Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Oklahoma, May 4 to 12, 2022

Name: Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Oklahoma, May 4 to 12, 2022
Start: 2022-05-04T07:14
End: 2022-05-12T21:30
Location: Oklahoma

May 4 to 12, 2022 · NWS TSA · 43 events in 13 counties and zones

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: $2.1 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 43

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 TSA wrote it up.

A strong storm system slowly moved from the central Rockies into the Southern and Central Plains on the 4th and 5th. The associated surface frontal boundary located over northern Texas early on the 4th moved north into central Oklahoma as a warm front by the late afternoon, and then near the Kansas border on the 5th ahead of a cold front. The first round of thunderstorms developed over eastern Oklahoma during the morning hours of the 4th. These thunderstorms were rooted above a shallow, stable layer of air near the ground, and the strongest storms produced hail up to penny size. Another round of thunderstorms developed during the early evening hours. The storms over northeastern Oklahoma were rooted above a shallow, stable layer of air near the ground, and produced large hail up to half dollar size. The thunderstorms that developed over east central Oklahoma near the warm front were rooted near the ground. These storms were able to become supercells, given the moderately strong instability that had developed during the afternoon, combined with strong deep layer wind shear. The low-level wind shear had become strong near the warm front itself, which supported the development of a few tornadoes. Thunderstorms continued to develop across the area during the overnight hours of the 4th and early morning hours of the 5th, which resulted in locally heavy rainfall and flash flooding. The final round of thunderstorms developed during the early afternoon of the 5th, with the strongest storms producing hail up to quarter size.

Widespread, heavy rainfall during this period resulted in three to eight inches of rain across much of east central and northeastern Oklahoma, with areas of up to twelve inches. In addition to the flash flooding, this widespread, heavy rainfall resulted in major flooding along portions of the Neosho River, the Illinois River, the Deep Fork River, and Baron Fork Creek, as well as moderate flooding along portions of Polecat Creek, and the Poteau River.

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 Tulsa, OK wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 4, 5:24 AM CST, 1 hour 50 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 4, 5:24 AM CST, 1 hour 50 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tulsa OK
624 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

...New AVIATION...

.SHORT TERM...
(Today and Tonight)
Issued at 345 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

Warm front currently aligned south of the Interstate 20 corridor
through central TX and arcing northeastward toward the Arklatex
region. Broad low level jet and associated warm advection is
ongoing supporting recent development of isolated showers across
the local region. This trend will continue through early morning
while the warm front steadily lifts northward. Guidance widely varies
in the extent of convection through early afternoon and confidence
is low in the coverage of any stronger storms / heavier rains
during this time.
A notable and more likely uptick in convective coverage is
expected to begin by mid afternoon and become widespread through
the overnight hours. The warm front is likely to advance into SE
OK and possibly north of Interstate 40 through E OK by late
afternoon. Much of the northward advance will be determined by the
extent of morning convection. Storms will develop well west of the
region along the dryline by mid afternoon, however additional
development eastward through the warm sector is also possible. The
moisture rich warm sector airmass characterized by mean mixing
ratios of 12-14g/kg will have minimal remaining inhibition by mid
afternoon while the influence from the subtropical jet streak
rotating northward ahead of the approaching upper low fosters lift
across the warm sector. Should these further eastward storms
develop, a NE storm motion would track into E OK and interact
with the lifting warm front to support a risk of significant
severe weather. The further westward storm development is likely
to grow upscale as it approaches the forecast area during the
evening and likely bring an increase in severe weather coverage as
it expands across the forecast area. Renewed convection may also
develop overnight along the advancing cold front and accelerate
eastward through any yet overturned instability. This prolonged
convective period will yield heavy rainfall and localized
excessive and potentially dangerous rainfall totals through the
overnight hours.

