Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Oklahoma, May 31, 2013

Name: Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Oklahoma, May 31, 2013
Start: 2013-05-31T15:59
End: 2013-05-31T23:59
Location: Oklahoma

May 31, 2013 · NWS OUN · 76 events in 12 counties and zones

A tornado outbreak occurred during the late afternoon and early evening hours of the 31st. A stalled front and deeply mixed dryline served as a focus for thunderstorm development.

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: 21
Injuries: 35
Property damage: $1.3 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 tornado outbreak occurred during the late afternoon and early evening hours of the 31st. A stalled front and deeply mixed dryline served as a focus for thunderstorm development. The front/dryline triple point was where the most intense supercells initiated. These storms traveled eastward, eventually impacting the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Several tornadoes occurred, including the El Reno tornado, which unfortunately claimed several lives. In addition to the tornado, very large hail and heavy rains led to flash flooding in Oklahoma City. This flash flood event ranked as one of the worst in Oklahoma City history in terms of fatalities and damages to property. The event lasted well into the overnight hours.

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 31, 1:56 PM CST, 2 hours 3 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 31, 1:56 PM CST, 2 hours 3 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
256 PM CDT FRI MAY 31 2013

.DISCUSSION...
MAIN ATTENTION THIS AFTERNOON IS ON THE IMMINENT SEVERE WEATHER
EVENT. FOR THE GENERAL FORECAST...ONLY A FEW CHANGES WERE MADE AS
COMPARED WITH THE FORECAST ISSUED THIS MORNING. RAIN CHANCES AND
RAINFALL AMOUNTS FOR TONIGHT AND TOMORROW WERE REFINED
SLIGHTLY...BASED ON THE LATEST EXPECTATIONS.

THE GENERAL SITUATION BEGINS WITH A HIGHLY VOLATILE ATMOSPHERE
THIS EVENING. WE EXPECT SEVERE STORMS TO DEVELOP LATE THIS
AFTERNOON...THEN CONVERT INTO A HEAVY RAIN EVENT
TONIGHT...GENERALLY AFFECTING AREAS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED
A RATHER LARGE AMOUNT OF RAIN IN THE PAST WEEK OR TWO. A FLASH
FLOOD WATCH IS ALREADY IN EFFECT...AND NO CHANGES APPEAR TO BE
PRUDENT AT THIS TIME.

AS THE STORM SYSTEM SHIFTS EAST AND SOUTHEAST DURING THE DAY
TOMORROW...THE RAIN WILL LIKEWISE SHIFT IN POSITION. WE EXPECT THE
RAIN TO BE MAINLY OVER SOUTHEAST AND SOUTH-CENTRAL OKLAHOMA BY
TOMORROW AFTERNOON. THE RAIN SHOULD END ENTIRELY BY SUNDAY
MORNING. AFTER A RAIN-FREE AND UNSEASONABLY MILD DAY ON
SUNDAY...RAIN RETURNS TO THE FORECAST ON MONDAY. THERE WILL BE AT
LEAST A SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS/THUNDERSTORMS EACH DAY NEXT
WEEK. SEVERE WEATHER NEXT WEEK SHOULD BE RELATIVELY UNCOMMON.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
OKLAHOMA CITY OK  68  81  57  78 /  70  20  10   0
HOBART OK         65  85  55  83 /  30  10  10  10
WICHITA FALLS TX  73  88  59  85 /  20  20  10  10
GAGE OK           57  81  50  81 /  30   0   0  10
PONCA CITY OK     63  79  53  77 /  70  10   0   0
DURANT OK         73  84  61  81 /  30  50  30  10

&&

.OUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
OK...FLASH FLOOD WATCH THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING FOR OKZ007-008-012-
     013-018>020-024>026-028>032.

TX...NONE.
&&

04/23

Hazardous weather outlook, May 31, 11:49 AM CST, 4 hours 10 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
1249 PM CDT FRI MAY 31 2013

OKZ004>048-050>052-TXZ083>090-011000-
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-
1249 PM CDT FRI MAY 31 2013

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

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT...

THUNDERSTORM OUTLOOK...
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAN BE EXPECTED ACROSS MUCH OF OKLAHOMA AND
WESTERN NORTH TEXAS AFTER 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON.

LOCATION...
THE MODERATE RISK IS ACROSS MAINLY CENTRAL OKLAHOMA...SOUTHEAST
OF A LINE FROM PONCA CITY TO KINGFISHER...EAST OF A LINE FROM
KINGFISHER TO LAWTON...NORTH OF A LINE FROM LAWTON TO ARDMORE...
TO ADA TO HOLDENVILLE. THE OKLAHOMA CITY METRO AREA IS IN THE
MODERATE RISK AREA.

THE SLIGHT RISK IS OUTSIDE THE MODERATE RISK...EAST OF A
MEDFORD TO CLINTON TO ALTUS TO KNOX CITY LINE.

