLD FRONT ARRIVES FROM LATE IN THE
DAY THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT. ANOTHER ROUND OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS IS
POSSIBLE. THIS COULD BE THE FINAL IN OUR SERIES OF SYSTEMS...
HOWEVER...AS STRONGER...DRIER HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS DOWN THE FRONT
RANGE OF THE ROCKIES AND INTO THE SOUTHERN PLAINS LATER THIS WEEKEND.

PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1234 PM CDT WED MAY 13 2009/

AVIATION...
MOSTLY CLEAR SKIES EXPECTED AT ALL SITES THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON.
WINDS WILL SHIFT TO THE NORTHWEST BY 13/1900 AT BOTH KWWR AND
KGAG. THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP ALONG A COLD FRONT THAT WILL BE
PUSHING NORTH TO SOUTH... BEGINNING WITH KPNC BY 14/0000 AND BY
14/0200 AFFECTING KOKC...KOUN...KCSM...KLAW. VISIBILITIES WILL BE
GREATLY REDUCED BY +TSRA AND GR IS POSSIBLE WITH ANY
THUNDERSTORM.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
OKLAHOMA CITY OK  58  71  64  84 /  70  20  20  10
HOBART OK         57  75  64  86 /  40  10  10  20
WICHITA FALLS TX  63  80  69  88 /  30  20  10  10
GAGE OK           47  76  60  83 /  30  10  10  30
PONCA CITY OK     56  71  60  80 /  70  20  30  20
DURANT OK         68  83  68  88 /  40  20  10  10

&&

.OUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
OK...FLASH FLOOD WATCH THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING FOR OKZ006>008-
     011>013-017>020-023>032-040-042-043.

     WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 4 AM CDT THURSDAY FOR OKZ009>011-014>017-021-
     022.

TX...NONE.
&&

09/25/25

Hazardous weather outlook, May 13, 5:08 PM CST, 26 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
608 PM CDT WED MAY 13 2009

OKZ004>048-050>052-TXZ083>090-141100-
HARPER-WOODS-ALFALFA-GRANT-KAY-ELLIS-WOODWARD-MAJOR-GARFIELD-NOBLE-
ROGER MILLS-DEWEY-CUSTER-BLAINE-KINGFISHER-LOGAN-PAYNE-BECKHAM-
WASHITA-CADDO-CANADIAN-OKLAHOMA-LINCOLN-GRADY-MCCLAIN-CLEVELAND-
POTTAWATOMIE-SEMINOLE-HUGHES-HARMON-GREER-KIOWA-JACKSON-TILLMAN-
COMANCHE-STEPHENS-GARVIN-MURRAY-PONTOTOC-COAL-COTTON-JEFFERSON-
CARTER-JOHNSTON-ATOKA-LOVE-MARSHALL-BRYAN-HARDEMAN-FOARD-WILBARGER-
WICHITA-KNOX-BAYLOR-ARCHER-CLAY-
608 PM CDT WED MAY 13 2009

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK COVERS NORTHERN...WESTERN...
CENTRAL...AND SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA...AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT...

THUNDERSTORM OUTLOOK...
THERE IS A MODERATE RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS TONIGHT ACROSS
PARTS OF NORTH CENTRAL AND CENTRAL OKLAHOMA. SURROUNDING THE
MODERATE RISK... IS A SLIGHT RISK AREA THAT ENCOMPASSES THE
REMAINDER OF WESTERN AND SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA AND MOST OF WESTERN NORTH
TEXAS.

LOCATION...
THE MODERATE RISK AREA IS GENERALLY EAST AND NORTH OF A LINE
EXTENDING FROM ALVA... TO WEATHERFORD... TO LINDSAY... TO ADA. THE
SLIGHT RISK AREA COVERS WESTERN AND SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA AND MOST OF
WESTERN NORTH TEXAS.

TIMING...
THE MOST LIKELY TIME FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE THROUGH
TONIGHT.

