Tornadoes and Flash Flood in Oklahoma, May 18 to 19, 2017

Name: Tornadoes and Flash Flood in Oklahoma, May 18 to 19, 2017
Start: 2017-05-18T10:53
End: 2017-05-19T02:00
Location: Oklahoma

May 18 to 19, 2017 · NWS OUN · 86 events in 32 counties and zones

A line of storms fired along and just ahead of a dryline and cold front on the afternoon of the 18th and continued eastward across the state overnight into the 19th.

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: $82,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 86

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 line of storms fired along and just ahead of a dryline and cold front on the afternoon of the 18th and continued eastward across the state overnight into the 19th.

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 18, 9:25 AM CST, 1 hour 28 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 18, 9:25 AM CST, 1 hour 28 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED
National Weather Service Norman OK
1025 AM CDT Thu May 18 2017

.UPDATE...
Here is a mesoscale update.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Determining exactly when and where storms occur today remains a
challenge. Latest guidance overall has been suggesting an earlier
start for storm initiation with first storms forming across
southwestern Oklahoma and western north Texas around noon.

Overall, based on latest model guidance (particularly the
HRRR/RAP) and incoming data from a special 15 UTC KOUN sounding,
confidence is growing that storms will form earlier and somewhere
over southwestern Oklahoma or western north Texas around noon
today. The 15 UTC KOUN sounding depicted that the base of the low
level inversion has lifted about 40 mb (from around 900 mb to 860
mb) and low level moisture deepening below the inversion. Based on
latest HRRR/RAP guidance, this lifting is expected to continue in
the next few hours, which would allow for storms to form earlier
than previously expected once surface temperatures reach the
lower to mid 80s near or just east of the dryline across
southwestern Oklahoma and western north Texas. A weak mid level
disturbance may be causing the lift, though the exact cause for
the lift remains uncertain.

If these storms form around noon in southwestern Oklahoma and
western north Texas, they may at first be slighlty elevated with
giant hail as the main hazard. However, these storms would likely
become surface-based due to daytime heating no later than 3 pm as
they move northeast. This could increase the tornado potential
across western north Texas, southwestern and central Oklahoma this
afternoon and evening while slightly decrease the tornado
potential in northwestern Oklahoma. Again, the exact details
remain uncertain today.

The bottom line is that the combination of shear, instability,
and moisture support significant severe storms with giant hail
and tornadoes this afternoon and evening somewhere over the
western two thirds of Oklahoma and western north Texas.

MBS

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /issued 639 AM CDT Thu May 18 2017/

DISCUSSION...
The 12Z aviation discussion follows....

AVIATION...
A large, powerful storm system will move through the southern
Plains today and tomorrow. A jagged deck of stratus will cover
much of central and eastern Oklahoma (also the Wichita Falls area
in Texas) this morning, then break up toward 18Z. Intense/severe
thunderstorms are forecast to develop quickly during the early
afternoon, probably between 19Z and 20Z, across western Oklahoma
and adjacent parts of Texas. The initial storms will mainly affect
KLAW, KCSM, KHBR, and KSPS, then spread/move east/northeast with
time. Then, a cold front will enter northern Oklahoma around
sunrise on Friday, bringing a minor wind shift and possibly some
very low stratus to far northern Oklahoma. At the same time, a
renewed deck of stratus will be advancing north across the Red
River.

CmS

PREV DISCUSSION... /issued 342 AM CDT Thu May 18 2017/

DISCUSSION...
The second shortwave trough in this week's series is rounding the
base of the longwave trough, and is now centered near Salt Lake
City, Utah. At the same time, a surge in low-level moisture is
advancing quickly north across Oklahoma. High dewpoint
temperatures have extended to Ponca City, Oklahoma City, and
Lawton, and this humidification will extend across most of the
remainder of Oklahoma (and western north Texas) by this
afternoon.

The HRRRX model has been fairly consistent in breaking out the
initial convection early this afternoon over Texas, in the general
vicinity of Abilene, then spreading/expanding this area rapidly
north through the afternoon. In a general sense, this is probably
what will happen. Supercell thunderstorms are likely within the
expected environment, and the SPC has issued a "High Risk" of
severe storms for today for much of the northwest quadrant of
Oklahoma, with lesser risk areas covering the remainder of our
forecast area.

