Oklahoma, 2018

Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Oklahoma, May 2 to 3, 2018

May 2 to 3, 2018 · NWS OUN · 59 events in 20 counties and zones

Several discrete supercells formed off a dryline in the eastern parts of the panhandles in the late afternoon of the 2nd. These storms moved eastward through the evening, eventually congealing into a line before coming across central Oklahoma.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

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

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
$211,000
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
59

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.

Several discrete supercells formed off a dryline in the eastern parts of the panhandles in the late afternoon of the 2nd. These storms moved eastward through the evening, eventually congealing into a line before coming across central Oklahoma. QLCS tornadoes became a significant hazard at this point. After this round of storms made its way out of the area, scattered storms began to form from central Texas up into south western Oklahoma overnight, moving generally northeast into the early morning 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 2, 1:10 PM CST, 1 hour earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 2, 1:10 PM CST, 1 hour before
Area Forecast Discussion...CORRECTED
National Weather Service Norman OK
210 PM CDT Wed May 2 2018

.DISCUSSION...
Latest surface observations and satellite show enhanced cumulus
and some glaciation along a sharpening dryline now across the
eastern Texas Panhandle. Deeper convection has been ongoing for an
hour or so further north, near a weak surface front across the far
northern Texas Panhandle into the Oklahoma Panhandle. NSSL mobile
sounding at Elk City from 18z shows a weak capping EML and this
should continue to errode as forcing for ascent increases from
approaching deep closed low and embedded minor shortwave trough.

Latest RAP mesoanalysis shows moderate to strong instability has
already developed across western Oklahoma and western north Texas
with MLCAPE as high as 3,000 J/kg and effective shear of 50-60
knots. This parameter space, along with nearly perpendicular shear
vectors to the sharpening dryline, is more than favorable for
supercells. Other concerns include climatologically low LCL
heights. One mitigating factor to a potentially higher-end tornado
threat will be somewhat weak low level shear. Our bigger tornado
events tend to have larger 0-1km bulk shear and SRH values.
Nevertheless, 15-20 kt 0-1km shear and low LCLs with the
aforementioned parameter space is concerning and tornadoes,
including a few significant tornadoes are possible given the
proper storm evolution. Some cold pool expansion and resulting
consolidation may occur with the ongoing convection across
northeast Texas Panhandle and the Oklahoma Panhandle. This could
evolve into a cluster or line of convection that posses mainly a
damaging wind threat later in the evening across northern
Oklahoma. This evolution is uncertain at the moment and we'll
continue to monitor trends.

Suite of CAMs have varied some from run to run and model to
model. The spectrum of solutions generally supports the above
thinking, and we'll continue to watch the trends in observations
through the late afternoon and evening and add more detail to the
forecast when we can.

Regardless of how early on more discrete supercells evolve, some
tornado threat will persist into the night given such a moist
boundary layer with only modest stabilization. The threat could
persist into the early morning hours and some localized flooding
could occur particularly across eastern and southern sections of
the area once shear vectors become a little more parallel to a
potential cluster or line of convection. Depending on the extent
of convection and magnitude/breadth of convective overturning,
some thunderstorm threat and severe potential will persist across
roughly the southeast half of the area into tomorrow afternoon.

The rest of the forecast is relatively unchanged. Northwesterly
flow will gradually back and become more zonal with at least one
or two minor shortwaves resulting in convection by early next
week.

BRB

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Elevated fire weather conditions could occur tomorrow afternoon
across far western Oklahoma and portions of north Texas. Greenup
may limit the threat of significant spread however. ERC-G values
are on the high end of normal currently.

BRB

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Oklahoma City OK  81  68  83  56 /  20  70  30  10
Hobart OK         84  66  86  55 /  40  50  20   0
Wichita Falls TX  85  69  86  60 /  20  70  40  10
Gage OK           85  61  81  50 /  40  30   0   0
Ponca City OK     84  69  85  54 /  20  70  30  10
Durant OK         81  70  78  66 /  20  70  70  40

&&

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

26/12
Hazardous weather outlook, May 2, 11:20 AM CST, 2 hours 50 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Norman OK
1220 PM CDT Wed May 2 2018

OKZ004>048-050>052-TXZ083>090-031730-
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-
1220 PM CDT Wed May 2 2018

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 moderate risk for severe thunderstorms across parts of
northwestern. There is an enhanced or slight risk for severe
thunderstorms over much of the rest of central and southeastern
Oklahoma and adjacent parts of northern Texas.