LOCATIONS WEST OF A MEDFORD TO CLINTON TO ALTUS TO KNOX CITY
LINE ARE NOT EXPECTED TO HAVE SEVERE STORMS THROUGH TONIGHT.

IMPACTS...
THE STRONGEST STORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING...

HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF SOFTBALLS...
TORNADOES...
DAMAGING WIND GUSTS OF 75 MPH...
HEAVY RAINFALL LEADING TO FLOODING...

TIMING...
THE MOST LIKELY TIME FOR SEVERE STORMS WILL BE BETWEEN 3 PM THIS
AFTERNOON AND MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. A FEW SEVERE STORMS MAY CONTINUE
AFTER MIDNIGHT TONIGHT.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS...
STORM SPOTTER GROUPS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL ACROSS
THE RISK AREA SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR SEVERE WEATHER OPERATIONS
LATE THIS AFTERNOON INTO TONIGHT.

DISCUSSION...
FIRST STORM DEVELOPMENT WILL BE NEAR OR JUST EAST OF A DRYLINE
AND STATIONARY FRONT COMBINATION...BETWEEN 3 AND 6 PM TODAY...
SOMEWHERE NEAR A PONCA CITY TO HOBART TO VERNON TEXAS LINE. THESE
STORMS WILL INTENSIFY RAPIDLY AND MOST LIKELY BE DISCRETE SUPERCELLS
AS THEY MOVE INTO CENTRAL OKLAHOMA.

THE POTENTIAL FOR TORNADOES AND VERY LARGE HAIL WILL BE GREATEST IN
THE MODERATE RISK AREA FROM 4 PM TO 10 PM FROM DISCRETE SUPERCELLS
AS THE WIND SHEAR INCREASES ACROSS THE AREA.

STORMS THIS EVENING WILL LIKELY CONSOLIDATE INTO CLUSTERS AND LINES ALONG
OR AHEAD OF A COLD FRONT...THEN MOVE SOUTHEAST THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT...
WITH AN INCREASING DAMAGING WIND...HEAVY RAINFALL AND FLOODING THREAT...
AND DECREASING LARGE HAIL AND TORNADO THREAT. THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE
AFTER MIDNIGHT TONIGHT...MAINLY ACROSS THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN PART OF
OKLAHOMA...THOUGH THE SEVERE POTENTIAL WILL SLOWLY DIMINISH THROUGHOUT
THE NIGHT.

PROBABILITY TABLE...
VALID THROUGH 700 AM CDT SATURDAY JUN 1.
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...
HEAVY RAINFALL COULD LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING LATE THIS AFTERNOON INTO
SATURDAY AS THE FRONT SLOWLY MOVES SOUTH INTO THE VERY MOIST AIRMASS.
RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES...WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS...ARE
POSSIBLE IN SOME LOCATIONS. WITH ALREADY SATURATED GROUND IN SOME
AREAS...THIS HEAVY RAIN COULD LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. A FLASH FLOOD
WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR PARTS OF NORTHERN AND CENTRAL OKLAHOMA.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY...

THUNDERSTORM OUTLOOK...
THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS MAINLY SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA AND WESTERN
NORTH TEXAS SATURDAY. THE RISK OF SEVERE STORMS WILL DIMINISH SATURDAY...
BUT THE POTENTIAL FOR HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CONTINUE.

A BRIEF DRY PERIOD WILL OCCUR SUNDAY BEFORE STORM CHANCES RETURN MONDAY
AND CONTINUE THROUGH NEXT WEEK.

OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER...
NONE.

THE NEXT SCHEDULED HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK WILL BE ISSUED BY
5 AM SATURDAY.

MAXWELL/MBS

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 31, 10:22 AM CST, 5 hours 37 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
1122 AM CDT FRI MAY 31 2013

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

0528 PM     TSTM WND GST     8 S STERLING            34.63N 98.17W
05/29/2013  U0 MPH           COMANCHE           OK   AMATEUR RADIO

            BRIEF GUSTNADO TRAVELED EAST FOR 1280 FEET. MAXIMUM WIDTH
            300 FEET. SNAPPED OFF 15 INCH DIAMETER TREE LIMBS, BLEW
            TWO LEMANS TANDEM AXLE CATTLE FEEDERS ACROSS A WHEAT
            FIELD AND WERE EVENTUALLY FLIPPED OVER. ROLLED SEVERAL
            1100 POUND ROUND ALFALFA BAILS MEASURING 5 FEET WIDE AND
            6 FEET IN DIAMETER UP A WATER DIVERSION DIKE.

&&

CK/FM

Special weather statement, May 31, 3:02 PM CST, 57 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
402 PM CDT FRI MAY 31 2013

OKZ008-312130-
KAY OK-
402 PM CDT FRI MAY 31 2013

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR CENTRAL KAY COUNTY UNTIL 430 PM
CDT...