IMPACTS...
LARGE... DAMAGING HAIL UP TO BASEBALL SIZE...ESPECIALLY EARLY THIS
EVENING.  DAMAGING WIND GUSTS TO 75 MPH WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE.
TORNADOES WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE...MAINLY WITH STORMS THIS EVENING.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS...
STORM SPOTTER GROUPS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL ACROSS THE
RISK AREA SHOULD PLAN FOR POSSIBLE SEVERE WEATHER OPERATIONS FROM N
THROUGH TONIGHT.

DISCUSSION...
A COLD FRONT MOVING SOUTH THIS EVENING IS PROVIDING SUFFICIENT LIFT
FOR THUNDERSTORMS IN THE VERY UNSTABLE AIRMASS. THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE
TO DEVELOP NEAR THE FRONT AS IT APPROACHES INTERSTATE 40 DURING THE
EVENING. THROUGH THE NIGHT THUNDERSTORMS WILL EVOLVE INTO A LARGE
COMPLEX THAT WILL MOVE CENTRAL...SOUTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST
OKLAHOMA.

WIND SPEEDS MAY BE ADEQUATE OVER THE NORTHERN HALF OF OKLAHOMA TO
SUPPORT SUPERCELL THUNDERSTORMS... WHICH COULD BE ENHANCED BY THE
LOW LEVEL WIND SHEAR NEAR THE COLD FRONT. IT IS THESE THUNDERSTORMS
THAT COULD PRODUCE A TORNADO.

PROBABILITY TABLE...
VALID THROUGH 700 AM CDT THURSDAY MAY 14.
PROBABILITY OF THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRING IN THE
              NWS NORMAN COUNTY WARNING AREA...100 PERCENT.
PROBABILITY OF SEVERE STORMS IF STORMS OCCUR...100 PERCENT.

OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER...
LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL WILL RESULT IN FLOODING OR PONDING OF WATER
ALONG STREAMS AND IN OTHER LOW-LYING AREAS. THE GREATEST THREAT OF
FLOODING IS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA WHERE THE GROUND
REMAINS NEARLY SATURATED FROM PREVIOUS RAINFALL.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY...

THUNDERSTORM OUTLOOK...
WIDELY SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE THURSDAY. THE CHANCE OF
THUNDERSTORMS WILL INCREASE FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY AS ANOTHER
COLD FRONT MOVES THROUGH THE AREA.

OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER...
LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE WITH STORMS THAT
FORM ALONG THE FRONT FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY.  THIS MAY RESULT
IN FLOODING OR PONDING OF WATER ALONG STREAMS AND IN OTHER LOW-LYING
AREAS.

THE NEXT SCHEDULED HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK WILL BE ISSUED AROUND
5 AM THURSDAY.

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 13, 3:02 PM CST, 2 hours 32 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
402 PM CDT WED MAY 13 2009

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0855 PM     TSTM WND GST     4 ESE ERICK             35.19N 99.80W
05/12/2009  M62.00 MPH       BECKHAM            OK   MESONET

0900 PM     TSTM WND GST     1 W ERICK               35.21N 99.88W
05/12/2009  E70.00 MPH       BECKHAM            OK   TRAINED SPOTTER

            TWO INCH DIAMETER TREE LIMBS WERE DOWNED FROM ONE MILE
            WEST OF ERICK TO ERICK.

0900 PM     HAIL             10 SW QUANAH            34.19N 99.87W
05/12/2009  E0.88 INCH       HARDEMAN           TX   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            NEAR THE LAZY U RANCH

0909 PM     HAIL             ERICK                   35.21N 99.87W
05/12/2009  E1.25 INCH       BECKHAM            OK   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            QUARTER TO HALF DOLLAR HAIL.

