Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Oklahoma, May 23 to 24, 2015

Name: Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Oklahoma, May 23 to 24, 2015
Start: 2015-05-23T10:42
End: 2015-05-24T02:04
Location: Oklahoma

May 23 to 24, 2015 · NWS OUN · 81 events in 23 counties and zones

Storms developed in the panhandles on the 23rd under the influence of an upper level trough. These storms merged into a line and moved eastward over Oklahoma producing widespread flooding.

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: 0
Property damage: $4.2 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 81

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.

Storms developed in the panhandles on the 23rd under the influence of an upper level trough. These storms merged into a line and moved eastward over Oklahoma producing widespread flooding.

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 23, 5:35 AM CST, 5 hours 7 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 23, 5:35 AM CST, 5 hours 7 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
635 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015

.UPDATE...
ISSUED A DENSE FOG ADVISORY UNTIL 10 AM THIS MORNING FOR
PARTS OF WESTERN OKLAHOMA AND FAR WESTERN NORTH TEXAS.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
SEVERAL SITES IN THE LOCATIONS MENTIONED ABOVE HAVE FALLEN
TO 1/4 MILE OR LESS...SO ISSUED A DENSE FOG ADVISORY. FOG IS
EXPECTED TO DISSIPATE BY 10 AM.

CURRENT COMPLEX OF STORMS OVER THE PANHANDLES WILL MOVE INTO
NORTHWEST OKLAHOMA IN THE NEXT 1 TO 2 HOURS AND BRING VERY HEAVY
RAINFALL TO THESE LOCATIONS. SEVERE POTENTIAL WITH THIS ACTIVITY
IS LOW THIS MORNING AS THE LOW LEVELS APPEAR TO BE TOO COOL AND
STABLE FOR DAMAGING WINDS TO REACH THE GROUND AND AS MARGINAL
LAPSE RATES SHOULD LIMIT SEVERE HAIL PRODUCTION.

AVIATION DISCUSSION FOR THE 12Z TAFS IS BELOW.

MBS

&&

.AVIATION...
HAVE LOW CONFIDENCE IN THE TAFS.

IFR OR LOWER CONDITIONS WILL IMPROVE AT ALL SITES 15-18Z
TO MAINLY MVFR CONDITIONS. A FEW LOCATIONS IN WESTERN OKLAHOMA
AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS MAY BE LIFR AND PERHAPS BELOW AIRPORT
MINIMUMS DUE TO FG THROUGH 15Z.

A COMPLEX OF TSRA WILL AFFECT KWWR AND KGAG 13-18Z. ADDITIONAL
TSRA WILL FORM AND AFFECT NEARLY ANY SITE AFTER 16Z...BUT
DETERMINING WHERE AND WHEN TSRA OCCURS REMAINS VERY CHALLENGING.
VARIABLE GUSTY WINDS AND IFR OR LOWER CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITH
ANY TSRA.

WIDESPREAD IFR OR LOWER CONDITIONS MAY FORM AGAIN AFTER
01Z...ESPECIALLY OVER WESTERN OKLAHOMA.

MBS

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 416 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015/

..DANGEROUS FLOODING EXPECTED IN SOME LOCATIONS TODAY THROUGH
MEMORIAL DAY...

DISCUSSION...
FLOODING AND SEVERE STORM POTENTIAL THROUGH MEMORIAL DAY REMAIN
THE MAIN CONCERNS.

CURRENT FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS IN GOOD SHAPE AND WAS NOT ALTERED
AT THIS TIME. THE COMBINATION OF A VERY MOIST AIRMASS WITH NEAR
RECORD PRECIPITABLE WATER VALUES OF 1.7 TO 2 INCHES...SLOW MOVING
SYSTEM...AND A STRONG LOW LEVEL JET TO TRANSPORT MOISTURE INTO THE
AREA WILL ALLOW FOR HEAVY RAINFALL AND FLOODING THIS HOLIDAY
WEEKEND. RAINFALL RATES IN EXCESS OF 2 INCHES PER HOUR WILL OCCUR.
KEPT TOTAL RAINFALL 2 TO 5 INCHES. MOST MODELS SUGGEST THE
HEAVIEST RAINFALL WILL OCCUR TONIGHT FROM WICHITA FALLS TO
OKLAHOMA CITY TO STILLWATER.

ADDED AREAS OF FOG AND DRIZZLE ACROSS MUCH OF THE AREA THIS
MORNING. A FEW LOCATIONS IN WESTERN OKLAHOMA MAY AND WESTERN NORTH
TEXAS MAY EXPERIENCE DENSE FOG WITH VISIBILITIES LESS THAN 1/4
MILE...BUT FOR NOW...WILL HOLD OFF WITH A DENSE FOG ADVISORY...
THINKING SURFACE WINDS MAY KEEP THE AIR MIXED NEAR THE GROUND JUST
ENOUGH TO KEEP VISIBILITIES ABOVE 1/4 MILE.

THIS MORNING...SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WITH HEAVY RAINFALL WILL
FORM AND MOVE INTO NORTHWEST OKLAHOMA BETWEEN 6 AND 9 AM. THINK
THIS ACTIVITY WILL STAY ELEVATED AND GENERALLY JUST BELOW SEVERE
LIMITS...THOUGH LOCALIZED FLASH FLOODING MAY OCCUR. MOST STORMS
SHOULD STAY NORTHWEST OF A HOLLIS TO CLINTON TO ENID LINE.
ADDITIONAL ISOLATED TO SCATTERED DEVELOPMENT MAY OCCUR ACROSS THE
REST OF THE AREA...THOUGH CAPPING MAY BE JUST STRONG ENOUGH TO
KEEP CONVECTION FROM FORMING.

THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...STILL LOOKS LIKE A MESSY
PATTERN...BUT BANDS AND LINES OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WITH
HEAVY RAINFALL WILL FORM ACROSS THE AREA. KEPT VERY HIGH RAIN
CHANCES ACROSS THE AREA.

IN REGARDS TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM POTENTIAL THIS AFTERNOON AND
EVENING...SOME SEVERE STORMS ARE POSSIBLE WITH MARGINALLY SEVERE
HAIL...DAMAGING WIND...AND A FEW BRIEF TORNADOES. A SURFACE WARM
FRONT WILL SURGE NORTH TODAY AND ALLOW SURFACE DEWPOINTS TO RISE
INTO THE UPPER 60S TO LOWER 70S SOUTH OF THE FRONT. CLOUD COVER
AND RAIN MAY LIMIT INSTABILITY. MID LEVEL LAPSE RATES WILL REMAIN
RATHER WEAK. 0-6 KM SHEAR VALUES OF 30-45 KT SUPPORT MULTICELLS
AND SUPERCELLS. THE LOW LEVEL JET WILL BE INCREASING AND THERE
APPEARS TO BE ENOUGH LOW LEVEL SHEAR...0-1 KM 20 TO 35 KT...TO
SUPPORT A FEW BRIEF TORNADOES. SEVERE POTENTIAL IS EXPECTED TO
DECREASE WITH THE LOSS OF DAYTIME HEATING. SIGNFICANT SEVERE
STORMS SEEM UNLIKELY DUE TO THE LACK OF INSTABILITY. FLOODING
REMAINS THE MAIN CONCERN.

TONIGHT...A BAND OF VERY HEAVY RAINFALL MAY FORM AND SLOWLY PUSH
EAST THROUGH THE NIGHT. LATEST MODELS WERE IN DECENT AGREEMENT
DEPICTING THE HIGHEST QPF/RAINFALL AMOUNTS NEAR A WICHITA FALLS TO
OKLAHOMA CITY TO STILLWATER LINE. SEVERAL INCHES OF RAINFALL MAY
MATERIALIZE CAUSING LIFE THREATENING FLOODING. KEPT VERY HIGH RAIN
CHANCES IN THE FORECAST.

SUNDAY...THINK THE BAND OF HEAVY RAINFALL WILL SLOWLY PUSH EAST
AND MAINLY BE SOUTHEAST OF I-44 WHERE A FEW INCHES OF FLOODING
RAINFALL WILL LIKELY OCCUR. BELIEVE THE AIR WILL BE COOL AND
RATHER STABLE TO LIMIT SEVERE POTENTIAL...THOUGH CONFIDENCE IS
LOW. THERE MAY BE A MID/UPPER DRY SLOT TO ALLOW FOR CLEARING
AND  DESTABILIZATION IN WESTERN OKLAHOMA AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS
DURING THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING HOURS. WENT WELL BELOW GUIDANCE
HIGHS IN MOST LOCATIONS.

SUNDAY NIGHT...HEAVY RAINFALL WILL GENERALLY PUSH EAST OF THE
AREA. THERE IS A SIGNAL THAT FOG AND DRIZZLE MAY FORM...BUT DID
NOT MENTION DUE TO LOW CONFIDENCE.

MEMORIAL DAY...NOT SURE WHAT WILL OCCUR ON THIS DAY BUT WILL
CLOSELY MONITOR. LATEST MODELS HINTED THAT VERY MOIST...
WARM...AND UNSTABLE...POSSIBLY VERY UNSTABLE...AIR WILL CONTINUE
ACROSS THE AREA. THE AREA MAY BE IN THE ENTRANCE REGION OF AN
UPPER LEVEL JET TO PROMOTE UPWARDS MOTION. ADDITIONAL HEAVY
RAINFALL AND SEVERE WEATHER MAY OCCUR. DO NOT EXPECT A WASHOUT BY
ANY MEANS WITH MANY MORE DRY HOURS THAN WET ONES. TEMPERATURES
SHOULD BE WARMER COMPARED TO TODAY AND SUNDAY.

MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY...WARM MOIST UNSTABLE CONDITIONS WILL
CONTINUE TO BRING CHANCES OF SHOWERS AND STORMS EACH DAY. MID AND
UPPER WINDS ARE FORECAST TO WEAKEN WHICH MAY ALLOW FOR LESS STORM
COVERAGE. HOWEVER...ADDITIONAL LOCALIZED FLOODING...HEAVY
RAINFALL...AND STRONG TO PERHAPS SEVERE STORMS FROM ISOLATED TO
SCATTERED SLOW MOVING STORMS MAY OCCUR. TEMPERATURES ARE FORECAST
TO BE WARMER COMPARED TO PREVIOUS DAYS...CLOSER TO AVERAGE FOR
LATE MAY.

