Tornadoes and Hail in Oklahoma, October 20, 2019

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in Oklahoma, October 20, 2019
Start: 2019-10-20T18:59
End: 2019-10-20T22:40
Location: Oklahoma

October 20, 2019 · NWS OUN · 39 events in 13 counties and zones

A strong upper wave and a cold front initiated numerous thunderstorms with a variety of severe hazards on the evening of the 20th.

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: $39,000
Crop damage: $1,000
Events: 39

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 strong upper wave and a cold front initiated numerous thunderstorms with a variety of severe hazards on the evening of the 20th.

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 Oct 20, 5:09 PM CST, 1 hour 50 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Oct 20, 5:09 PM CST, 1 hour 50 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Norman OK
609 PM CDT Sun Oct 20 2019

.AVIATION...
A wind shift from the NNW will accompany a cold front over the
next several hours for all terminals. In addition, thunderstorms
are expected to develop along this cold front mainly near OKC/OUN
and PNC. Some hail will be possible and will monitor closely for
amendments. Most of the showers and storms should move out of the
terminals after 04Z. Some LLWS will also be possible behind the
front around 08-12Z early Mon morning.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Oklahoma City OK  48  69  41  71 /  40   0   0   0
Hobart OK         46  72  39  73 /  10   0   0   0
Wichita Falls TX  50  74  43  75 /  40   0   0   0
Gage OK           41  68  35  71 /  10   0   0   0
Ponca City OK     47  67  38  67 /  20   0   0   0
Durant OK         53  74  44  74 /  90   0   0   0

&&

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

99/99/03

Hazardous weather outlook, Oct 20, 11:01 AM CST, 7 hours 58 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Norman OK
1201 PM CDT Sun Oct 20 2019

OKZ004>048-050>052-TXZ083>090-211715-
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-
1201 PM CDT Sun Oct 20 2019

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

.DAY ONE...Through Tonight...

.Thunderstorms...

There is an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms this evening and
tonight across east-central and southeast Oklahoma, including the
area southeast of a line from Seminole to Ada and Sulphur to
Ardmore. There is a slight risk extending northwest to a line from
Chandler and Pauls Valley to Waurika with a marginal risk northwest
to a Ripley and Choctaw to Norman and Wichita Falls line.

Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected ahead of a cold front
this evening and tonight, mainly after 7 pm, across portions of
east-central and southeast Oklahoma. Significant hail (greater
than 2 inches in diameter), damaging wind gusts, and isolated
tornadoes are possible with these storms. The greatest tornado
potential will be in the enhanced risk area.

.SPOTTER AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STATEMENT...

Storm spotter groups and emergency management personnel should
prepare for severe weather operations after 7 PM.

.Fire Weather...
Low relative humidity (15-30 percent) and breezy southerly winds
(15-25 miles per hour) will create an elevated fire weather
environment day across western Oklahoma and western north Texas
today.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday...

.Thunderstorms...
There is a chance for isolated thunderstorms on Thursday. Storms
are not expected to be severe.

.Fire Weather...
Elevated fire weather conditions are expected across western
Oklahoma and western sections of north Texas on Monday afternoon.

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

Thompson

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Oct 20, 6:13 PM CST, 46 minutes before

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Special weather statement, Oct 20, 6:37 PM CST, 22 minutes before

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Special weather statement, Oct 20, 6:38 PM CST, 21 minutes before

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Special weather statement, Oct 20, 6:41 PM CST, 18 minutes before

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Special weather statement, Oct 20, 6:47 PM CST, 12 minutes before

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Special weather statement, Oct 20, 6:52 PM CST, 7 minutes before

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The radar

The Norman radar (KTLX), 41 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 00:59 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

22 hail, 15 thunderstorm wind, 2 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Oklahoma

When: October 20, 6:59 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 2.35 mi WSW of Edmond
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.640, -97.520

From Mping.

Hail, Kay

When: October 20, 7:26 PM CST
Where: Kay County, 4.29 mi NNW of Blackwell Tonkawa Muni Arpt
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 36.800, -97.370

Hail, Kay

When: October 20, 7:26 PM CST
Where: Kay County, 3.6 mi WNW of Blackwell
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.820, -97.340

From Mping.

Hail, Marshall

When: October 20, 7:38 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 0.9 mi NW of Kingston
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.010, -96.730

Hail, Garvin

When: October 20, 7:40 PM CST
Where: Garvin County, 3.97 mi W of Stratford
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.800, -97.030

Thunderstorm Wind, Stephens

When: October 20, 7:44 PM CST
Where: Stephens County, 0.69 mi S of Marlow
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.640, -97.960

Hail, Johnston

When: October 20, 7:45 PM CST
Where: Johnston County, Fillmore
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.270, -96.500

Hail, Marshall

When: October 20, 7:45 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 5.16 mi W of Kingston
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.000, -96.810

Hail, Marshall

When: October 20, 7:45 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 2.07 mi N of Kingston
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.030, -96.720

Location estimated by radar.

Hail, Lincoln

When: October 20, 7:50 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, Chandler
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.710, -96.880

Estimated from picture on Twitter. Time estimated from radar.

Hail, Johnston

When: October 20, 7:55 PM CST
Where: Johnston County, Milburn
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 34.240, -96.550

Estimated size from Twitter.

Hail, Lincoln

When: October 20, 7:57 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 1.82 mi WSW of Kendrick
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.780, -96.800

From Mping.