0920 PM     TSTM WND GST     1 NE ELK CITY           35.41N 99.40W
05/12/2009  M59.00 MPH       BECKHAM            OK   AWOS

            ELK CITY AIRPORT

0925 PM     TSTM WND DMG     5 WSW ELK CITY          35.38N 99.49W
05/12/2009                   BECKHAM            OK   TRAINED SPOTTER

            SIGNS WERE BLOWN DOWN ONTO INTERSTATE 40 NEAR EXIT 26.
            WEST BOUND LANES WERE CLOSED DUE TO SIGNS ON THE ROADWAY.

0935 PM     HAIL             2 W CROWELL             33.98N 99.76W
05/12/2009  E2.75 INCH       FOARD              TX   LAW ENFORCEMENT

0940 PM     TSTM WND DMG     1 ENE FOSS              35.46N 99.16W
05/12/2009                   WASHITA            OK   TRAINED SPOTTER

            THE STRONG WINDS CAUSED AN 18-WHEELER TO JACKNIFE ON
            INTERSTATE 40, BLOCKING ALL LANES OF TRAFFIC. THE WINDS
            WERE ESTIMATED OF AT LEAST 60 MPH.

0943 PM     HAIL             1 N CROWELL             34.00N 99.72W
05/12/2009  E2.50 INCH       FOARD              TX   STORM CHASER

0945 PM     TSTM WND GST     3 S ALTUS               34.59N 99.33W
05/12/2009  M59.00 MPH       JACKSON            OK   MESONET

0955 PM     TSTM WND GST     4 S TIPTON              34.44N 99.14W
05/12/2009  M60.00 MPH       TILLMAN            OK   MESONET

0958 PM     HAIL             2 S CHILLICOTHE         34.23N 99.51W
05/12/2009  E1.00 INCH       HARDEMAN           TX   AMATEUR RADIO

1015 PM     FLOOD            7 N CHILLICOTHE         34.36N 99.51W
05/12/2009                   HARDEMAN           TX   AMATEUR RADIO

            WATER OVER THE ROADWAY

1026 PM     HAIL             HOLLISTER               34.34N 98.87W
05/12/2009  E0.88 INCH       TILLMAN            OK   EMERGENCY MNGR

1035 PM     TSTM WND GST     2 ENE CHATTANOOGA       34.44N 98.62W
05/12/2009  M66.00 MPH       COMANCHE           OK   FIRE DEPT/RESCUE

1127 PM     HAIL             CYRIL                   34.90N 98.20W
05/12/2009  E1.00 INCH       CADDO              OK   AMATEUR RADIO

1132 PM     TSTM WND GST     3 NW CHICKASHA          35.07N 97.99W
05/12/2009  M58.00 MPH       GRADY              OK   AWOS

            CHICKASHA AIRPORT

1150 PM     NON-TSTM WND GST 1 W KINGFISHER          35.86N 97.95W
05/12/2009  M59.00 MPH       KINGFISHER         OK   MESONET

            WIND GUSTS OVER 50 MPH BETWEEN 1145 PM AND 1210 AM.

1230 AM     NON-TSTM WND GST 5 WNW EL RENO           35.56N 98.04W
05/13/2009  M57.00 MPH       CANADIAN           OK   MESONET

            NUMEROUS WIND GUSTS OVER 50 MPH BETWEEN 1215 AM AND 115
            AM.

1243 AM     NON-TSTM WND GST 2 S GUTHRIE             35.85N 97.42W
05/13/2009  M61.00 MPH       LOGAN              OK   ASOS

            AT GUTHRIE-EDMOND REGIONAL AIRPORT /KGOK/.

1255 AM     NON-TSTM WND GST 5 W YUKON               35.49N 97.82W
05/13/2009  M55.00 MPH       CANADIAN           OK   AWOS

            AT PAGE AIRPORT /KRCE/.

0110 AM     NON-TSTM WND DMG 4 SW EDMOND             35.61N 97.52W
05/13/2009                   OKLAHOMA           OK   AMATEUR RADIO

            POWER LINES REPORTED DOWNED ALONG MEMORIAL ROAD BETWEEN
            SANTA FE AVENUE AND WESTERN AVENUE.