MBS

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
OKLAHOMA CITY OK  74  63  73  62 / 100 100  80  20
HOBART OK         73  61  75  58 / 100  60  50  20
WICHITA FALLS TX  77  63  77  62 / 100  90  70  20
GAGE OK           70  58  76  56 / 100  30  30  20
PONCA CITY OK     72  63  74  61 / 100  90  80  30
DURANT OK         78  66  73  65 /  60  90 100  60

&&

.OUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
OK...FLASH FLOOD WATCH THROUGH MONDAY MORNING FOR OKZ004>048-050>052.

     DENSE FOG ADVISORY UNTIL 10 AM CDT THIS MORNING FOR OKZ014>017-
     021>023-033>037.

TX...FLASH FLOOD WATCH THROUGH MONDAY MORNING FOR TXZ083>090.

     DENSE FOG ADVISORY UNTIL 10 AM CDT THIS MORNING FOR TXZ083>085.

&&

23/17/17

Hazardous weather outlook, May 23, 6:53 AM CST, 3 hours 49 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
753 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015

OKZ004>048-050>052-TXZ083>090-241000-
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-
753 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHERN...
WESTERN...CENTRAL...AND SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA...AND WESTERN NORTH
TEXAS.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT...

.FLOODING...
HEAVY RAIN IS EXPECTED ACROSS MUCH OF OKLAHOMA AND NORTH TEXAS
TODAY AND TONIGHT. FLOODING IS LIKELY WHEREVER HEAVY RAIN
OCCURS...AND AREA RIVERS AND STREAMS ARE LIKELY TO SEE RISES AND
ADDITIONAL FLOODING. LIFE THREATENING FLASH FLOODING IS POSSIBLE.

.THUNDERSTORMS...
ALTHOUGH FLOODING IS THE MAIN CONCERN TODAY AND TONIGHT...THERE IS
A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS...MAINLY THIS AFTERNOON AND
EVENING. THE SLIGHT RISK IS GENERALLY WEST OF A LINE FROM PONCA
CITY TO HOLDENVILLE TO LAKE TEXOMA...AND SOUTH OF ARNETT TO
FAIRVIEW TO PONCA CITY. A MARGINAL RISK COVERS MOST OF THE REST
OF OKLAHOMA. HAIL UP TO HALF DOLLAR SIZE AND WIND GUSTS UP TO 70
MPH ARE LIKELY WITH THE STRONGEST STORMS. TORNADO RISK IS
LOW...BUT NOT ZERO.

.SPOTTER AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STATEMENT...

STORM SPOTTER GROUPS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL ACROSS
CENTRAL AND WESTERN OKLAHOMA...AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS...SHOULD
PREPARE FOR SEVERE WEATHER OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY...

.FLOODING...
HEAVY RAIN IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE INTO SUNDAY...AND POSSIBLY
MONDAY. CONTINUED FLOODING IS LIKELY.

.THUNDERSTORMS...
THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ON SUNDAY AND
MONDAY. THUNDERSTORMS REMAIN IN THE FORECAST THROUGH AT LEAST
FRIDAY. SEVERE STORMS ARE UNLIKELY AFTER MONDAY.

GET GRAPHICS AND MORE DETAILS AT WEATHER.GOV/NORMAN...AND FOLLOW
OUR WEATHER FORECAST OFFICE ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK.

CMS

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 23, 6:54 AM CST, 3 hours 48 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
754 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015

OKZ009-014-021-231330-
ROGER MILLS OK-BECKHAM OK-ELLIS OK-
754 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN ROGER MILLS...
NORTHWESTERN BECKHAM AND SOUTHWESTERN ELLIS COUNTIES UNTIL 830 AM
CDT...

AT 751 AM CDT...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED NEAR ALLISON...
MOVING NORTHEAST AT 45 MPH.

HAZARDS INCLUDE...
HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF NICKELS...
WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH...
MINOR FLOODING IN AREAS OF POOR DRAINAGE...

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
REYDON...DURHAM AND CRAWFORD.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

SEVERE WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED AND NO WARNINGS ARE ANTICIPATED AT
THIS TIME.

&&

LAT...LON 3600 10000 3597 9989 3585 9972 3542 10000
TIME...MOT...LOC 1251Z 208DEG 40KT 3557 10014

MAHALE

Special weather statement, May 23, 7:42 AM CST, 3 hours before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
842 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015

OKZ009-014-231415-
ROGER MILLS OK-ELLIS OK-
842 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN ROGER MILLS AND
SOUTHWESTERN ELLIS COUNTIES UNTIL 915 AM CDT...

AT 840 AM CDT...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED 9 MILES SOUTHWEST
OF DURHAM...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 40 MPH.

HAZARDS INCLUDE...
HAIL UP TO ONE-HALF INCH DIAMETER...
WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH...
MINOR FLOODING IN AREAS OF POOR DRAINAGE...

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
DURHAM AND CRAWFORD.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

SEVERE WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED AND NO WARNINGS ARE ANTICIPATED AT
THIS TIME.

&&

LAT...LON 3599 10000 3614 9985 3608 9969 3596 9961
      3563 10000
TIME...MOT...LOC 1340Z 223DEG 36KT 3577 10007

MAHALE

Special weather statement, May 23, 8:49 AM CST, 1 hour 53 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
949 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015

OKZ010-011-014>016-231515-
ROGER MILLS OK-CUSTER OK-MAJOR OK-DEWEY OK-WOODWARD OK-
949 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR EASTERN ROGER MILLS...
NORTHWESTERN CUSTER...SOUTHWESTERN MAJOR...WESTERN DEWEY AND
SOUTHEASTERN WOODWARD COUNTIES UNTIL 1015 AM CDT...