Location...
The moderate risk area in northwest of a line from Alva to Taloga
to Hammon to Reydon. The enhanced risk covers the area south and
east of the moderate risk, and west and of a line from Stillwater
to Oklahoma City to Duncan Oklahoma to Electra Texas and north of
a line from Electra to Grayback to Quanah Texas. The slight risk
covers the remainder of western north Texas and that part of
Oklahoma east of the enhanced risk and west of a line from
Holdenville to Marietta.

Timing...Severe thunderstorms may develop in western Oklahoma as
early as 2 PM. The severe risk will extend through the night
across much of the area.

Impacts...
The most common impact this afternoon and evening will be very
large hail to the size of softballs and wind gusts to 80 mph.
There is a medium tornado potential in the enhanced and moderate
risk areas of western, central and northern Oklahoma where strong
tornadoes are possible. Overnight, the most common impact will be
damaging wind gusts.

Discussion...
Scattered severe supercell thunderstorms are expected to form
along a dry line in the eastern Texas panhandle and western
Oklahoma in the early to mid part of the afternoon. Through the
afternoon, the storms will continue to develop farther south along
the dryline across southwestern Oklahoma and perhaps into the
western portions of north Texas. Instability will be very high
along with favorable wind fields for severe storms to form
quickly. Hail larger than baseballs can be expected with the
strongest storms. The strength of the vertical wind shear and high
instability will support the potential for tornado formation, and
the chance for a strong tornado in the moderate or enhanced risk
area from mid afternoon into early evening. These storms will move
northeast across the area through the evening.

Overnight, another impulse from the larger storm system will
generate new thunderstorms across north Texas and central and
southern Oklahoma. These storms will likely develop into an
organized line of storms with some severe storms possible. The
most likely impact from this storms will be damaging wind gusts.

.SPOTTER AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STATEMENT...
Storm spotter groups and emergency management personnel across
the Oklahoma and northern Texas should prepare for severe weather
operations today and tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday...

.Thunderstorms...
Thunderstorms will be ongoing Thursday morning in central and
southern Oklahoma. As a dry line and front arrive, new
thunderstorms are expected across southeastern Oklahoma. Any of
these will be potentially severe. The most common impact will be
damaging wind gusts in the morning and damaging wind gusts and
large hail later in the day. Locally heavy rainfall will also be
possible. There is a low chance for non- severe thunderstorms in
southeastern Oklahoma Friday.

There is also a chance for thunderstorms next Tuesday.

.Fire Weather.
Near-critical fire weather conditions are expected to the west of
an advancing dry line over western Oklahoma and adjacent parts of
northern Texas during the day Thursday.

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

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 2, 1:36 PM CST, 34 minutes before
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE Norman OK
236 PM CDT WED MAY 2 2018

OKZ021-022000-
Beckham OK-
236 PM CDT WED MAY 2 2018

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR northwestern Beckham County Until
300 PM CDT...

AT 235 PM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Texola, moving
north at 30 MPH.

HAZARDS INCLUDE...
Hail up to the size of nickels...
Wind gusts to 50 MPH...

Locations impacted include...
Erick, Sweetwater and Texola.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Storm intensity is increasing and severe weather may develop rapidly.
Stay alert and listen for warnings.

&&

LAT...LON 3542 10000 3542 9978 3527 9965 3510 10000
TIME...MOT...LOC 1935Z 201DEG 27KT 3520 9999

BRB
Special weather statement, May 2, 1:39 PM CST, 31 minutes before
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE Norman OK
239 PM CDT WED MAY 2 2018

OKZ033-036-TXZ083-022000-
Harmon OK-Jackson OK-Hardeman TX-
239 PM CDT WED MAY 2 2018

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR Harmon...west central Jackson and
northwestern Hardeman Counties Until 300 PM CDT...