A cold front will move into northern Oklahoma on Friday, and by
evening, it should be near I-44. This will limit the risk of
severe storms to the north, but along and south of the front,
there will again be a risk of severe storms. There is more
question about what will happen tomorrow, since lingering early-
morning convection will alter the environment in unpredictable
ways.

Rainfall tomorrow may be quite heavy near the front. There is
still some uncertainty where the heaviest rain may fall, and
whether it will be enough to cause more than localized flooding,
so there is not yet justification for a flood watch. Nevertheless,
some urban and small stream flooding seems likely, if the expected
scenario is correct.

The front will continue its advance on Saturday and Sunday, as
rain/storm chances slowly diminish from the northwest. This will
bring a relatively quiet period for most of the weekend and into
early next week. Another wave sweeping south across the Plains
will, however, bring another chance of showers and thunderstorms
(with a lower risk of severe storms) for Tuesday and parts of
surrounding days.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Oklahoma City OK  85  66  78  58 /  60  60  80  90
Hobart OK         85  65  82  55 /  60  50  70  70
Wichita Falls TX  89  69  84  61 /  60  40  70  80
Gage OK           83  57  79  48 /  60  60  40  30
Ponca City OK     84  65  78  56 /  30  70  70  80
Durant OK         86  69  83  66 /  30  40  40  70

&&

.OUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
OK...None.
TX...None.
&&

17/06

Hazardous weather outlook, May 18, 7:18 AM CST, 3 hours 35 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED
National Weather Service Norman OK
818 AM CDT Thu May 18 2017

OKZ004>048-050>052-TXZ083>090-191330-
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-
818 AM CDT Thu May 18 2017

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of northern...
western...central...and southern Oklahoma...and western
north Texas.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight...

.Thunderstorms...
There is a high risk for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and
evening in parts of Oklahoma.

Location...
The high risk is over much of northwest Oklahoma, east of a
Buffalo to Leedey line and north of a Leedey to Kingfisher to
Blackwell line. Locations in the high risk area include
Woodward...Alva...Watonga...Enid...Medford...and Cherokee.
Slight to moderate risk areas surround the high risk area
across the rest of Oklahoma into western north Texas.

Timing...
Mainly 2 PM until 10 PM.

Impacts...
Tornadoes...possibly strong and long-tracked...
Hail up to softball size...
Damaging winds to 80 mph...

Discussion...
A well-defined dryline will exist by afternoon over western
Oklahoma when a strong storm system approaches from the west. An
extremely moist lower atmosphere and favorable wind profiles will
lead to rapid severe thunderstorm development this afternoon.
Discrete supercells are expected to form near or ahead of the
dryline by mid afternoon then move northeast. Storms may organize
into lines or clusters this evening as they track northeast,
slowly weakening after 10 pm this evening.

Tornadoes will be possible nearly anywhere across Oklahoma and
north Texas this afternoon and evening. Tornado potential is
highest in the high risk area across northwestern Oklahoma this
afternoon and evening.

.SPOTTER AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STATEMENT...
Storm spotter groups and emergency management personnel across
western and central Oklahoma and adjacent parts of north Texas
should prepare for severe weather operations this afternoon
and evening.

.Heavy Rainfall...
Locally heavy rainfall and flooding may occur with storms this
afternoon and tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday...

.Thunderstorms...
There is an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms Friday when
tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds are all possible.
Thunderstorm chances persist through Tuesday although severe
weather is not expected after Friday evening.

.Heavy Rainfall...
There is a potential for excessive rainfall Friday until Saturday
morning, particularly over portions of central into southwest
Oklahoma and adjacent parts of western north Texas. If you live in
an area that is prone to flash flooding, pay attention to the
forecasts and warnings later this week.

Get graphics and more details at weather.gov/norman...and follow
our weather forecast office on Twitter and Facebook.

MBS

The radar

The Norman radar (KTLX), 132 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 16:57 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

45 hail, 22 thunderstorm wind, 18 tornado, 1 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Johnston

When: May 18, 10:53 AM CST
Where: Johnston County, Mannsville
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.190, -96.880

Hail, Jackson

When: May 18, 1:00 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 5.37 mi NW of Duke
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.720, -99.630

Tornado, Jackson

When: May 18, 1:02 PM CST to 1:05 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 1.8 mi NW of Duke to 1.92 mi NNW of Duke
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.7 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 34.677, -99.594

Oklahoma City televisions stations broadcast a tornado northwest of Duke. No damage was reported and the specific location is estimated.