AT 944 AM CDT...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED 5 MILES EAST OF
LEEDEY...MOVING NORTH AT 40 MPH.

HAZARDS INCLUDE...
HAIL UP TO ONE-HALF INCH DIAMETER...
WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH...
MINOR FLOODING IN AREAS OF POOR DRAINAGE...

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
VICI...LEEDEY...CAMARGO...MUTUAL AND CESTOS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

SEVERE WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED AND NO WARNINGS ARE ANTICIPATED AT
THIS TIME.

&&

LAT...LON 3631 9925 3630 9906 3622 9893 3568 9917
      3591 9941
TIME...MOT...LOC 1444Z 198DEG 37KT 3589 9924

MAHALE

Special weather statement, May 23, 9:28 AM CST, 1 hour 14 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
1028 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015

OKZ014>016-021-231600-
ROGER MILLS OK-CUSTER OK-BECKHAM OK-DEWEY OK-
1028 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN ROGER MILLS...
NORTHWESTERN CUSTER...NORTHEASTERN BECKHAM AND SOUTHWESTERN DEWEY
COUNTIES UNTIL 1100 AM CDT...

AT 1025 AM CDT...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED NEAR SAYRE...
MOVING NORTH AT 50 MPH.

HAZARDS INCLUDE...
HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF NICKELS...
WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH...
MINOR FLOODING IN AREAS OF POOR DRAINAGE...

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
ELK CITY...SAYRE...HAMMON...STRONG CITY...ANGORA...MOOREWOOD AND
BERLIN.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

SEVERE WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED AND NO WARNINGS ARE ANTICIPATED AT
THIS TIME.

&&

LAT...LON 3584 9958 3585 9940 3576 9927 3523 9951
      3530 9976
TIME...MOT...LOC 1525Z 198DEG 45KT 3535 9961

MAHALE

Special weather statement, May 23, 10:10 AM CST, 32 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
1110 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015

OKZ005-010-011-231645-
MAJOR OK-WOODS OK-WOODWARD OK-
1110 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN MAJOR...SOUTHEASTERN
WOODS AND EAST CENTRAL WOODWARD COUNTIES UNTIL 1145 AM CDT...

AT 1108 AM CDT...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED 9 MILES SOUTHEAST
OF QUINLAN...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 30 MPH.

HAZARDS INCLUDE...
HAIL UP TO ONE-HALF INCH DIAMETER...
WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH...
MINOR FLOODING IN AREAS OF POOR DRAINAGE...

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
WAYNOKA...AVARD...HOPETON AND BOUSE JUNCTION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

SEVERE WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED AND NO WARNINGS ARE ANTICIPATED AT
THIS TIME.

&&

LAT...LON 3626 9882 3638 9907 3674 9888 3675 9871
      3663 9857
TIME...MOT...LOC 1608Z 203DEG 28KT 3638 9890

MAHALE

Special weather statement, May 23, 10:40 AM CST, 2 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
1140 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015

OKZ005-006-011-231715-
ALFALFA OK-MAJOR OK-WOODS OK-
1140 AM CDT SAT MAY 23 2015

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHWESTERN ALFALFA...CENTRAL
MAJOR AND SOUTHEASTERN WOODS COUNTIES UNTIL 1215 PM CDT...

AT 1137 AM CDT...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED 9 MILES WEST OF
ORIENTA...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 30 MPH.

HAZARDS INCLUDE...
HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF NICKELS...
WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH...
MINOR FLOODING IN AREAS OF POOR DRAINAGE...

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
CARMEN...ALINE...DACOMA AND LAMBERT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

LAT...LON 3671 9847 3662 9833 3627 9857 3634 9881
      3673 9863
TIME...MOT...LOC 1637Z 203DEG 27KT 3639 9864

MAHALE

The radar

The Altus AFB radar (KFDR), 127 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 16:40 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

68 flash flood, 11 tornado, 1 hail, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Flash Flood, Beckham

When: May 23, 10:42 AM CST to 1:42 PM CST
Where: Beckham County, 5.35 mi SW of New Liberty to 3.23 mi S of New Liberty
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.300, -99.780

Highway 152 submerged in water.

Flash Flood, Beckham

When: May 23, 11:40 AM CST to 2:40 PM CST
Where: Beckham County, 5.09 mi WNW of Elk City to 5.76 mi NE of Elk City
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $300,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.447, -99.498

Significant flash flooding in Elk City. Numerous roads closed and impassable. Several water rescues occurred with water flooding several homes.

Flash Flood, Beckham

When: May 23, 12:50 PM CST to 3:50 PM CST
Where: Beckham County, 2.04 mi WNW of Carter to 1.86 mi NNE of Carter
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.230, -99.534

High water rescues in and around Carter.

Flash Flood, Beckham

When: May 23, 1:12 PM CST to 4:12 PM CST
Where: Beckham County, 2.46 mi NW of Elk City to 2.52 mi NE of Elk City
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.433, -99.454

Widespread flooding with up to a foot of water over most low lying areas and roads.