AT 359 PM CDT...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED 5 MILES SOUTHEAST
OF KILDARE...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 50 MPH.

HAZARDS INCLUDE...
HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF NICKELS...
WIND GUSTS TO 50 MPH...

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
PONCA CITY...TONKAWA...KAW CITY...KILDARE...KAW LAKE AND HARDY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

MONITOR THE WEATHER SITUATION CLOSELY AND BE ALERT FOR THREATENING
WEATHER CONDITIONS.

&&

LAT...LON 3699 9676 3679 9676 3677 9681 3675 9683
      3675 9689 3668 9693 3670 9704 3668 9707
      3662 9705 3661 9706 3660 9728 3671 9735
TIME...MOT...LOC 2059Z 240DEG 49KT 3676 9698

WR

Special weather statement, May 31, 3:32 PM CST, 27 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
432 PM CDT FRI MAY 31 2013

OKZ008-312200-
KAY OK-
432 PM CDT FRI MAY 31 2013

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR CENTRAL KAY COUNTY UNTIL 500 PM
CDT...

AT 431 PM CDT...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED 5 MILES WEST OF KAW
LAKE...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 40 MPH.

HAZARDS INCLUDE...
HAIL UP TO ONE-HALF INCH DIAMETER...
WIND GUSTS TO 50 MPH...
MINOR FLOODING IN AREAS OF POOR DRAINAGE...

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
PONCA CITY...TONKAWA...NEWKIRK...KAW CITY...KILDARE...KAW LAKE AND
HARDY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

MONITOR THE WEATHER SITUATION CLOSELY AND BE ALERT FOR THREATENING
WEATHER CONDITIONS.

&&

LAT...LON 3700 9676 3679 9676 3677 9680 3677 9681
      3675 9683 3675 9689 3668 9693 3670 9704
      3668 9707 3660 9705 3662 9745 3699 9698
TIME...MOT...LOC 2131Z 238DEG 34KT 3681 9695

WR

Special weather statement, May 31, 3:35 PM CST, 24 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
435 PM CDT FRI MAY 31 2013

OKZ019-025-026-029-030-312215-
LOGAN OK-OKLAHOMA OK-LINCOLN OK-CLEVELAND OK-POTTAWATOMIE OK-
435 PM CDT FRI MAY 31 2013

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHERN LOGAN...OKLAHOMA...
LINCOLN...CLEVELAND AND NORTHERN POTTAWATOMIE COUNTIES UNTIL
515 PM...

...THIS IS A SPECIAL FORECAST FOR THE TORNADO RECOVERY AREAS...

AT 430 PM...THUNDERSTORM INITIATION WAS TRYING TO OCCUR JUST EAST
OF WEATHERFORD AND NORTHWEST OF LAWTON. WITH AN EXTREMELY UNSTABLE
ENVIRONMENT...STORMS ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP EXPLOSIVELY BETWEEN
430 PM AND 5 PM. MOVEMENT WILL INITIALLY BE TO THE NORTHEAST BUT
WILL BE MORE DUE EAST AS STORMS MATURE.

MONITOR WEATHER CONDITIONS CLOSELY. STORMS THAT FORM WEST AND
SOUTHWEST OF THE RECOVERY AREAS LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY
THIS EVENING WILL NEED TO BE WATCHED CLOSELY. GIANT HAIL AND
TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH THE STRONGEST STORMS.

ADDITIONAL FORECASTS WILL BE SENT AS THE WEATHER SITUATION EVOLVES
THROUGH THE EVENING.

11

Special weather statement, May 31, 3:36 PM CST, 23 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
436 PM CDT FRI MAY 31 2013

OKZ016>018-022>024-312200-
CUSTER OK-KINGFISHER OK-BLAINE OK-WASHITA OK-CADDO OK-CANADIAN OK-
436 PM CDT FRI MAY 31 2013

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN CUSTER...
SOUTHWESTERN KINGFISHER...CENTRAL BLAINE...NORTHEASTERN WASHITA...
NORTHERN CADDO AND NORTHWESTERN CANADIAN COUNTIES UNTIL 500 PM CDT...

AT 431 PM CDT...SEVERAL DEVELOPING THUNDERSTORMS EXTENDED FROM 6
MILES SOUTHWEST OF GREENFIELD... TO NEAR CORN. THESE STORMS MOVING
NORTHEAST AT 30 MPH AND WILL LIKELY BECOME SEVERE IN THE NEXT HALF
HOUR.

HAZARDS INCLUDE...
HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF NICKELS...
WIND GUSTS TO 50 MPH...