Tornado, Jackson

When: May 18, 1:11 PM CST to 1:16 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 2.43 mi N of Duke to 3.1 mi NNE of Duke
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.2 mi
Path width: 75 yd
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.695, -99.575

Emergency management officials, spotters and media reported a tornado north of Duke. One home sustained light damage.

Hail, Greer

When: May 18, 1:14 PM CST
Where: Greer County, Mangum
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.880, -99.500

Hail, Jackson

When: May 18, 1:15 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, Blair
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 34.780, -99.330

Hail, Jackson

When: May 18, 1:20 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 9.14 mi W of Eldorado
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.480, -99.810

Hail, Greer

When: May 18, 1:36 PM CST
Where: Greer County, 2.36 mi SSE of Granite
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.930, -99.360

Hail, Beckham

When: May 18, 1:40 PM CST
Where: Beckham County, Sayre
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.300, -99.640

Hail, Greer

When: May 18, 1:47 PM CST
Where: Greer County, Granite
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.960, -99.380

Hail, Greer

When: May 18, 1:47 PM CST
Where: Greer County, 0.69 mi N of Granite
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.970, -99.380

Hail, Greer

When: May 18, 1:55 PM CST
Where: Greer County, 2.37 mi WNW of Granite
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.970, -99.420

Thunderstorm Wind, Ellis

When: May 18, 1:55 PM CST
Where: Ellis County, 2.07 mi S of (Gag)gage Airport
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $12,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.270, -99.780

At least 12 power poles were snapped of at various heights.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ellis

When: May 18, 2:00 PM CST
Where: Ellis County, 2.07 mi S of (Gag)gage Airport
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.270, -99.780

No damage reported.

Hail, Woodward

When: May 18, 2:19 PM CST
Where: Woodward County, 1.8 mi WSW of Fort Supply
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.560, -99.600

Tornado, Washita

When: May 18, 2:29 PM CST to 2:37 PM CST
Where: Washita County, 5.58 mi ENE of Rocky to 2.53 mi SW of Cloud Chief
Rating: EF1
Path length: 6.05 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.195, -98.971

A barn was destroyed, and numerous trees and power lines were downed as this tornado moved east-northeast from about 6 miles east-northeast of Rocky to 2.5 miles southwest of Cloud Chief.

Hail, Ellis

When: May 18, 2:38 PM CST
Where: Ellis County, 0.69 mi N of Fargo
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.380, -99.620

Hail, Dewey

When: May 18, 2:38 PM CST
Where: Dewey County, 7.26 mi E of Camargo
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.020, -99.160

Tornado, Washita

When: May 18, 2:40 PM CST to 2:41 PM CST
Where: Washita County, 2.77 mi NNW of Cloud Chief to 2.7 mi NNW of Cloud Chief
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.5 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 35.287, -98.859

A storm chaser documented a brief multiple-vortex tornado that crossed State Highway 54 just south of State Highway 152. No damage was reported.

Hail, Woodward

When: May 18, 2:41 PM CST
Where: Woodward County, 1.5 mi NW of Fort Supply
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.585, -99.590

Hail, Harper

When: May 18, 2:43 PM CST
Where: Harper County, 10.38 mi SE of Selman
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.700, -99.350

Hail, Woodward

When: May 18, 2:43 PM CST
Where: Woodward County, 5.24 mi WSW of Tangier
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.380, -99.610

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodward

When: May 18, 2:45 PM CST
Where: Woodward County, 1.81 mi WSW of Woodward
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 36.420, -99.420

No damage reported.

Hail, Woodward

When: May 18, 2:50 PM CST
Where: Woodward County, 2.78 mi W of Mooreland
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.440, -99.260

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodward

When: May 18, 2:50 PM CST
Where: Woodward County, 2.33 mi WNW of Woodward
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.440, -99.430

No damage reported.