AT 237 PM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located 8 miles north of
Kirkland, moving northeast at 35 MPH.

HAZARDS INCLUDE...
Hail up to the size of nickels...
Wind gusts to 50 MPH...

Locations impacted include...
Hollis, Gould, Vinson, McKnight and McQueen.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Storm intensity is increasing and severe weather may develop rapidly.
Stay alert and listen for warnings.

&&

LAT...LON 3481 10000 3494 9986 3469 9965 3451 9965
      3443 10000
TIME...MOT...LOC 1937Z 222DEG 28KT 3450 10011

BRB
Special weather statement, May 2, 1:46 PM CST, 24 minutes before
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE Norman OK
246 PM CDT WED MAY 2 2018

OKZ004-022015-
Harper OK-
246 PM CDT WED MAY 2 2018

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR northwestern Harper County Until
315 PM CDT...

AT 244 PM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located 6 miles south of
Englewood, moving northeast at 55 MPH.

HAZARDS INCLUDE...
Hail up to the size of nickels...
Wind gusts to 50 MPH...

This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northwestern Harper
County.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.

&&

LAT...LON 3700 9981 3688 10000 3700 10000
TIME...MOT...LOC 1944Z 228DEG 46KT 3695 10003

MAHALE

The radar

The Altus AFB radar (KFDR), 93 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:11 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

24 thunderstorm wind, 19 tornado, 13 hail, 3 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Harmon

When
May 2, 2:10 PM CST
Where
Harmon County, 0.89 mi SE of Hollis
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.680, -99.910

Hail, Roger Mills

When
May 2, 2:35 PM CST
Where
Roger Mills County, 3.45 mi S of Dempsey
Measured
2.5 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
35.460, -99.820

Hail, Roger Mills

When
May 2, 2:40 PM CST
Where
Roger Mills County, 1.78 mi NE of Sweetwater
Measured
2.75 in hail
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
35.440, -99.890

Hail, Greer

When
May 2, 3:15 PM CST
Where
Greer County, 5.61 mi SSW of Mangum
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.810, -99.550

Hail, Greer

When
May 2, 3:15 PM CST
Where
Greer County, Granite
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
34.960, -99.380

Time is approximate.

Tornado, Greer

When
May 2, 3:25 PM CST to 3:27 PM CST
Where
Greer County, 3.77 mi SE of Granite to 3.8 mi ESE of Granite
Rating
EF0
Path length
1.1 mi
Path width
30 yd
Continued into
Kiowa, Ok (OUN)
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
34.926, -99.328

TV coverage showed an rain-wrapped tornado that developed southeast of Granite. This tornado moved over the north part of Lake Altus-Lugert into Greer County. Only light tree damage was reported along the shore of the lake in Quartz Mountain State Park.

Tornado, Kiowa

When
May 2, 3:27 PM CST to 3:28 PM CST
Where
Kiowa County, 5.22 mi SW of Lone Wolf to 4.64 mi SW of Lone Wolf
Rating
EF0
Path length
0.6 mi
Path width
30 yd
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
34.939, -99.318

The tornado moved across the north part of Lake Altus-Lugert from Greer County into Kiowa County. Only minor tree damage was noted.

Thunderstorm Wind, Greer

When
May 2, 3:30 PM CST
Where
Greer County, Granite
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
34.960, -99.380

Multiple barns and portable buildings were damaged. Also, shingle damage to homes.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kiowa

When
May 2, 3:30 PM CST
Where
Kiowa County, 5.5 mi ESE of Lone Wolf
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.960, -99.160

Observer also noted a 12 inch diameter tree downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kiowa

When
May 2, 3:30 PM CST
Where
Kiowa County, 4.53 mi W of Lone Wolf
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.990, -99.330

Several trees were blown down.