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
WEATHERFORD...WATONGA...HINTON...GEARY...HYDRO...CORN...EAKLY...
COLONY...HITCHCOCK...GREENFIELD...BRIDGEPORT AND OMEGA.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

STORM INTENSITY IS INCREASING AND SEVERE WEATHER MAY DEVELOP RAPIDLY.
STAY ALERT AND LISTEN FOR WARNINGS.

&&

LAT...LON 3606 9832 3581 9791 3522 9851 3541 9893
TIME...MOT...LOC 2131Z 224DEG 27KT 3568 9848

AUSTIN

Special weather statement, May 31, 3:58 PM CST, 1 minute before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
458 PM CDT FRI MAY 31 2013

OKZ012-312230-
GARFIELD OK-
458 PM CDT FRI MAY 31 2013

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR CENTRAL GARFIELD COUNTY UNTIL 530
PM CDT...

AT 452 PM CDT...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED NEAR HENNESSEY...
MOVING NORTHEAST AT 30 MPH.

HAZARDS INCLUDE...
HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF NICKELS...
WIND GUSTS TO 50 MPH...

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
ENID...WAUKOMIS...GARBER...COVINGTON...DRUMMOND...BRECKENRIDGE...
FAIRMONT...DOUGLAS...VANCE AIR FORCE BASE...BISON AND NORTH ENID.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

STORM INTENSITY IS INCREASING AND SEVERE WEATHER MAY DEVELOP RAPIDLY.
STAY ALERT AND LISTEN FOR WARNINGS.

&&

LAT...LON 3658 9758 3617 9756 3618 9809 3635 9810
TIME...MOT...LOC 2152Z 230DEG 26KT 3615 9793

WR

The radar

The Norman radar (KTLX), 108 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:57 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

34 hail, 20 thunderstorm wind, 13 tornado, 9 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Blaine

When: May 31, 3:59 PM CST
Where: Blaine County, 2.18 mi NE of Greenfield
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.750, -98.350

Hail ranged in size from quarter to half dollar size. No damage was reported.

Hail, Kay

When: May 31, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Kay County, 4.49 mi E of Ponca City
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.710, -97.000

Thunderstorm Wind, Kay

When: May 31, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Kay County, 4.49 mi E of Ponca City
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.710, -97.000

No damage was reported.

Hail, Blaine

When: May 31, 4:20 PM CST
Where: Blaine County, Geary
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 35.630, -98.320

Hail reported from NSSL SHAVE project. No damages reported.

Hail, Caddo

When: May 31, 4:20 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 0.89 mi SE of Hinton
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 35.460, -98.350

Hail was reported via NSSL SHAVE project. No damage was reported.

Tornado, Kingfisher

When: May 31, 4:35 PM CST to 4:37 PM CST
Where: Kingfisher County, 1 mi NE of Omega to 2 mi NE of Omega
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.880, -98.187

Broadcast media and Spotter Network reports of brief tornado northeast of Omega. No damage was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Payne

When: May 31, 4:49 PM CST
Where: Payne County, 3.11 mi WSW of Lake Carl Blackwell Dam
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.120, -97.240

No damage was reported.

Hail, Comanche

When: May 31, 4:50 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 5.35 mi NNE of Faxon
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 34.530, -98.540

The hail was reported via the SHAVE project.

Tornado, Canadian

When: May 31, 4:55 PM CST to 4:56 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, 7 mi S of Calumet to 6.82 mi S of Calumet
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.35 mi
Path width: 30 yd
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.499, -98.120

Storm damage survey and Spotter Network reports confirmed a brief tornado in rural areas south of Calumet. Convergent wheat pattern and minor tree damage were noted.

Hail, Comanche

When: May 31, 5:00 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 4.73 mi SSE of Lawton
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 34.550, -98.350

The hail was reported via the NSSL shave project.

Tornado, Canadian

When: May 31, 5:03 PM CST to 5:44 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, 8.06 mi S of Calumet to 6.03 mi SSW of Richland
Rating: EF3
Path length: 16.2 mi
Path width: 4,576 yd
Deaths: 8 direct, 0 indirect
Injuries: 26 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $300,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.485, -98.096

On 31 May, an intense, long-track tornado formed southwest of El Reno. This exceptionally wide tornado took a complex path, rapidly changing in both speed and direction. The tornado spared El Reno and its airport from a direct hit, tracking just south of those locations. The tornado damaged numerous homes along with a few businesses near El Reno. Additionally, intense sub-vortices destroyed crops in numerous fields in the area.

The tornado developed at 6:03 p.m. just northeast of the intersection of Heaston and Reuter roads. Initially, the tornado moved to the southeast at 20 to 25 mph. At 6:09 p.m., the tornado turned to the east, just south of Reno Road between Heaston and Brandley roads. The tornado continued to expand in size just southwest of the El Reno Municipal Air Park, where its speed increased to 30 to 40 mph. As the tornado passed just south of the airport, two satellite tornadoes formed briefly on the west side of the tornado.