Hail, Custer

When: May 18, 3:07 PM CST
Where: Custer County, Weatherford
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.530, -98.700

Hail, Custer

When: May 18, 3:08 PM CST
Where: Custer County, Weatherford
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.530, -98.700

Tornado, Dewey

When: May 18, 3:11 PM CST
Where: Dewey County, 3.9 mi ESE of Cestos
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 36.127, -99.022

Storm chasers and broadcast media reported the first of a family of tornadoes across northwestern Oklahoma. No damage was reported. The specific location is estimated but based on triangulation of numerous observers.

Tornado, Custer

When: May 18, 3:20 PM CST
Where: Custer County, 2 mi SE of Weatherford
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 30 yd
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.510, -98.675

The Weatherford Fire Department confirmed a tornado about 2 miles southeast of Weatherford. No damage was reported.

Tornado, Woodward

When: May 18, 3:23 PM CST to 3:31 PM CST
Where: Woodward County, 10.93 mi E of Mutual to 10.74 mi SSE of Quinlan
Rating: EF0
Path length: 6 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Continued into: Major, Ok (OUN)
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.226, -98.974

A highly-visible multiple vortex tornado began in Woodward County and moved north-northeast. Two homes received roof and siding damage near county road NS227 and tree damage was observed a few locations along the path. The tornado moved into Woodward County south of county road EW048.

Hail, Tillman

When: May 18, 3:30 PM CST
Where: Tillman County, Davidson
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.240, -99.080

Hail, Washita

When: May 18, 3:31 PM CST
Where: Washita County, 1.38 mi N of Cordell
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.310, -98.990

Tornado, Major

When: May 18, 3:31 PM CST to 3:36 PM CST
Where: Major County, 6.75 mi NNW of Chester to 6.09 mi SW of Bouse Junction
Rating: EF0
Path length: 2.6 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.312, -98.961

This tornado moved into Major County from Woodward County and continued moving north-northeast before dissipating.

Tornado, Blaine

When: May 18, 3:33 PM CST
Where: Blaine County, 17.27 mi SW of Greenfield
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.580, -98.626

A tornado damaged an outbuilding and the roof of a house just east of the Blaine-Custer County line.

Tornado, Major

When: May 18, 3:37 PM CST
Where: Major County, 10 mi N of Chester
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 30 yd
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 36.365, -98.920

Chasers from OKC TV stations and others observed a brief tornado estimated to be about 10 miles north of Chester. No damage was reported.

Hail, Major

When: May 18, 3:40 PM CST
Where: Major County, 3.23 mi SSW of Bouse Junction
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 36.380, -98.920

Tornado, Washita

When: May 18, 3:40 PM CST
Where: Washita County, 4.09 mi N of Cloud Chief
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.3 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 35.309, -98.846

Storm chasers observed a tornado east of Cordell and north of Cloud Chief. The tornado was brief and no damage was reported.

Hail, Tillman

When: May 18, 3:44 PM CST
Where: Tillman County, 0.69 mi N of Davidson
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.250, -99.080

Tornado, Major

When: May 18, 3:49 PM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Major County, 2.35 mi WNW of Bouse Junction to 6.34 mi NNW of Bouse Junction
Rating: EF1
Path length: 5 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Continued into: Woods, Ok (OUN)
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.435, -98.928

A highly visible tornado touched down to the west-northwest of Bouse Junction and moved north-northeast, then north-northwest across northwestern Major County. The tornado damaged the roof of a barn, but otherwise moved through rural areas. The tornado moved into Woods County to the southwest of Waynoka.

Bouse Junction is the intersection of U.S. Highway 412 and U.S. Highway 281.

Tornado, Woods

When: May 18, 3:57 PM CST
Where: Woods County, 3.72 mi NNW of Alva
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.850, -98.695

A brief tornado was observed northwest of Alva. No damage was reported and the specific location was estimated.

Tornado, Woods

When: May 18, 4:00 PM CST to 4:07 PM CST
Where: Woods County, 6.28 mi SSW of Waynoka to 4.66 mi WSW of Waynoka
Rating: EFU
Path length: 4 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.507, -98.926

This tornado initially developed west-northwest of Bouse Junction in Major County and moved into Woods County southwest of Waynoka. The tornado moved to the north-northwest about 4 miles before dissipating. No damage was reported in Woods County from this tornado as it remained in rural areas.