Flash Flood, Beckham

When: May 23, 1:19 PM CST to 4:19 PM CST
Where: Beckham County, 3.09 mi WNW of Elk City to 3.44 mi NE of Elk City
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.427, -99.471

Numerous homes flooded with water rescues ongoing.

Flash Flood, Custer

When: May 23, 1:48 PM CST to 4:48 PM CST
Where: Custer County, 6.3 mi W of Butler to 1.76 mi WSW of Foss Res Dam
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.636, -99.302

Foss Lake Campground flooded.

Flash Flood, Custer

When: May 23, 2:22 PM CST to 5:22 PM CST
Where: Custer County, 6.27 mi SSW of Stafford to 5.31 mi SSE of Foss Res Dam
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.452, -99.147

Interstate 40 closed both east and westbound at mile marker 55 due to high water over the road.

Flash Flood, Washita

When: May 23, 3:20 PM CST to 6:20 PM CST
Where: Washita County, 1.13 mi W of Cordell to 1.2 mi W of Cordell
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.290, -99.010

State highway 152 shut down west of Cordell due to water over the road.

Flash Flood, Kay

When: May 23, 3:36 PM CST to 6:36 PM CST
Where: Kay County, 6.95 mi WNW of Nardin to 6.83 mi SSW of Braman
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 36.857, -97.561

South highway 11 west of Blackwell and US 60 west of interstate 35 closed due to high water.

Flash Flood, Garfield

When: May 23, 3:40 PM CST to 6:40 PM CST
Where: Garfield County, 3.16 mi SW of Waukomis to 4.94 mi ESE of Waukomis
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.253, -97.946

Major flooding with water rescues in progress. No damage reported.

Tornado, Grady

When: May 23, 4:12 PM CST to 4:32 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 3 mi W of Pocasset to 4 mi NNE of Pocasset
Rating: EF1
Path length: 6 mi
Path width: 500 yd
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.190, -98.003

A tornado was shown live from a KOCO TV helicopter near Pocasset. Emergency management reports four houses damaged by this tornado (DI 2, up to DOD 4).

Flash Flood, Garfield

When: May 23, 4:17 PM CST to 7:17 PM CST
Where: Garfield County, 2.39 mi E of Carrier to 2.71 mi NNW of Breckinridge
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.475, -97.978

Several water rescues in stalled vehicles.

Tornado, Murray

When: May 23, 4:59 PM CST to 5:07 PM CST
Where: Murray County, 1 mi N of Sulphur to 4 mi N of Sulphur
Rating: EF0
Path length: 3 mi
Path width: 40 yd
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.525, -96.970

Emergency management spotters observed a tornado that moved north from approximately 1 mile north to 4 miles north of Sulphur. A workshop was damaged, but otherwise no significant damage is known to have occurred.

Hail, Canadian

When: May 23, 5:03 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, Yukon
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 35.500, -97.740

Tornado, Pontotoc

When: May 23, 5:05 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, 2.5 mi ESE of Ada
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.756, -96.639

A tornado was reported SE of Ada with no damage reported. The specific location is estimated.

Tornado, Murray

When: May 23, 5:10 PM CST to 5:11 PM CST
Where: Murray County, 1.5 mi SSW of Joy
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.5 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.570, -97.150

Emergency management spotters and a storm chaser observed a tornado estimated to be about 1 miles west of US-177 and 4 to 5 miles north of State Highway 7. No damage was reported.

Tornado, McClain

When: May 23, 5:11 PM CST to 5:17 PM CST
Where: McClain County, 2.52 mi ESE of Blanchard to 2.83 mi ENE of Blanchard
Rating: EF1
Path length: 2 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.132, -97.617

A tornado moved north just east of MacArthur Avenue from Southeast 7th Street to near US-62 east of Blanchard. Ten homes were damaged.

Tornado, Garvin

When: May 23, 5:16 PM CST
Where: Garvin County, 8.99 mi S of Stratford
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 34.670, -96.971

The storm that produced the tornadoes north of Sulphur produced one more tornado in Garvin County just west of US-177 and about 2 to 3 miles north of the county line. No damage was reported.

Tornado, Pontotoc

When: May 23, 5:25 PM CST to 5:26 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, 2 mi NE of Francis to 2.99 mi NE of Francis
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Continued into: Seminole, Ok (OUN)
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.891, -96.565

A tornado was observed approximately 2 miles northeast of Francis. The tornado moved northeast for about 1 mile before crossing the Canadian River into Seminole County.

Tornado, Seminole

When: May 23, 5:26 PM CST to 5:33 PM CST
Where: Seminole County, 3.57 mi SSW of Sasakwa to 1 mi S of Sasakwa
Rating: EF1
Path length: 2.75 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.903, -96.556

The tornado moved into Seminole County from Pontotoc County and continued moving northeast toward Sasakwa. Significant tree damage occurred along the path.

Tornado, McClain

When: May 23, 5:30 PM CST to 5:32 PM CST
Where: McClain County, 1 mi WSW of Newcastle
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.5 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 35.245, -97.616

A storm chaser observed a tornado estimated to be 1 mile west-southwest of Newcastle. No damage was reported.