Tornado, Kiowa

When
May 2, 3:38 PM CST to 3:40 PM CST
Where
Kiowa County, 3.31 mi SE of Lone Wolf to 3.91 mi SE of Lone Wolf
Rating
EFU
Path length
1.2 mi
Path width
30 yd
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
34.953, -99.213

A tornado was reported by a Kiowa County deputy. The path was estimated and no known damage occurred.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When
May 2, 3:56 PM CST
Where
Jackson County, 0.89 mi NE of (Lts)altus Afb
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by
AWOS
Coordinates
34.670, -99.280

Thunderstorm Wind, Kiowa

When
May 2, 4:18 PM CST
Where
Kiowa County, 1.84 mi S of Gotebo
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
35.043, -98.867

Highway poles downed at US 54 and 1360.

Hail, Jackson

When
May 2, 4:31 PM CST
Where
Jackson County, Altus
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.640, -99.330

Hail, Jackson

When
May 2, 4:31 PM CST
Where
Jackson County, 0.89 mi NE of Altus
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
34.650, -99.320

Thunderstorm Wind, Washita

When
May 2, 4:39 PM CST
Where
Washita County, 7.12 mi SSE of Cowden
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
35.149, -98.685

Storm chasers observed a gustnado near the south flank of the storm moving through eastern Washita County. No damage was noted.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tillman

When
May 2, 4:52 PM CST
Where
Tillman County, 0.9 mi NE of Frederick Arpt
Measured
54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
34.360, -98.970

Tornado, Tillman

When
May 2, 5:10 PM CST
Where
Tillman County, 1.24 mi N of Davidson
Rating
EFU
Path length
0.5 mi
Path width
20 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
34.258, -99.079

A brief tornado was observed by storm chasers just north of Davidson and west of US Highway 183. No known damage occurred.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tillman

When
May 2, 5:15 PM CST to 5:55 PM CST
Where
Tillman County, Frederick Arpt to 2 mi S of Loveland
Measured
100 kt (115 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
34.350, -98.980

A large swath of very damaging thunderstorm winds developed near the Frederick airport and moved east-southeast toward Hollister and Loveland. Wind speeds of 109 mph were measured by an observer south or southeast of the Frederick airport and winds of 74 mph were measured by the ASOS at the Frederick airport (both listed below). The NWS storm survey team observed a large swath of damage that continued from this area to Hollister and areas south, and to near and just south of Loveland. At Hollister, outbuildings were significantly damaged and power poles were broken in an area from the south side of Hollister to an area 1.5 miles south of Hollister. To the southeast of Hollister, the damage path associated with this area of thunderstorm winds was observed to be 2.5 miles wide along county road NS232 with tree and power pole damage still consistent with 105-115 mph winds. As these wind approached Loveland, an EF2 tornado developed at 1747 CST approximately 3 miles northwest of Loveland on the north side of this area of thunderstorm winds. The tornado became the primary mechanism of damage as the thunderstorm winds and tornado moved into an area just south of Loveland.

Tornado, Tillman

When
May 2, 5:21 PM CST to 5:22 PM CST
Where
Tillman County, 5.53 mi S of Frederick Arpt to 5.63 mi S of Frederick Arpt
Rating
EFU
Path length
0.4 mi
Path width
20 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
34.270, -98.977

A brief, dusty tornado was observed by storm chasers east-northeast of Davidson and north of US Highway 70. There was no known damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tillman

When
May 2, 5:24 PM CST
Where
Tillman County, 1.13 mi SSE of Frederick Arpt
Measured
92 kt (106 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
34.334, -98.976

Wind measured with a Davis Vantagevue instrument. This was part of a large swath of wind damage that developed near the Frederick airport and spread east-southeast toward Hollister and Loveland.

Hail, Garfield

When
May 2, 5:24 PM CST
Where
Garfield County, Drummond
Measured
1.5 in hail
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
36.300, -98.040

Thunderstorm Wind, Tillman

When
May 2, 5:24 PM CST
Where
Tillman County, Frederick Arpt
Measured
64 kt (74 mph) measured gust
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
34.350, -98.980

Winds gusted to 74 mph at KFDR /Fredrick Airport/ as a large area of damaging thunderstorm winds developed near the airport and spread east-southeast toward Hollister and Loveland.