At 6:19 p.m. the tornado crossed Highway 81 near Reno Road as it continued to expand in size. There, the tornado abruptly turned to the north, while also accelerating to greater than 50 mph. From 6:24 to 6:26 p.m., the tornado reached its maximum in size and intensity near the intersection of Radio and Reuter roads. The tornado, still very large, slowed down as it approached I-40. From 6:27 to 6:35 the tornado made a loop just north of the interstate while decelerating to less than 10 mph. After 6:35, the tornado moved east once again, and dissipated at 6:42 p.m. near the intersection of I-40 and Banner Road.| |Eight people were killed in the tornado, all in vehicles. This included three severe storm researchers who were killed east of US-81 as the tornado overtook their position. Additionally, several other people were killed while attempting to escape the tornado near Highway 81. Finally, two people were killed along I-40 while waiting for the storm to pass.

The monetary damages were estimated. This tornado was well sampled by two separate mobile research radar teams the University of Oklahoma RaXPol radar, and the Center for Severe Weather Research’s Doppler on Wheels. Both radars captured high temporal and spatial resolution data relatively close to the large tornado. Both radars measured winds in the tornado of more than 200 mph. The RaXPol radar data shows winds of at least 295 mph very close to the surface. These intense winds were present in very small sub-vortices within the larger tornado circulation. An analysis of the high resolution radar data combined with the results of the ground damage survey indicates that none of these intense sub-vortices impacted any structures in rural Canadian County. So despite the measured wind speeds, surveyors could not find any damage that would support a rating higher than EF3 based solely on the damage indicators used with the EF scale.

The maximum tornado width was 2.6 miles. However, the damaging wind swath was much larger, as non-tornadic downdraft winds extended for at least a mile south of the tornado. Given the difficulty of separating this damage from tornadic damage, the OU RaXPol radar was used to help determine the width.

Hail, Canadian

When: May 31, 5:05 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, 1.01 mi WSW of El Reno
Measured: 5.9 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.523, -97.975

Very large hail fell in El Reno as the large tornado developed to the south. Photos submitted to a local television station showed hail may have measured as large as 6.3 in diameter. Unfortunately, no official measurements were taken, so the 6 diameter hail near Gotebo, OK on May 23, 2011 remains the record largest hailstone officially documented in Oklahoma.

Hail, Comanche

When: May 31, 5:10 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, Geronimo
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 34.480, -98.380

The hail was reported via the NSSL shave project.

Tornado, Canadian

When: May 31, 5:12 PM CST to 5:13 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, 4.95 mi NW of Union City
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.5 mi
Path width: 120 yd
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 35.440, -98.003

One of two satellite tornadoes was observed rotating around the primary El Reno tornado by storm chasers and the RaXPol mobile research radar.

Tornado, Canadian

When: May 31, 5:13 PM CST to 5:14 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, 5.68 mi SSW of El Reno
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.5 mi
Path width: 350 yd
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 35.459, -98.011

The second of two satellite tornadoes that was observed rotating around the primary El Reno tornado by storm chasers and the RaXPol mobile research radar.

Hail, Comanche

When: May 31, 5:20 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 5 mi WSW of Pumpkin Center
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 34.560, -98.290

The hail was reported via the NSSL shave project. No damage was reported.

Tornado, Canadian

When: May 31, 5:29 PM CST to 5:41 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, 6.33 mi W of Yukon to 4.51 mi SW of Yukon
Rating: EF2
Path length: 5 mi
Path width: 150 yd
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.486, -97.851

The storm damage survey and Doppler on Wheels mobile radar detected a long-lived anticyclonic tornado southwest of Yukon. Some structural damage was noted along with damage to trees. Damages estimated.

Hail, Comanche

When: May 31, 5:30 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 3.17 mi ENE of Geronimo
Measured: 2.25 in hail
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 34.500, -98.330

The hail was reported via the NSSL SHAVE project. No damage was reported.

Hail, Comanche

When: May 31, 5:30 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 4.47 mi SE of Lawton
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 34.560, -98.340

The hail was reported via the NSSL SHAVE project. No damage was reported.

Hail, Comanche

When: May 31, 5:30 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 4.39 mi SE of Lawton
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.570, -98.330

No damage was reported.

Hail, Comanche

When: May 31, 5:30 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 3.97 mi SE of Lawton
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.570, -98.340

No damage was reported.

Hail, Comanche

When: May 31, 5:35 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 4.86 mi SW of Pumpkin Center
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 34.540, -98.270

The hail was reported via the NSSL SHAVE project. No damage was reported.

Hail, Comanche

When: May 31, 5:35 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 5.32 mi ESE of Lawton
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 34.570, -98.310

The hail was reported via the NSSL SHAVE project. No damage was reported.