Tornado, Canadian

When: May 18, 4:05 PM CST to 4:08 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, 12.71 mi WNW of Calumet to 12.95 mi NW of Calumet
Rating: EF0
Path length: 2.3 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Continued into: Blaine, Ok (OUN)
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.697, -98.313

A tornado touched down in the northwest corner of Canadian County, about 4.2 miles southeast of Greenfield. There was shingle and siding damage to a house, tin was blown off a barn and a power pole was broken near the beginning of the path just east of the Blaine-Canadian County line. Farther northeast, the damage path could be observed in a wheat field, a barn was damaged and an adjacent house had some roof damage. A center pivot irrigation system was overturned just before the tornado moved into Blaine County.

Hail, Blaine

When: May 18, 4:07 PM CST
Where: Blaine County, Greenfield
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.730, -98.380

Tornado, Blaine

When: May 18, 4:08 PM CST to 4:10 PM CST
Where: Blaine County, 4.95 mi E of Greenfield to 5.53 mi E of Greenfield
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.12 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.725, -98.292

This tornado moved into Blaine County from northwestern Canadian County just west of the graveside of Jesse Chisholm and moved northeast. A small barn was damaged near the end of the tornado path.

Hail, Oklahoma

When: May 18, 4:34 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 2.64 mi WSW of (Tik)tinker Afb
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.390, -97.430

Thunderstorm Wind, Cotton

When: May 18, 5:10 PM CST
Where: Cotton County, 1.85 mi ESE of Walters Arpt
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.360, -98.380

Thunderstorm Wind, Cotton

When: May 18, 5:15 PM CST
Where: Cotton County, 3.52 mi NE of Walters Arpt
Measured: 90 kt (104 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.400, -98.360

Hail, Pottawatomie

When: May 18, 5:16 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, McLoud
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.440, -97.090

Hail, Woodward

When: May 18, 5:16 PM CST
Where: Woodward County, 0.89 mi SE of Woodward
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.420, -99.380

Thunderstorm Wind, Comanche

When: May 18, 5:16 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 3.32 mi ESE of Lawton
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.594, -98.335

Hail, Cotton

When: May 18, 5:17 PM CST
Where: Cotton County, 0.69 mi N of Walters
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 34.360, -98.310

Hail, Kingfisher

When: May 18, 5:19 PM CST
Where: Kingfisher County, 5.22 mi SE of Hennessey
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.060, -97.830

Thunderstorm Wind, Stephens

When: May 18, 5:30 PM CST
Where: Stephens County, 2.93 mi WNW of Duncan
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.510, -98.010

Barn destroyed on Plato road.

Hail, Garfield

When: May 18, 5:33 PM CST
Where: Garfield County, 2.07 mi S of Bison
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.170, -97.890

Hail, Garvin

When: May 18, 5:33 PM CST
Where: Garvin County, 1.38 mi N of Antioch
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.740, -97.410

Hail, Kingfisher

When: May 18, 5:33 PM CST
Where: Kingfisher County, 2.17 mi SE of Hennessey
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.090, -97.870

Tornado, Stephens

When: May 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Stephens County, 2.93 mi N of Empire City
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.462, -98.048

A brief tornado damaged an outbuilding and trees southwest of Duncan.

Hail, Stephens

When: May 18, 6:05 PM CST
Where: Stephens County, 3.08 mi NE of Empire City
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.450, -98.000

Thunderstorm Wind, Woods

When: May 18, 6:10 PM CST
Where: Woods County, 2.66 mi NE of Avard
Measured: 67 kt (77 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 36.730, -98.760

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 18, 6:36 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 0.69 mi S of (Okc)will Rogers Apt
Measured: 62 kt (71 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 35.380, -97.600

Thunderstorm Wind, McClain

When: May 18, 6:50 PM CST
Where: McClain County, 0.89 mi NE of Goldsby
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.160, -97.470

Aircraft hangers were damaged at David Perry airport.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cleveland

When: May 18, 6:54 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 2.76 mi S of Norman
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.180, -97.440

Thunderstorm Wind, Cleveland

When: May 18, 6:55 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 2.07 mi S of Norman
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.190, -97.440

Eight inch diameter tree snapped; fence blown away near National Weather Center.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cleveland

When: May 18, 7:00 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, Norman
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.220, -97.440

Numerous tree limbs were downed in town.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 18, 7:09 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 0.69 mi N of (Tik)tinker Afb
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 35.420, -97.390

Thunderstorm Wind, Cleveland

When: May 18, 7:20 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 3.11 mi SE of Norman
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 35.186, -97.405

Estimated 70 mph wind and some shingles blown off roof near SE 24th and highway 9.