Tornado, Tillman

When
May 2, 5:26 PM CST to 5:28 PM CST
Where
Tillman County, 7.94 mi E of Davidson to 9 mi SSW of Hollister
Rating
EF1
Path length
1.6 mi
Path width
50 yd
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
34.231, -98.942

A tornado moved southeast in an area east-southeast of Davidson. Light roof damage was observed to a house near the beginning of the tornado path with tree damage noted along the path.

Hail, Caddo

When
May 2, 5:30 PM CST
Where
Caddo County, 2.02 mi SSE of Ft Cobb Res Dam
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
35.132, -98.442

Dime to golf ball hail reported at Highway 146 and 2550.

Tornado, Tillman

When
May 2, 5:34 PM CST to 5:43 PM CST
Where
Tillman County, 3.24 mi S of Hollister to 1.53 mi SSW of Loveland
Rating
EF1
Path length
5.5 mi
Path width
150 yd
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
34.293, -98.876

A tornado developed south of Hollister and moved east-southeast to just southwest of Loveland. Power poles and one outbuilding and were damaged.

Hail, Caddo

When
May 2, 5:41 PM CST
Where
Caddo County, Gracemont
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
35.190, -98.260

Thunderstorm Wind, Caddo

When
May 2, 5:42 PM CST
Where
Caddo County, 2.83 mi W of Anadarko
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
35.080, -98.290

Metal roof was taken off house.

Tornado, Tillman

When
May 2, 5:47 PM CST to 5:56 PM CST
Where
Tillman County, 2.78 mi NW of Loveland to 0.95 mi SE of Loveland
Rating
EF2
Path length
4.1 mi
Path width
600 yd
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
34.324, -98.809

This tornado developed approximately 3 miles northwest of Loveland, on the north side of a large and destructive area of thunderstorm winds that moved from near the Frederick airport to near Loveland (see above). The tornado initially moved south-southeast, and then curved to the southeast and east in an area southwest of Loveland. Except for one outbuilding that was destroyed southwest of Loveland, the damage was primarily to trees and power poles. Much of the path remained over open fields.

Hail, Caddo

When
May 2, 5:51 PM CST
Where
Caddo County, 5.07 mi E of Binger
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
35.310, -98.250

Tornado, Tillman

When
May 2, 6:02 PM CST to 6:07 PM CST
Where
Tillman County, 2.55 mi SSE of Grandfield to 4.8 mi ESE of Grandfield
Rating
EFU
Path length
3.5 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
34.195, -98.676

Storm chasers observed a tornado that developed just south-southeast of Grandfield and moved east. The tornado dissipated before moving into Cotton County and Devol. No damage was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tillman

When
May 2, 6:05 PM CST
Where
Tillman County, 2.86 mi W of Grandfield
Measured
54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
34.230, -98.740

Tornado, Tillman

When
May 2, 6:07 PM CST to 6:10 PM CST
Where
Tillman County, 5.04 mi ENE of Loveland to 6.65 mi ENE of Loveland
Rating
EF1
Path length
1.6 mi
Path width
250 yd
Continued into
Cotton, Ok (OUN)
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
34.329, -98.689

A tornado developed about 5 miles east-northeast of Loveland and moved northeast crossing into Cotton County and dissipating about 5 miles south of Chattanooga. Utility poles were damaged both along State Highway 36 in Tillman County and NS243 Road in Cotton County.

Tornado, Cotton

When
May 2, 6:10 PM CST to 6:13 PM CST
Where
Cotton County, 10.89 mi NNW of Devol to 11.17 mi NNW of Devol
Rating
EF1
Path length
1.4 mi
Path width
250 yd
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
34.336, -98.662

A tornado developed about 5 miles east-northeast of Loveland and moved northeast crossing into Cotton County and dissipating about 5 miles south of Chattanooga. Utility poles were damaged both along State Highway 36 in Tillman County and NS243 Road in Cotton County.