Hail, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 5:45 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 1.78 mi NE of Warr Acres
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.540, -97.600

The hail was reported at Hefner and Council roads.

Tornado, Canadian

When: May 31, 5:51 PM CST to 5:54 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, 3.93 mi SE of Yukon to 4.92 mi NE of Mustang
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.61 mi
Path width: 500 yd
Continued into: Oklahoma, Ok (OUN)
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.454, -97.699

An relatively long-lived weak tornado began northwest of SW 15th Street and Morgan Road in western Oklahoma City to the southeast of Yukon. The tornado moved just south of east for a little over 1.5 miles and into Oklahoma County. Damage to trees and power lines was noted, as well as very minor structural damage to some homes. Damages estimated.

Tornado, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 5:54 PM CST to 6:09 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 3.59 mi NNW of Wheatland to 4.01 mi N of (Okc)will Rogers Apt
Rating: EF1
Path length: 4.1 mi
Path width: 600 yd
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.449, -97.671

A tornado moved into Oklahoma County from Canadian County in western Oklahoma City and moved generally east along and near SW 15th Street before dissipating near SW 15th and Meridian Avenue. Buildings, power lines and trees were damaged, including broken windows at a couple of motels along Meridian Avenue. Damage amounts were estimated.

Hail, Canadian

When: May 31, 5:55 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, 0.89 mi NW of Yukon
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.510, -97.750

No damage was reported.

Tornado, Canadian

When: May 31, 5:55 PM CST to 5:57 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, 6 mi S of El Reno to 3.6 mi N of Union City
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.47 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.443, -97.960

A tornado was reported from Spotter Network where a strong radar signal from terminal doppler TOKC was also located. And damage from this tornado would have been indiscernible as this tornado occurred within the damage path of the earlier El Reno EF5 tornado.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 6:00 PM CST to 6:30 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 3.16 mi NNW of Wheatland to 2.35 mi ESE of (Okc)will Rogers Apt
Measured: 83 kt (96 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.443, -97.669

Wind damage was widespread across southwest Oklahoma City as the tornadic storm produced several surges of intense winds as it moved across the area. The damage was widespread from County Line Road from SW 29th and SW 44th Streets, southeastward across Will Rogers World Airport to along SW 89th Steet between Portland Avenue and Pennsylvanie Avenue. An outbuilding was destroyed at Western Heights High School near SW 44th Street and Council Road with winds estimated at 95 mph. Winds gusts of 61 knots (70 mph) were measured at 7:05 pm CDT at the Will Rogers Airport (OKC) ASOS with one of these surges, followed by another gust of 62 knots (71 mph) with a second surge at 7:21 pm CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 6:05 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, (Okc)will Rogers Apt
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 35.390, -97.600

The wind gusts were caused by rear flank downdraft winds near an associated tornadic circulations. Considerable damage occurred to the ASOS, including full removal from static platform. Widespread damage to trees and a few buildings on the Will Rogers World Airport grounds. Damages estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Payne

When: May 31, 6:08 PM CST
Where: Payne County, 0.56 mi E of (Swo)stillwater Airport
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 36.160, -97.080

No damage was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 6:10 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 3.94 mi W of Oklahoma City
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.470, -97.580

No damage was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 6:15 PM CST to 6:30 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 3.96 mi SSE of Warr Acres to 2.84 mi WSW of Valley Brook
Measured: 83 kt (96 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.469, -97.588

Another area of widespread wind damage occurred with a surge of wind from the tornadic storm across southwest Oklahoma City, from roughly Portland Avenue and Reno Avenue southeast to near SW 83rd Street and Walker Avenue. The most significant damage occurred near SW 79th Street and Western Avenue where winds estimated at 95 mph uprooted large trees and damaged a service station canopy.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 6:20 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 3.94 mi W of Oklahoma City
Measured: 63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.470, -97.580

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 6:21 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, (Okc)will Rogers Apt
Measured: 62 kt (71 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 35.390, -97.600

Thunderstorm Wind, Cleveland

When: May 31, 6:30 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 4.84 mi WNW of Moore
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.374, -97.565

Roof damage was noted to houses along May Avenue from SW 89th Street south to at least SW 96th Street.

Tornado, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 6:35 PM CST to 6:37 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 1.5 mi ENE of Valley Brook to 1.88 mi ENE of Valley Brook
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.5 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.411, -97.457

An EF-0 tornado traveled from Creekwood Terrace southeast to Keith Drive near SE 54th Street. Minor damage to trees and power lines was noted. Damages estimated.

Hail, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 6:36 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 3.56 mi SE of Bethany
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.470, -97.600

The hail was reported at interstate 40 and Meridian. No damage was reported.