Flash Flood, Payne

When: May 23, 5:42 PM CST to 8:42 PM CST
Where: Payne County, 2.89 mi NW of (Swo)stillwater Airport to 5.1 mi NE of (Swo)stillwater Airport
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 36.190, -97.126

Floodwaters up over curbs and nearly a foot deep on some roads and yards.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 23, 5:49 PM CST to 8:49 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 3.45 mi N of The Village to 3.5 mi N of The Village
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.620, -97.550

Nearly a foot of fast moving water over Pennsylvania Avenue and 150th Street.

Flash Flood, Noble

When: May 23, 5:57 PM CST to 8:57 PM CST
Where: Noble County, 6.87 mi NNW of Ceres to 4.45 mi WNW of Marland
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.576, -97.313

Highway 15 west of I-35 closed due to high water.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 23, 6:01 PM CST to 9:01 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 0.94 mi SSW of Del City to 1.26 mi SSE of Del City
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.438, -97.447

Southeast 29th and 28th Streets and Sunnylane Road impassable due to flood waters.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 23, 6:02 PM CST to 9:02 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 1.9 mi SSW of Nichols Hills to 1.56 mi S of Nichols Hills
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.523, -97.548

Runoff from heavy rainfall flowing from parking lot into Penn Square Mall entrances.

Tornado, Garvin

When: May 23, 6:05 PM CST
Where: Garvin County, 3.08 mi ESE of Maysville
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.5 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 34.801, -97.361

An off-duty NWS employee observed a tornado crossing state highway 19 to the east-southeast of Maysville. A barn was destroyed (DI 1, DOD 6).

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 23, 6:07 PM CST to 9:07 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 3.33 mi NW of Oklahoma City to 3.06 mi NW of Oklahoma City
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.499, -97.557

One to two feet of water over Northwest 23rd Street near Sheppherd Mall.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 23, 6:07 PM CST to 9:07 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 2.64 mi ESE of Warr Acres to 2.58 mi SE of Warr Acres
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.500, -97.580

Over a foot of water at Northwest 31st Street and Portland Avenue. Water is also flooding Will Rogers park.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 23, 6:10 PM CST to 9:10 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 0.64 mi WNW of Oklahoma City to 0.53 mi W of Oklahoma City
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.474, -97.520

Up to a foot of water over road at Northwest 3rd Street and Walker Avenue in downtown Oklahoma City.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 23, 6:10 PM CST to 9:10 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 1.17 mi SSW of Nichols Hills
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.534, -97.548

Water spilling out of Belle Isle Canal, covering numerous streets between Penssylvania Avenue and Classen Boulevard.

Tornado, Hughes

When: May 23, 6:13 PM CST
Where: Hughes County, 2 mi N of Holdenville
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.109, -96.400

A tornado was observed approximately 2 miles north of Holdenville. No damage was reported.

Flash Flood, Jackson

When: May 23, 6:24 PM CST to 9:24 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 2.1 mi NW of Blair to 1.7 mi NNE of Blair
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.797, -99.360

Several roads flooded in and around Blair.

Flash Flood, Canadian

When: May 23, 6:27 PM CST to 9:27 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, 2.79 mi SSE of Yukon to 4.11 mi N of Mustang
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Unknown
Coordinates: 35.462, -97.723

Several inches of water over the road at 15th Street and Kilpatrick Turnpike.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 23, 6:30 PM CST to 9:30 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 1.82 mi WSW of Nichols Hills to 2.01 mi WSW of Nichols Hills
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.540, -97.570

Damage to gas station awning due to weight of water. Location at Northwest 63rd Street and May Avenue.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 23, 6:34 PM CST to 9:34 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 1.58 mi SW of Edmond to 1.29 mi SW of Edmond
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.635, -97.501

Water over the road at Kelly Ave and West 33rd St.

Flood, Caddo

When: May 23, 6:34 PM CST to 9:34 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 2.76 mi SW of Anadarko to 1.01 mi S of Anadarko
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $300,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.057, -98.280

Several roads and houses flooded due to rising river waters.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 23, 6:44 PM CST to 9:44 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 6.26 mi NNW of The Village to 6.46 mi W of Edmond
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.653, -97.596

Hight water on Highway 74 and Portland Ave and at Northwest 150th Street.

Flash Flood, McClain

When: May 23, 6:45 PM CST to 9:45 PM CST
Where: McClain County, 3.49 mi WNW of Blanchard to 4.19 mi NE of Blanchard
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.161, -97.716

Low water crossings and drainage ditches flooded.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 23, 6:50 PM CST to 9:50 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 4.53 mi W of Luther to 4.63 mi W of Luther
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.659, -97.271

Choctaw Rd south of Highway 66 impassable due to high water.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 23, 6:50 PM CST to 9:50 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 4.53 mi W of Luther to 4.63 mi W of Luther
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.659, -97.271

Choctaw Rd south of Highway 66 impassable due to high water.

Flash Flood, Grady

When: May 23, 6:58 PM CST to 9:58 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 3.23 mi W of Pocasset to 2.26 mi W of Verden
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.198, -98.006

Up to two feet of water covering roads between Pocasset and Verden.

Flash Flood, Cleveland

When: May 23, 6:59 PM CST to 9:59 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 1.27 mi SSW of Norman to 1.31 mi SSW of Norman
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.203, -97.447

Up to two feet of water over the intersection of Lindsey and Elm Streets. Relayed by KWTV on Twitter.