Hail, Grady

When
May 2, 6:20 PM CST
Where
Grady County, 6.32 mi N of Verden
Measured
1.5 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
35.170, -98.070

Reported via mPing.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cotton

When
May 2, 6:40 PM CST
Where
Cotton County, 3.52 mi NE of Walters Arpt
Measured
59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
34.400, -98.360

Tornado, Grady

When
May 2, 6:55 PM CST to 7:06 PM CST
Where
Grady County, 3.84 mi SSW of Acme to 2.04 mi SSE of Agawam
Rating
EF1
Path length
10 mi
Path width
400 yd
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
34.753, -98.056

A tornado developed near County Road 1560 and County Street 2770 to the southwest of Rush Springs. The tornado moved generally northeast crossing US Highway 81 about 3 miles north of Rush Springs, then dissipating about 2 miles SSE of Agawam (or 4.5 miles NNW of Rush Springs). One unoccupied mobile home was rolled and destroyed west of Rush Springs, although adjacent tree damage was relatively minor. Otherwise, damage consisted primarily of tree damage along the path as well as minor damage to a few homes.

Tornado, Grady

When
May 2, 6:58 PM CST to 7:06 PM CST
Where
Grady County, 3.69 mi NNE of Chickasha Arpt to 3.28 mi SSE of Amber
Rating
EF1
Path length
5.5 mi
Path width
100 yd
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
35.130, -97.947

This tornado developed approximately 4 miles west-southwest of Amber, briefly moved northeast before turning east-southeast. A barn and an RV were damaged southwest of Amber, and power poles were damaged south of Amber. Tree damage was also noted just west of Interstate 44, but the tornado did not appear to cross I-44.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grady

When
May 2, 7:00 PM CST
Where
Grady County, Acme
Measured
63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
34.800, -98.020

Tornado, Grady

When
May 2, 7:05 PM CST to 7:06 PM CST
Where
Grady County, 0.79 mi E of Amber to 1.02 mi ENE of Amber
Rating
EF1
Path length
0.4 mi
Path width
25 yd
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
35.160, -97.866

As one tornado was dissipating south-southeast of Amber, this tornado developed approximately 1 mile east of Amber. Trees were snapped, a roof was damaged and a carport destroyed from this brief tornado as it moved northeast.

Hail, Oklahoma

When
May 2, 7:11 PM CST
Where
Oklahoma County, 0.89 mi NW of Wheatland
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
35.410, -97.660

Flash Flood, Grady

When
May 2, 7:35 PM CST to 10:35 PM CST
Where
Grady County, 4.29 mi WSW of Minco to 4.25 mi SSW of Minco
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
35.285, -98.010

Local official reported water flowing over roadways west and southwest of Minco. Time estimated.

Tornado, Cleveland

When
May 2, 7:42 PM CST to 7:51 PM CST
Where
Cleveland County, 2.26 mi NNE of Norman to 4.91 mi SE of Stanley Draper Lake Dam
Rating
EF1
Path length
8 mi
Path width
400 yd
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
35.252, -97.430

This tornado initially developed in a neighborhood just northwest of Rock Creek Road and 12th Avenue NE, then it moved east-northeast leaving a sporadic track of damage across northeast Norman until it dissipated near Franklin Road between 96th Avenue NE and 108th Avenue NE. Most of the damage along the path was to trees. The damage along the path was generally EF0 damage (winds estimated at 60-70 mph), with EF1 damage confined to an area north of Tecumseh Road between 48th Avenue NE and 60th Avenue NE where a home and an outbuilding experienced significant roof damage and damage to trees was more significant.

Thunderstorm Wind, Payne

When
May 2, 7:45 PM CST
Where
Payne County, 0.69 mi S of Cushing
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
35.970, -96.760

Considerable wind damage was reported to a large storage tank. Large metal pieces were blown about. Event time estimated.

Tornado, McClain

When
May 2, 7:48 PM CST to 7:52 PM CST
Where
McClain County, 1.84 mi SW of Purcell to 1.54 mi NE of Purcell
Rating
EF1
Path length
3.4 mi
Path width
40 yd
Continued into
Cleveland, Ok (OUN)
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.992, -97.394

A tornado developed southwest of Purcell and moved northeast passing near Purcell Lake and into the north side of Purcell. Large trees were uprooted and outbuildings destroyed in the north side of Purcell. The tornado crossed the Canadian River into Cleveland County north of Lexington.