Tornado, Cleveland

When: May 31, 6:42 PM CST to 6:43 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 6.71 mi W of Moore to 5.88 mi W of Moore
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.341, -97.609

Storm damage survey indicated a brief EF-1 tornado developed near in the South Lakes Park area near SW 119th Street and Meridian Avenue. Damage to several homes, trees, and power lines and poles occurred. Damages estimated.

Tornado, Grady

When: May 31, 6:45 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 2.23 mi NNE of Tuttle
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 35.321, -97.799

Two storm chasers filmed a tornado to the northeast of Tuttle near the Canadian River. The tornado produced no known damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grady

When: May 31, 6:50 PM CST
Where: Grady County, Tuttle
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.290, -97.810

Wind damage occurred in and near Tuttle. Damage was reported to barns, trees, and at least one home suffered roof damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cleveland

When: May 31, 6:50 PM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 0.69 mi WNW of Moore to 0.98 mi ESE of Moore
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.342, -97.502

An area of wind damage occurred through Moore. The most significant damage was roughly from an area near NW 5th Street and Dillon Street to east of Main Street and Eastern Avenue. Roof damage occurred to many homes and two strip malls. Damage occurred also to many trees, a few light stands, and a scoreboard at a junior high school football field. Damage amounts are estimated.

Tornado, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 6:53 PM CST to 6:55 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 2.97 mi ENE of (Okc)will Rogers Apt to 2.89 mi W of Valley Brook
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.13 mi
Path width: 300 yd
Injuries: 8 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $80,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.406, -97.551

A tornado touched down just west of SW 59th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in southwest Oklahoma City, and moved east to just southwest of SW 59th Street and Western Avenue. Roof and tree damage occurred with this tornado. Damage amounts are estimated.

Hail, Cleveland

When: May 31, 7:00 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, Moore
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.340, -97.490

Thunderstorm Wind, Cleveland

When: May 31, 7:00 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 3.65 mi WNW of Moore
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.360, -97.550

Extensive tree damage occurred with several trees snapped. One large tree was also snapped at the base. Damages estimated.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 7:00 PM CST to 10:00 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 0.4 mi W of Oklahoma City to 0.68 mi ENE of Oklahoma City
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.471, -97.517

Reports of tunnels flooding in downtown Oklahoma City. Minor damage was reported with no injuries. Damages estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 7:01 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 0.69 mi N of (Tik)tinker Afb
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 35.420, -97.390

No damage was reported.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 7:06 PM CST to 10:06 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 2.36 mi N of (Okc)will Rogers Apt to 2.4 mi SSE of Bethany
Cause: Heavy Rain
Deaths: 5 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 35.424, -97.607

Several vehicles were partially submerged in floodwaters. Five individuals seeking shelter in a drainage ditch were swept away and killed. Damage estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 7:14 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 0.69 mi N of (Tik)tinker Afb
Measured: 76 kt (87 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 35.420, -97.390

No damage was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cleveland

When: May 31, 7:24 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 2.99 mi SSE of Norman
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.180, -97.420

The wind gust was measured at the NWS forecat office in Norman. Light tree damage was noted. But no significant damage occurred.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 7:31 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, (Pwa)wiley Post Apt
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 35.530, -97.650

No damage was reported.

Hail, Grady

When: May 31, 7:36 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 3.85 mi SSE of Bridge Creek
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.180, -97.690

The hail was reported at mile marker 102 along the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. No damage was reported.

Hail, Grady

When: May 31, 7:45 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 3.57 mi SE of Bridge Creek
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.190, -97.680

No damage was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, McClain

When: May 31, 7:55 PM CST
Where: McClain County, Newcastle
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 35.250, -97.600

No damage was reported.

Hail, McClain

When: May 31, 7:55 PM CST
Where: McClain County, Newcastle
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 35.250, -97.600

Nickel to half dollar size hail was reported. No damage was reported.

Flash Flood, Cleveland

When: May 31, 7:55 PM CST to 11:55 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 4.96 mi N of Moore to 5.69 mi NNE of Moore
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.411, -97.474

Numerous vehicles submerged in water along Reno Ave. Damage estimated.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 8:00 PM CST to 10:00 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 1.88 mi SSE of Warr Acres to 1.96 mi SSE of Warr Acres
Cause: Heavy Rain
Deaths: 7 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.495, -97.607

Several individuals were swept under a roadway and killed while seeking shelter in a storm drain. No damage was reported.

Hail, Pottawatomie

When: May 31, 8:03 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 0.56 mi W of Shawnee
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.330, -96.930

Thunderstorm Wind, Pottawatomie

When: May 31, 8:10 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 3.63 mi NNW of Shawnee
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.380, -96.940

No damage was reported.

Hail, Cleveland

When: May 31, 8:15 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 2.68 mi NE of Noble
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 35.170, -97.360

No damage was reported.