0124 AM     NON-TSTM WND GST 2 WNW WARR ACRES        35.53N 97.65W
05/13/2009  M74.00 MPH       OKLAHOMA           OK   ASOS

            AT WILEY POST AIRPORT /KPWA/.

0130 AM     NON-TSTM WND DMG 5 NW OKLAHOMA CITY      35.53N 97.56W
05/13/2009                   OKLAHOMA           OK   EMERGENCY MNGR

            ROOF DAMAGE TO APARTMENTS NEAR NORTHWEST EXPRESSWAY AND
            MAY AVENUE. TIME UNKNOWN.

0130 AM     NON-TSTM WND DMG 5 NNW WARR ACRES        35.59N 97.65W
05/13/2009                   OKLAHOMA           OK   EMERGENCY MNGR

            TREE BLOWN ONTO CAR NEAR NORTHWEST 122ND AND COUNCIL.
            TIME UNKNOWN.

0135 AM     NON-TSTM WND GST 2 ENE SPENCER           35.53N 97.34W
05/13/2009  M58.00 MPH       OKLAHOMA           OK   MESONET

            NUMEROUS WIND GUSTS ABOVE 50 MPH BETWEEN 125 AM AND 220
            AM.

0135 AM     NON-TSTM WND GST 6 N OKLAHOMA CITY       35.55N 97.51W
05/13/2009  M59.00 MPH       OKLAHOMA           OK   MESONET

            NUMEROUS WIND GUSTS ABOVE 50 MPH BETWEEN 105 AM AND 2 AM.

0150 AM     NON-TSTM WND GST 4 W OKLAHOMA CITY       35.47N 97.58W
05/13/2009  M50.00 MPH       OKLAHOMA           OK   MESONET

&&

DEW

Special weather statement, May 13, 4:43 PM CST, 51 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
543 PM CDT WED MAY 13 2009

OKZ007-132300-
GRANT OK-
543 PM CDT WED MAY 13 2009

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY...

THIS SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY IS FOR GRANT COUNTY.

A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED 4 MILES NORTHWEST OF RENFROW AT 543
PM CDT...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 30 MPH.

SMALL HAIL AND WINDS AROUND 50 MPH ARE POSSIBLE.

PEOPLE IN GRANT COUNTY SHOULD MONITOR THE WEATHER SITUATION CLOSELY.
LISTEN FOR WARNINGS AND REMAIN ALERT FOR THREATENING WEATHER
CONDITIONS.

30

Special weather statement, May 13, 4:46 PM CST, 48 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
546 PM CDT WED MAY 13 2009

OKZ011-132300-
MAJOR OK-
546 PM CDT WED MAY 13 2009

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY...

THIS SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY IS FOR MAJOR COUNTY.

A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED 3 MILES NORTHEAST OF FAIRVIEW AT
546 PM CDT...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 20 MPH.

SMALL HAIL AND WINDS AROUND 50 MPH ARE POSSIBLE.

PEOPLE IN MAJOR COUNTY SHOULD MONITOR THE WEATHER SITUATION CLOSELY.
LISTEN FOR WARNINGS AND REMAIN ALERT FOR THREATENING WEATHER
CONDITIONS.

30

Local storm report, May 13, 5:34 PM CST, 0 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
634 PM CDT WED MAY 13 2009

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0634 PM     HAIL             NARDIN                  36.81N 97.45W
05/13/2009  E1.75 INCH       KAY                OK   PUBLIC

            HAIL UP TO GOLF BALL SIZE JUST BEGAN FALLING WITHIN THE
            PAST FEW MINUTES.