Tornado, Cleveland

When
May 2, 7:52 PM CST to 7:53 PM CST
Where
Cleveland County, 1.47 mi NNW of Lexington to 2.02 mi N of Lexington
Rating
EF0
Path length
1.3 mi
Path width
40 yd
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
35.028, -97.354

This tornado crossed the Canadian River from Purcell and McClain County into Cleveland County north of Lexington. No significant damage was reported in Cleveland County.

Flash Flood, Oklahoma

When
May 2, 8:03 PM CST to 11:03 PM CST
Where
Oklahoma County, 0.47 mi WNW of Bethany to 0.76 mi SSE of Warr Acres
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
35.512, -97.648

Route 66 in Bethany was closed due to flooding.

Flash Flood, Canadian

When
May 2, 8:05 PM CST to 11:05 PM CST
Where
Canadian County, 5.01 mi NE of Mustang to 4.81 mi NE of Mustang
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
35.450, -97.670

Car was submerged in water near Reno and Alliance Blvd/I40 and Council.

Tornado, Pottawatomie

When
May 2, 8:19 PM CST to 8:20 PM CST
Where
Pottawatomie County, 2.09 mi ENE of Macomb to 2.51 mi S of Brooksville
Rating
EF1
Path length
0.75 mi
Path width
50 yd
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
35.157, -96.974

This tornado damaged an outbuilding about 2.25 miles north-northeast of Macomb. This tornado likely had a longer path within the inaccessible valley of the Little River, but this was the only location the tornado encountered any structures.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pottawatomie

When
May 2, 8:20 PM CST
Where
Pottawatomie County, 2.36 mi ENE of Macomb
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
35.160, -96.970

Trees and pole barn roof were damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Payne

When
May 2, 8:23 PM CST
Where
Payne County, 0.89 mi SW of (Swo)stillwater Airport
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
36.150, -97.100

Thunderstorm Wind, Payne

When
May 2, 8:23 PM CST
Where
Payne County, 5 mi N of (Swo)stillwater Airport
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
36.232, -97.090

Mobile home destroyed. Time estimated by nearby reports.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pottawatomie

When
May 2, 8:30 PM CST
Where
Pottawatomie County, 1.82 mi S of Shawnee
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
35.304, -96.926

No damage reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lincoln

When
May 2, 8:35 PM CST
Where
Lincoln County, 2.89 mi ENE of Chandler
Measured
59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
35.720, -96.830

Thunderstorm Wind, Lincoln

When
May 2, 8:35 PM CST
Where
Lincoln County, 2.98 mi NNE of Sparks
Measured
53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
35.650, -96.800

Thunderstorm Wind, Noble

When
May 2, 9:05 PM CST
Where
Noble County, 3.5 mi N of Sumner
Measured
51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
36.370, -97.130

Thunderstorm Wind, Tillman

When
May 2, 11:15 PM CST
Where
Tillman County, 0.57 mi E of Frederick
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.390, -99.010

No damage reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, McClain

When
May 3, 6:10 AM CST
Where
McClain County, 3.95 mi W of Newcastle
Measured
53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
35.250, -97.670

Tornado, Pontotoc

When
May 3, 7:22 AM CST to 7:23 AM CST
Where
Pontotoc County, 5.11 mi W of Byng to 4.92 mi W of Byng
Rating
EF1
Path length
0.25 mi
Path width
25 yd
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.848, -96.759

A tornado developed just west of county road 3510 about 2 miles north of state highway 3W, and moved northeast a short distance. Trees and two vacant mobile homes were damaged along the path, with minor damage to one residence.

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

More

Every storm in Oklahoma in 2018Every state in 2018This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Oklahoma, 2018Warnings in Oklahoma, May 2018

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: 750620, 750621, 750622, 750623, 750624, 759128, 759130, 750626, 750627, 750629, 759132, 750630, 750632, 750633, 750634, 759646, 750635, 759133, 759146, 759135, 750636, 750637, 750638, 759137, 750717, 759140, 750718, 750720, 759147, 750721, 759148, 750722, 759150, 759151, 750723, 750724, 759153, 759154, 750725, 759156, and more.