Hail, Carter

When: May 18, 7:37 PM CST
Where: Carter County, 2.76 mi N of Lone Grove
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.220, -97.260

Flash Flood, Jefferson

When: May 18, 7:50 PM CST to 10:50 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 1.5 mi SSW of Waurika Lake Dam to 2.04 mi SSE of Waurika Lake Dam
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.220, -98.060

Water was flowing over highway 5.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: May 18, 7:50 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, Luther
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.660, -97.190

Many trees downed; power poles snapped.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carter

When: May 18, 8:00 PM CST
Where: Carter County, 0.95 mi S of Healdton
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.216, -97.492

Numerous trees uprooted and large branches broken. Significant damage to football stadium. Time estimate by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pontotoc

When: May 18, 8:07 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, Ada
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.770, -96.680

Roof was blown off home. Numerous utility poles downed.

Tornado, Pontotoc

When: May 18, 8:13 PM CST to 8:14 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, 0.04 mi W of Stonewall to 0.54 mi ENE of Stonewall
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.6 mi
Path width: 75 yd
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.650, -96.531

A weak tornado moved through Stonewall, causing damage to roofs and damaging or destroying a number of trees.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carter

When: May 18, 8:20 PM CST
Where: Carter County, 0.9 mi SE of Springer
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.300, -97.130

Multiple power poles leaning at up to a 45 deg angle along highway 53 east of town.

Hail, Hughes

When: May 18, 8:40 PM CST
Where: Hughes County, Holdenville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.080, -96.400

Hail, Love

When: May 18, 9:41 PM CST
Where: Love County, 2.87 mi W of Rubottom
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.940, -97.510

Thunderstorm Wind, Johnston

When: May 18, 10:05 PM CST
Where: Johnston County, 3.52 mi SE of Connerville
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 34.420, -96.580

Tree damage was blocking Coatsworth road near Deadman Springs road. Time estimated.

Hail, Coal

When: May 18, 10:26 PM CST
Where: Coal County, Clarita
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 34.490, -96.440

Hail, Johnston

When: May 18, 11:04 PM CST
Where: Johnston County, 0.57 mi E of Ravia
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.240, -96.750

Hail, Canadian

When: May 19, 12:40 AM CST
Where: Canadian County, 3.37 mi E of Richland
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.580, -97.740

Hail, Canadian

When: May 19, 12:45 AM CST
Where: Canadian County, 3.93 mi E of Richland
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.580, -97.730

Hail, Oklahoma

When: May 19, 1:09 AM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 4.82 mi NW of Edmond
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.700, -97.540

Reported via mPing.

Hail, Oklahoma

When: May 19, 1:09 AM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 5.28 mi WNW of The Village
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.610, -97.630

Reported via mping.

Hail, Logan

When: May 19, 1:17 AM CST
Where: Logan County, 1.49 mi SSE of Seward
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.780, -97.480

Hail, Logan

When: May 19, 1:17 AM CST
Where: Logan County, 4.96 mi SSW of Seward
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.730, -97.510

Hail, Logan

When: May 19, 1:18 AM CST
Where: Logan County, 2.98 mi SSE of Seward
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.760, -97.470

Reported via mping.

Thunderstorm Wind, Logan

When: May 19, 2:00 AM CST
Where: Logan County, 4.15 mi N of Seward
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.860, -97.490

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.
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 2017 Every state in 2017 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Oklahoma, 2017 Warnings in Oklahoma, May 2017

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: 694716, 694717, 700772, 700773, 694718, 694719, 694720, 694721, 694722, 694723, 694724, 694725, 694726, 694727, 694728, 702788, 694729, 694730, 700774, 694731, 694732, 694734, 694714, 694737, 694738, 694739, 694740, 700775, 700776, 700780, 694741, 694742, 700784, 702473, 702475, 694743, 702470, 694744, 702799, 702478, and more.