Hail, Seminole

When: October 20, 8:02 PM CST
Where: Seminole County, Seminole
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.230, -96.680

Time estimated from radar...Size estimated from photo on Twitter.

Hail, Seminole

When: October 20, 8:03 PM CST
Where: Seminole County, Seminole
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.230, -96.680

Hail, Lincoln

When: October 20, 8:05 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, Prague
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.490, -96.690

Hail, Logan

When: October 20, 8:05 PM CST
Where: Logan County, 7.79 mi ESE of Seward
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.760, -97.360

From Mping.

Hail, Pottawatomie

When: October 20, 8:05 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 2.15 mi NNE of Brooksville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.230, -96.960

From Mping.

Hail, Seminole

When: October 20, 8:09 PM CST
Where: Seminole County, 4.15 mi N of Lima
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.230, -96.600

From Mping.

Hail, Payne

When: October 20, 8:11 PM CST
Where: Payne County, Cushing
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.980, -96.760

Estimated from radar.

Hail, Kay

When: October 20, 8:16 PM CST
Where: Kay County, Blackwell
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 36.800, -97.280

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: October 20, 8:20 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 3.06 mi SE of Warr Acres
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.490, -97.580

Four to six inch diameter tree limbs down. 1-2 inch limbs scattered around neighborhood. Time estimated from radar.

Hail, Oklahoma

When: October 20, 8:44 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 2.64 mi WSW of (Tik)tinker Afb
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.390, -97.430

Thunderstorm Wind, Pottawatomie

When: October 20, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, Asher
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 34.990, -96.920

Photo of metal shed debris.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pontotoc

When: October 20, 9:01 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, 11.41 mi NNW of Vanoss
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.920, -96.920

Sheet metal and wooden debris on the ground. Time of damage estimated by radar.

Tornado, Pontotoc

When: October 20, 9:01 PM CST to 9:02 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, 10.74 mi NNW of Vanoss
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.25 mi
Path width: 150 yd
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 34.910, -96.920

Known damage from this tornado was located about 5 miles south of Asher or about 10 miles southwest of Konowa in extreme northwestern Ponotoc County. A barn was destroyed and a couple of other farm buildings were damaged near the intersection of State Highway 3W and County Road 1450. Otherwise, the path occurred in areas inaccessible by road.

Tornado, Seminole

When: October 20, 9:12 PM CST to 9:15 PM CST
Where: Seminole County, 1.83 mi WSW of Vamoosa to 0.69 mi N of Vamoosa
Rating: EF1
Path length: 2.8 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 34.980, -96.700

Several wooden power poles were snapped and trees were damaged along County Road EW 1400 to the west of State Highway 99. The tornado moved east and then turned northeast after crossing State Highway 99 where additional tree damage was observed. Other potential portions of this tornado path were also in areas inaccessible by road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Garvin

When: October 20, 9:15 PM CST
Where: Garvin County, 0.57 mi W of Stratford
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.800, -96.970

Power out across town. Estimate of 60-70 mph winds and nickel size hail. Time estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Seminole

When: October 20, 9:25 PM CST
Where: Seminole County, Sasakwa
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 34.950, -96.530

Outdoor storage shed destroyed...Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pontotoc

When: October 20, 9:30 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, 6.93 mi N of Vanoss
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.860, -96.860

Large carport blown onto county Rd 3450...Time estimated from radar.

Hail, Pontotoc

When: October 20, 9:33 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, 8.11 mi NNE of Vanoss
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.870, -96.820

Hail, Garvin

When: October 20, 9:35 PM CST
Where: Garvin County, 3.45 mi S of Stratford
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.750, -96.960

Thunderstorm Wind, Hughes

When: October 20, 9:40 PM CST
Where: Hughes County, 2.91 mi ESE of Holdenville
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.070, -96.350

Thunderstorm Wind, Marshall

When: October 20, 10:05 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 5.35 mi NNW of Lebanon
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.050, -96.950

Thunderstorm Wind, Pontotoc

When: October 20, 10:10 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, 0.57 mi W of Fitzhugh
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.670, -96.780

Large tree limbs downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pontotoc

When: October 20, 10:11 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, 2.19 mi SE of Fitzhugh
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.650, -96.740

Power line downed across county road 3610. Time estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Johnston

When: October 20, 10:20 PM CST
Where: Johnston County, 0.69 mi N of Emet
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.210, -96.540

Large tree downed in Emet area. Time estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marshall

When: October 20, 10:33 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 2.68 mi WSW of Woodville
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.950, -96.690

Four power poles downed on SH 70B. Time estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marshall

When: October 20, 10:35 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 1.5 mi SSE of Little City
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.070, -96.600

Mobile home roof damage and a power pole down in the Cumberland area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pontotoc

When: October 20, 10:40 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, 5.61 mi NNW of Stonewall
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Crop damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.720, -96.580

Tree and hay bale damage reported.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Oklahoma in 2019 Every state in 2019 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Oklahoma, 2019 Warnings in Oklahoma, October 2019

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 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 858203, 858204, 858205, 858206, 858207, 858208, 858209, 858210, 858211, 858212, 858213, 858214, 858215, 858216, 858217, 858218, 858219, 858220, 858223, 858224, 858225, 858227, 858229, 858230, 858541, 858542, 858231, 858427, 858428, 858425, 858426, 858435, 858436, 858429, 858430, 858431, 858432, 858433, 858434.