&&

LAMERS

The radar

The Vance AFB radar (KVNX), 61 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:35 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

49 hail, 18 thunderstorm wind, 4 tornado, 3 flash flood, 2 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Kay

When: May 13, 5:34 PM CST
Where: Kay County, Nardin
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.810, -97.450

Hail, Garfield

When: May 13, 5:35 PM CST
Where: Garfield County, 2 mi ENE of Carrier
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.491, -97.987

Hail, Garfield

When: May 13, 5:37 PM CST
Where: Garfield County, 1 mi NW of Enid
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.410, -97.893

Hail, Kay

When: May 13, 5:38 PM CST
Where: Kay County, 3.73 mi WNW of Blackwell
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.820, -97.343

Very heavy quarter-size hail was reported near mile marker 223 on Interstate 35.

Hail, Blaine

When: May 13, 5:39 PM CST
Where: Blaine County, 5 mi NNE of Hitchcock
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.037, -98.316

Hail, Kay

When: May 13, 5:45 PM CST
Where: Kay County, Tonkawa
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 36.680, -97.310

Hail, Garfield

When: May 13, 5:48 PM CST to 5:52 PM CST
Where: Garfield County, North Enid
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.440, -97.870

Quarter- to golf ball-size hail was reported.

Tornado, Kay

When: May 13, 5:54 PM CST to 6:05 PM CST
Where: Kay County, 9 mi S of Nardin
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 36.680, -97.450

The tornado developed nine miles south of Nardin and remained nearly stationary before dissipating. No damage to structures were reported with the tornado.

Hail, Blaine

When: May 13, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Blaine County, Hitchcock
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.970, -98.350

Nickel- to quarter-size hail was reported.

Hail, Kay

When: May 13, 6:05 PM CST
Where: Kay County, 8 mi W of Tonkawa
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.680, -97.454

Quarter- to half-dollar-size hail was reported.

Hail, Blaine

When: May 13, 6:05 PM CST
Where: Blaine County, 5.97 mi WSW of Watonga
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 35.820, -98.510

Hail, Garfield

When: May 13, 6:19 PM CST
Where: Garfield County, 2 mi NE of Fairmont
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.370, -97.675

Tornado, Noble

When: May 13, 6:20 PM CST to 6:31 PM CST
Where: Noble County, 1.35 mi SW of Billings to 4.26 mi ESE of Billings
Rating: EF1
Path length: 4.6 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.514, -97.454

Radar data and damage reports indicate the tornado traveled from one and one-half miles southwest of Billings to four miles east-southeast of Billings. Trees and power lines were damaged along its path as it moved east-southeast. Monetary damage estimates were not available.

Hail, Blaine

When: May 13, 6:40 PM CST
Where: Blaine County, Greenfield
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.730, -98.380

A large amount of hail over golf ball-size was reported.

Hail, Blaine

When: May 13, 6:43 PM CST
Where: Blaine County, 2 mi NNW of Greenfield
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.757, -98.394

Hail, Blaine

When: May 13, 6:45 PM CST
Where: Blaine County, 2 mi S of Greenfield
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.701, -98.380

Hail, Blaine

When: May 13, 6:45 PM CST
Where: Blaine County, 8 mi S of Watonga
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.734, -98.410

Hail, Blaine

When: May 13, 6:53 PM CST
Where: Blaine County, 2 mi SSE of Greenfield
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.703, -98.366

Hail, Blaine

When: May 13, 6:55 PM CST
Where: Blaine County, 8 mi W of Geary
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.630, -98.463

A large amount of golf ball-size hail covered the ground.

Hail, Caddo

When: May 13, 6:55 PM CST to 7:05 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, Hydro
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.550, -98.580

Up to golf ball-size hail for nearly 10 minutes, covering the ground.

Hail, Blaine

When: May 13, 7:05 PM CST
Where: Blaine County, Geary
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.630, -98.320

The hail was accompanied by estimated 50 to 60 mph winds.

Hail, Logan

When: May 13, 7:15 PM CST
Where: Logan County, Orlando
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 36.150, -97.380

Hail, Logan

When: May 13, 7:35 PM CST to 7:38 PM CST
Where: Logan County, Mulhall
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 36.060, -97.400

Lots of quarter- to golf ball-size hail caused some minor roof damage. Monetary damages were estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Payne

When: May 13, 7:36 PM CST
Where: Payne County, 0.24 mi E of (Swo)stillwater Airport
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 36.160, -97.086

A wind gust to 50 knots was measured at the Stillwater Regional Airport, KSWO.