Flash Flood, Grady

When: May 23, 7:08 PM CST to 10:08 PM CST
Where: Grady County, Minco to 0.47 mi E of Minco
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.310, -97.940

Shoulder of road washed away at Southwest Sager Rd between Highways 81 and 37. Other secondary roads also flooded.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 23, 7:09 PM CST to 10:09 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 1.87 mi NNE of Luther to 2.14 mi NNE of Luther
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.685, -97.176

Northeast 206th Street flooded east of Peebly Road.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 23, 7:30 PM CST to 10:30 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 8.1 mi NW of (Pwa)wiley Post Apt to 7.44 mi WSW of Luther
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $400,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.622, -97.740

Several homes flooded with numerous high water and water assistance calls.

Flash Flood, McClain

When: May 23, 7:32 PM CST to 10:32 PM CST
Where: McClain County, 3.86 mi NW of Newcastle to 2.88 mi NNW of Newcastle
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.293, -97.643

Rockwell Ave between NW 24th and Highway 37 closed due to flooding.

Flash Flood, Pottawatomie

When: May 23, 7:38 PM CST to 10:38 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 2.93 mi ESE of Dale to 3.35 mi SW of Johnson
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 35.367, -97.007

Several stalled vehicles in flooded streets in and around Shawnee.

Flash Flood, Grady

When: May 23, 7:50 PM CST to 10:50 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 2.84 mi NNW of Agawam to 1.24 mi N of Agawam
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.908, -97.968

Flooding along Highway 81.

Flash Flood, Grady

When: May 23, 7:56 PM CST to 10:56 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 3.54 mi WSW of Ninnekah to 0.81 mi WSW of Agawam
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.936, -97.980

Flooding on Highway 81 south of Chickasha. Vehicles stalled and stranded in water.

Flash Flood, McClain

When: May 23, 8:00 PM CST to 11:00 PM CST
Where: McClain County, 4.74 mi WNW of Blanchard to 4.63 mi ENE of Blanchard
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.167, -97.737

Several roads in and around Blanchard proper closed due to high water.

Flash Flood, Comanche

When: May 23, 8:00 PM CST to 11:00 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 0.77 mi NW of Fletcher to 1.29 mi NNE of Fletcher
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 34.829, -98.249

Water rescue at Highway 277 and NE 120th.

Flash Flood, Cleveland

When: May 23, 8:01 PM CST to 11:01 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 2.13 mi NNW of Noble to 3.61 mi SE of Norman
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.169, -97.403

High water rescues at Cedar Lane Rd and 60th Ave SE and at Cedar Lane and 24th AVe SE.

Flash Flood, Comanche

When: May 23, 8:21 PM CST to 11:21 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 1.84 mi WSW of Lawton to 3.95 mi E of Lawton
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.600, -98.420

Water over some lanes of I-44 north of Lawton.

Flash Flood, Pottawatomie

When: May 23, 8:22 PM CST to 11:22 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 1.96 mi WNW of Shawnee to 2.24 mi ENE of Shawnee
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.343, -96.951

Two feet of water over the road with water rescues ongoing.

Flash Flood, Cleveland

When: May 23, 8:24 PM CST to 11:24 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, Noble to 0.75 mi ENE of Noble
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.140, -97.390

Several cars stalled at the intersection of 8th and Etowah Road.

Flash Flood, Comanche

When: May 23, 8:30 PM CST to 11:30 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, Indiahoma to 0.06 mi ENE of Indiahoma
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $120,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 34.620, -98.750

Water rescue at residence.

Flash Flood, Comanche

When: May 23, 8:31 PM CST to 11:31 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 2.19 mi W of Meers to 1.98 mi WNW of Meers
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $200,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 34.781, -98.618

Water rescue near 875 NW Apache Drive. Two to three feet of water inside residence.

Flash Flood, Cleveland

When: May 23, 8:32 PM CST to 11:32 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 4.28 mi W of (Oun)norman Westheimer Arpt to 4.97 mi ENE of Norman
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $60,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.260, -97.545

Several cars submerged in flood waters.

Flash Flood, Pottawatomie

When: May 23, 8:33 PM CST to 11:33 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 4.09 mi WNW of Shawnee to 2.6 mi SW of Johnson
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $60,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.361, -96.982

Numerous high water rescues with several vehicles underwater.

Flash Flood, McClain

When: May 23, 8:34 PM CST to 11:34 PM CST
Where: McClain County, 6.38 mi WNW of Newcastle to 3.66 mi NE of Newcastle
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.301, -97.695

Several area roads are either impassable or almost impassable due to rising water.

Flash Flood, Pottawatomie

When: May 23, 8:46 PM CST to 11:46 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, Brooksville to 1.43 mi E of Brooksville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $200,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.200, -96.970

Flood waters have risen into several area homes.

Flash Flood, Comanche

When: May 23, 8:48 PM CST to 11:48 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 2.94 mi NW of Cache to 3.39 mi NE of Cache
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $300,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.655, -98.672

Homes flooding with vehicles floating away from residences.

Flash Flood, Pottawatomie

When: May 23, 8:54 PM CST to 11:54 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 2.8 mi NW of Tecumseh to 3.51 mi NW of Brooksville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.289, -96.974

Multiple cars being swept away with high water rescues ongoing.