Hail, Cleveland

When: May 31, 8:17 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 2.76 mi N of Noble
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.180, -97.390

Hail, Cleveland

When: May 31, 8:20 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 3.5 mi N of Slaughterville
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.140, -97.320

No damage was reported.

Hail, Cleveland

When: May 31, 8:23 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 5.79 mi ENE of Slaughterville
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 35.130, -97.240

The hail fell a half mile north and west of the intersection of southeast 108th St. and Maguire road. No damage was reported.

Hail, Grady

When: May 31, 8:32 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 2.68 mi NE of Tuttle
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.320, -97.780

Flash Flood, McClain

When: May 31, 8:35 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
Where: McClain County, 1.26 mi NW of Newcastle to 1.3 mi WSW of Newcastle
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.261, -97.618

Numerous roads closed in and around Newcastle. No damage was reported.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 8:50 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 0.75 mi SW of Del City to 1.39 mi SSE of Del City
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $40,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.442, -97.449

Street flooding and vehicles stranded at southeast 29th St. and Sunnylane Rd. Damage estimated.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 8:53 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 1.83 mi NE of (Pwa)wiley Post Apt to 2 mi NE of (Pwa)wiley Post Apt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.549, -97.627

Flooding reported along 7300 block of Shoreline Dr. No damage was reported.

Hail, Pottawatomie

When: May 31, 8:55 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 0.57 mi E of Asher
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.990, -96.910

The hail was reported along highway 39. No damage was reported.

Hail, Pottawatomie

When: May 31, 9:05 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 4.58 mi E of St Louis
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.060, -96.780

No damage was reported.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 9:34 PM CST to 10:34 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 3.33 mi WSW of Valley Brook to 3.5 mi WSW of Valley Brook
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.381, -97.534

Media reports of high water rescue at southwest 86th and Western. No damage or injuries reported.

Hail, Canadian

When: May 31, 9:42 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, 3.84 mi SSE of Piedmont
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.590, -97.720

Hail, Canadian

When: May 31, 9:45 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, 2.89 mi ESE of Richland
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.570, -97.750

No damage was reported.

Hail, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 9:55 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 2.15 mi SSW of Choctaw
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.460, -97.280

The hail was reported at East Reno and South Henney roads. No damage was reported.

Hail, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 10:27 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 1.38 mi S of Choctaw
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.470, -97.270

At Ne 10th and N Henney Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 10:30 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 0.69 mi S of Choctaw
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.480, -97.270

No damage was reported.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 31, 11:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 5.74 mi N of Harrah to 5.72 mi N of Harrah
Cause: Heavy Rain
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.572, -97.177

Water over a bridge on Dobbs Rd. north of NE 93rd St. One fatality occurred when a car was swept off the road in the floodwaters. No other injuries were reported. Damage estimated.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Tornado, Canadian	2013-05-31	67	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Direct
Tornado, Canadian	2013-05-31	35	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Direct
Tornado, Canadian	2013-05-31	26	Female	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Direct
Tornado, Canadian	2013-05-31	0	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Direct
Tornado, Canadian	2013-05-31	32	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Direct
Tornado, Canadian	2013-05-31	55	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Direct
Tornado, Canadian	2013-05-31	24	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Direct
Tornado, Canadian	2013-05-31	45	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Direct
Flash Flood, Oklahoma	2013-05-31	21	Male	Other	Direct
Flash Flood, Oklahoma	2013-05-31	3	Male	Other	Direct
Flash Flood, Oklahoma	2013-05-31	0	Female	Other	Direct
Flash Flood, Oklahoma	2013-05-31	3	Female	Other	Direct
Flash Flood, Oklahoma	2013-05-31	4	Female	Other	Direct
Flash Flood, Oklahoma	2013-05-31	34	Female	Other	Direct
Flash Flood, Oklahoma	2013-05-31	34	Female	Other	Direct
Flash Flood, Oklahoma	2013-05-31	7	Female	Other	Direct
Flash Flood, Oklahoma	2013-05-31	4	Male	Other	Direct
Flash Flood, Oklahoma	2013-05-31	8	Male	Other	Direct
Flash Flood, Oklahoma	2013-05-31	33	Male	Other	Direct
Flash Flood, Oklahoma	2013-05-31	4	Male	Other	Direct
Flash Flood, Oklahoma	2013-06-01	65	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Direct

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
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.
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.
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 2013 Every state in 2013 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Oklahoma, 2013 Warnings in Oklahoma, May 2013

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: 453607, 453608, 453641, 453609, 453610, 453689, 453619, 453611, 453690, 453612, 453682, 543879, 453613, 488183, 488184, 453614, 453691, 453615, 453616, 453617, 453618, 453647, 453648, 453620, 454115, 465027, 453638, 453810, 465050, 465051, 453622, 453621, 465052, 453623, 453644, 465054, 453816, 453624, 453826, 465047, and more.