Hail, Caddo

When: May 13, 7:45 PM CST to 8:05 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 1 mi N of Lookeba
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.374, -98.360

The quarter- to half dollar-size hail was accompanied by estimated 50 to 60 mph winds.

Hail, Caddo

When: May 13, 7:55 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, Eakly
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 35.310, -98.560

Hail, Logan

When: May 13, 7:57 PM CST
Where: Logan County, Langston
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.940, -97.250

Hail, Caddo

When: May 13, 8:00 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 0.13 mi SW of Binger
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.309, -98.342

The hail was reported on West Main Street by the fire department.

Hail, Logan

When: May 13, 8:05 PM CST
Where: Logan County, 3 mi SE of Guthrie
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.849, -97.382

Hail, Logan

When: May 13, 8:05 PM CST
Where: Logan County, Guthrie
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.880, -97.420

Hail, Caddo

When: May 13, 8:13 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 5 mi N of Carnegie
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.172, -98.600

Hail, Logan

When: May 13, 8:20 PM CST
Where: Logan County, 4.17 mi E of Seward
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.799, -97.416

The hail was reported at the Seward Road exit on Interstate 35.

Hail, Logan

When: May 13, 8:20 PM CST
Where: Logan County, Seward
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.800, -97.490

Hail, Washita

When: May 13, 8:25 PM CST
Where: Washita County, 9.05 mi S of Cowden
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.120, -98.730

Tornado, Caddo

When: May 13, 8:26 PM CST to 8:40 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 2.05 mi SSE of Gracemont to 1.79 mi SE of Anadarko
Rating: EF2
Path length: 7.29 mi
Path width: 250 yd
Injuries: 0 direct, 3 indirect
Property damage: $50 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.164, -98.243

The tornado developed southeast of Gracemont and moved south along and just east of Highway 8/281 toward the east side of Anadarko. Hundreds of trees, power lines/poles, and fences were destroyed along its path, with numerous homes, barns, and outbuildings receiving significant roof and siding damage. More significant damage occurred on the northeast and east sides of Anadarko, with homes sustaining major damage along Country Club Road. The tornadic winds also damaged the roof and walls of a strip mall. The tornado finally lifted 1.5 to 2 miles southeast of Anadarko. In all, monetary damages were estimated at $50 million, which covered both the tornado damage and damage associated with the rear flank downdraft.

Thunderstorm Wind, Caddo

When: May 13, 8:30 PM CST to 8:40 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 0.45 mi NW of Anadarko to 1.62 mi SSW of Anadarko
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.084, -98.246

Widespread damage was reported over much of Anadarko due to the rear flank downdraft (RFD) of the supercell moving southeast. Winds may have exceeded 80 mph with the wind, west of a tornado that was affecting areas over the eastern portion of the city. At least 230 homes and business' were damaged from both the RFD and the tornado, including the courthouse which lost part of its roof. Other buildings sustained heavy roof damage, with a few older buildings sustaining wall collapses. In all, nine homes were destroyed and thousands of trees were severely damaged or destroyed. Large trees blocking both Highway 62 and 281 made it difficult for emergency responders to reach the scene. At least ten people were trapped for a short time due to debris over top of their storm cellars. Power was out to the town through the early morning of the 14th, with some areas not coming back on until later in the day. Monetary damages for the tornado and RFD have been estimated at $50 million.

Hail, Caddo

When: May 13, 8:35 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 3 mi N of Carnegie
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.143, -98.600

Hail, Caddo

When: May 13, 8:35 PM CST to 8:41 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, Carnegie
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 35.100, -98.600

Up to two inch hail was reported by a NSSL employee.