Flash Flood, Cleveland

When: May 23, 8:59 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 2.85 mi S of Stanley Draper Lake Dam to 3.09 mi E of Stella
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $400,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.289, -97.358

Multiple water rescues ongoing from east Norman out toward Lake Thunderbird. Little Axe first responders using boats to rescue residents from homes.

Flash Flood, McClain

When: May 23, 9:00 PM CST to May 24, 12:00 AM CST
Where: McClain County, 4.34 mi S of Wayne to 4.63 mi S of Wayne
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.858, -97.306

Three feet of water over Highway 77 and 110th St.

Flash Flood, Pottawatomie

When: May 23, 9:02 PM CST to May 24, 12:02 AM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 1.38 mi N of Shawnee to 2.62 mi NE of Shawnee
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.350, -96.920

Three feet of water over MacArthur St.

Flash Flood, Kiowa

When: May 23, 9:11 PM CST to May 24, 12:11 AM CST
Where: Kiowa County, 3.52 mi ENE of Cold Springs to 2.69 mi NE of Mountain Park
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.825, -98.946

Highway 183 closed because of high water.

Flash Flood, Noble

When: May 23, 9:15 PM CST to May 24, 12:15 AM CST
Where: Noble County, 5 mi E of Billings to 5.07 mi E of Billings
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.530, -97.350

Highway 15 west of I-35 closed due to high water.

Flash Flood, Cleveland

When: May 23, 9:21 PM CST to May 24, 12:21 AM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 4.98 mi SE of Stanley Draper Lake Dam to 4.93 mi ENE of (Oun)norman Westheimer Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.278, -97.289

Most north south roads including 36th, 48th, 72nd, and 84th flooded.

Flash Flood, Cleveland

When: May 23, 9:23 PM CST to May 24, 12:23 AM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 5.06 mi ESE of Stella to 4.03 mi N of Lake Thunderbird Dam
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.279, -97.135

Harrah Rd washed out between Indian Hills and Tecumseh. Three feet of water over Peebly Rd north of Indian Hills.

Flash Flood, Caddo

When: May 23, 9:37 PM CST to May 24, 12:37 AM CST
Where: Caddo County, Apache to 1.85 mi S of Apache
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.890, -98.360

Water rescue on Highway 62 south of Apache with car swept off road.

Flash Flood, Cleveland

When: May 23, 9:38 PM CST to May 24, 12:38 AM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 2.29 mi SW of Lake Thunderbird Dam to 3.31 mi WSW of Lake Thunderbird Dam
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.197, -97.249

Water over road at Highway 9 and 120th SE.

Flash Flood, Comanche

When: May 23, 9:40 PM CST to May 24, 12:40 AM CST
Where: Comanche County, 3.53 mi NNW of (Fsi)fort Sill to 3.06 mi NNW of (Fsi)fort Sill
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 34.718, -98.401

Vehicle flooded on Highway 49 and Madische Rd. People stuck at Dollar General waiting for floodwaters to recede.

Flash Flood, Caddo

When: May 23, 9:47 PM CST to May 24, 12:47 AM CST
Where: Caddo County, 2.07 mi S of Apache to 2.94 mi S of Apache
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.860, -98.360

Up to four feet of water flowing over Highway 62 south of Apache.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When: May 23, 10:11 PM CST to May 24, 1:11 AM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 0.56 mi E of Choctaw to 1.1 mi NE of Choctaw
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.490, -97.260

Flood waters over the road and railroad tracks at 23rd and Harper.

Flash Flood, Tillman

When: May 23, 10:37 PM CST to May 24, 1:37 AM CST
Where: Tillman County, 4.15 mi S of Manitou to 4.26 mi NE of Frederick
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.450, -98.980

Southbound lane of Highway 183 covered in flood waters.

Flash Flood, Cleveland

When: May 23, 10:39 PM CST to May 24, 1:39 AM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 2.09 mi N of Noble to 2.13 mi N of Noble
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.170, -97.394

Vehicle swept off road at 36th Ave SE and Cedar Lane.

Flash Flood, Cleveland

When: May 23, 10:39 PM CST to May 24, 1:39 AM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 5.5 mi W of Lake Thunderbird Dam to 5.67 mi W of Lake Thunderbird Dam
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.215, -97.317

Floodwaters over the twin bridges over Lake Thunderbird on Alameda.

Flash Flood, Pottawatomie

When: May 23, 10:55 PM CST to May 24, 1:55 AM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 3.74 mi NW of Shawnee to 2.95 mi NE of Shawnee
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.361, -96.974

Widespread flooding with numerous cars submerged in high water.

Flash Flood, Comanche

When: May 23, 11:04 PM CST to May 24, 2:04 AM CST
Where: Comanche County, 1.72 mi NW of Cache to 1.64 mi NE of Cache
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $800,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 34.648, -98.651

Flood waters up to roofs of homes in the Rock Creek subdivision.

What these are

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.
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.
Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Oklahoma in 2015 Every state in 2015 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Oklahoma, 2015 Warnings in Oklahoma, May 2015

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: 581346, 581348, 581349, 581350, 581351, 581352, 581353, 581354, 581355, 581356, 584400, 581357, 584402, 580699, 584403, 584404, 584406, 584407, 584420, 584422, 584408, 581358, 581359, 581360, 581362, 581361, 584410, 581364, 581366, 581376, 581379, 584413, 581380, 581383, 581399, 581386, 581755, 581390, 581400, 581394, and more.