Thunderstorm Wind, Caddo

When: May 13, 8:49 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 2 mi W of Cyril
Measured: 58 kt (67 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.900, -98.235

Hail, Oklahoma

When: May 13, 8:50 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 5 mi E of Edmond
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.650, -97.391

Thunderstorm Wind, Lincoln

When: May 13, 8:50 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 3 mi NNE of Sparks
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.650, -96.800

The wind gust was measured at the Chandler mesonet site.

Hail, Oklahoma

When: May 13, 8:53 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 1 mi SW of The Village
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.560, -97.563

The hail was reported near Lake Hefner.

Hail, Caddo

When: May 13, 8:53 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 2 mi W of Anadarko
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.080, -98.275

Hail, Oklahoma

When: May 13, 8:59 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, Nichols Hills
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.550, -97.540

Thunderstorm Wind, Caddo

When: May 13, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 3 mi NW of Cement
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 34.971, -98.177

An entire roof of a trailer was blown off and the trailer was moved eight feet. Monetary damages were estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Comanche

When: May 13, 9:14 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, Fletcher
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $23,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.820, -98.240

Numerous trees and power lines were downed around Fletcher. A roof was also removed from a residence. Monetary damages were estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grady

When: May 13, 9:15 PM CST to 9:17 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 2.19 mi S of Laverty
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.959, -98.074

A roof was partially removed from a mobile home. The location was approximately 1.5 miles south of Highway 277 on Lake Burtchi Road. Monetary damages were estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grady

When: May 13, 9:20 PM CST
Where: Grady County, Acme
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.800, -98.020

Thunderstorm Wind, Comanche

When: May 13, 9:25 PM CST to 9:27 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, Sterling
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $7,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.750, -98.170

Numerous tree limbs and power lines were downed around Sterling. Monetary damages were estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 13, 9:29 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, (Tik)tinker Afb
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 35.410, -97.390

Lightning, Oklahoma

When: May 13, 9:30 PM CST to 9:45 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, Midwest City
Injuries: 0 direct, 4 indirect
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 35.460, -97.390

Lightning struck four homes, sparking a fire that caused substantial damage to the residences. Four firefighters were injured while responding to the fires, although the injuries were not serious. Monetary damage estimates were not available.

Thunderstorm Wind, Comanche

When: May 13, 9:39 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 2.35 mi E of Pumpkin Center
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.594, -98.169

No damage was reported with the wind gust.

Tornado, Cleveland

When: May 13, 9:41 PM CST to 9:47 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 3.06 mi NNW of Stanley Draper Lake Dam to 2.63 mi NW of Stanley Draper Lake Dam
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.49 mi
Path width: 80 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.368, -97.378

The tornado developed over the northwest side of lake and moved south-southeast along the western shore. A boat dock was damaged and trees and other small structures sustained minor damage. Monetary damage estimates were not available.

Hail, Grady

When: May 13, 9:45 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 3 mi S of Rush Springs
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.737, -97.960

Flash Flood, Caddo

When: May 13, 9:50 PM CST to May 14, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Caddo County, 0.69 mi N of Anadarko to 0.92 mi SE of Anadarko
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.090, -98.240

Highway 281 was closed north out of Anardarko. Highway 62 east of Anadarko was also closed.

Hail, Comanche

When: May 13, 9:51 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 5 mi W of Fletcher
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.820, -98.328

Hail, Cleveland

When: May 13, 9:54 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, Stanley Draper Lake Dam
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.330, -97.350

The hail was relayed by KFOR-television.

Thunderstorm Wind, Stephens

When: May 13, 10:05 PM CST
Where: Stephens County, 0.69 mi S of Marlow
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 34.640, -97.960

Flash Flood, Comanche

When: May 13, 10:30 PM CST to May 14, 2:30 AM CST
Where: Comanche County, 0.17 mi ESE of Elgin to 3.49 mi ESE of Elgin
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 34.779, -98.287

Numerous county roads were flooded due to several rounds of heavy rainfall.

Hail, Stephens

When: May 13, 10:32 PM CST
Where: Stephens County, 3.52 mi N of Duncan
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.551, -97.967

The hail was reported at the intersection of Highway 81 and Camelback Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Garvin

When: May 13, 10:34 PM CST
Where: Garvin County, 3 mi W of Elmore City
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.620, -97.453

Several farm outbuildings were badly damaged or destroyed. Monetary damage estimates were not available.

Hail, Stephens

When: May 13, 10:35 PM CST to 10:44 PM CST
Where: Stephens County, Duncan
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.500, -97.960

Hail up to two inches in diameter was reported in and around Duncan.

Thunderstorm Wind, Stephens

When: May 13, 10:35 PM CST to 10:44 PM CST
Where: Stephens County, 2.53 mi N of Duncan
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.536, -97.967

Several trees were uprooted and some structural damage was reported to a bank near Highway 81 and Plato Road. Monetary damage estimates were not available.

Hail, Stephens

When: May 13, 11:00 PM CST
Where: Stephens County, 2 mi W of Velma
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.460, -97.705

Thunderstorm Wind, Murray

When: May 13, 11:07 PM CST to 11:10 PM CST
Where: Murray County, Davis
Measured: 77 kt (89 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.500, -97.120

Several large tree limbs and power lines were downed due to the wind, causing widespread power outages. Monetary damages were estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carter

When: May 13, 11:07 PM CST
Where: Carter County, 1.19 mi WSW of Springer
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.304, -97.160

The wind gust was measured at mile marker 40 on Interstate 35.

Hail, Stephens

When: May 13, 11:08 PM CST
Where: Stephens County, Velma
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.460, -97.670

Thunderstorm Wind, Murray

When: May 13, 11:10 PM CST
Where: Murray County, 3.16 mi W of Davis
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.507, -97.175

The wind gust was measured at mile marker 55 on Interstate 35.

Hail, Comanche

When: May 13, 11:20 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 3.94 mi WNW of Lawton
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.626, -98.457

The hail was reported on the west side of Lawton.

Hail, Comanche

When: May 13, 11:31 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 3.41 mi WNW of Lawton
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.636, -98.441

Hail up to baseball-size was reported on the northwest side of Lawton. At least 1000 cars sustained hail damage, including broken windshields and multiple dents. Monetary damage estimates were not available.

Hail, Coal

When: May 13, 11:33 PM CST
Where: Coal County, 1 mi W of Tupelo
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.600, -96.438

Hail, Pontotoc

When: May 13, 11:42 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, Roff
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.630, -96.840

Thunderstorm Wind, Pontotoc

When: May 13, 11:55 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, 6.3 mi SW of Fittstown
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.545, -96.708

Lightning, Carter

When: May 14, 12:05 AM CST
Where: Carter County, 2.07 mi S of Ratliff City
Property damage: $65,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.420, -97.510

A lightning bolt struck a house near Highway 76 in Pruitt City. The house was destroyed. Monetary damages were estimated.

Hail, Comanche

When: May 14, 12:20 AM CST
Where: Comanche County, 8 mi S of Sterling
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.634, -98.170

Flash Flood, Comanche

When: May 14, 12:45 AM CST to 3:00 AM CST
Where: Comanche County, 3.25 mi NNE of Lake Ellsworth Dam to 4.84 mi NNW of Elgin
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.830, -98.340

Twelve to eighteen inches of water was flowing over the road leading into Lake Ellsworth.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
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.
Lightning: A lightning strike that killed, injured or caused damage.
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 2009 Every state in 2009 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Oklahoma, 2009 Warnings in Oklahoma, May 2009

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: 175485, 175486, 175487, 175489, 175490, 176176, 175492, 175479, 175493, 175494, 175495, 175496, 175480, 175497, 175498, 175499, 175500, 175501, 175502, 175503, 175504, 175505, 175506, 175507, 175508, 175509, 175510, 175511, 175512, 175513, 175514, 175517, 175518, 175519, 175481, 176233, 175520, 175522, 175523, 175524, and more.