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Thursday through Tuesday)
Issued at 345 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

Storms are likely to be ongoing early Thursday well ahead of the
approaching cold front. The degree of destabilization ahead of the
front by afternoon remains uncertain given the early day storms,
however any additional redevelopment by early afternoon along the
front would pose a continued risk of severe weather before the
front pushes east of the forecast area by late afternoon.

Cooler and drier weather Friday before return flow begins
Saturday. A stark airmass change will occur over the weekend with
both temperatures and dewpoints rising well above recent levels
and more typical of early summer. This will occur as the pattern
aloft becomes highly amplified with a sharp dryline becoming
established west of the area and likely focusing the bulk of any
storm coverage through mid next week west and northward.

&&

.AVIATION...
(12Z TAFS)
Issued at 619 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

MVFR cigs will prevail through the period, however cigs/vsbys
will lower to IFR at times in areas of thunder that will become
more widespread later this afternoon and evening. TSRA will impact
all sites by 06z and continue through the remainder of the
period with MVFR/IFR cigs/vsbys.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
TUL   69  61  75  53 /  90 100  70  10
FSM   73  63  76  56 /  50  80  90  40
MLC   74  63  76  53 /  70  90  80  10
BVO   66  60  74  52 /  90 100  70  20
FYV   71  60  74  53 /  50  90  90  40
BYV   64  57  73  54 /  60  90  90  50
MKO   69  61  74  52 /  70  90  80  10
MIO   65  58  73  53 /  80 100  90  30
F10   71  62  74  51 /  80  90  70  10
HHW   79  64  77  54 /  60  80  90  10

&&

.TSA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
OK...Flood Watch through Thursday afternoon for OKZ049-053>076.

AR...Flood Watch through Thursday afternoon for ARZ001-002-010-011-
     019-020-029.

&&

SHORT TERM...07
LONG TERM....07
AVIATION...23

Hazardous weather outlook, May 4, 4:01 AM CST, 3 hours 13 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Tulsa OK
501 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

ARZ001-002-010-011-019-020-029-OKZ049-053>076-051015-
Adair OK-Benton AR-Carroll AR-Cherokee OK-Choctaw OK-Craig OK-
Crawford AR-Creek OK-Delaware OK-Franklin AR-Haskell OK-Latimer OK-
Le Flore OK-Madison AR-Mayes OK-McIntosh OK-Muskogee OK-Nowata OK-
Okfuskee OK-Okmulgee OK-Osage OK-Ottawa OK-Pawnee OK-Pittsburg OK-
Pushmataha OK-Rogers OK-Sebastian AR-Sequoyah OK-Tulsa OK-Wagoner OK-
Washington OK-Washington AR-
501 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

...Severe Weather And Flooding Risks Today Through Thursday...

This Outlook is for Northwest and West Central Arkansas as well as
much of Eastern Oklahoma.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.
TORNADO.
	RISK...Elevated.
	AREA...Primarily Eastern Oklahoma.
	ONSET...After 3 PM.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM.
	RISK...Significant.
	AREA...Eastern Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas.
	ONSET...Late Morning.

	AREA AT GREATEST RISK...Eastern Oklahoma.

FLASH FLOOD.
	RISK...Elevated.
	AREA...Eastern Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas.
	ONSET...Late Afternoon.

DISCUSSION...
Thunderstorms will develop this morning with a limited risk
of severe weather and heavy rainfall primarily across
northeast Oklahoma. A steady increase in storm coverage is
expected beginning mid afternoon with storms becoming widespread
this evening through the overnight hours. A focus for
severe weather will be a warm front lifting northward into
the region. Conditions along and south of the warm front
will be highly supportive of severe weather later this
afternoon and overnight. Any isolated storms that develop
and move into this environment will pose a risk of
significant severe weather including tornadoes. A larger
area of storms is likely to spread into the region by
late evening with a risk of locally damaging winds and
possibly tornadoes continuing into the overnight hours.
The prolonged period of storms from late afternoon
through overnight will raise the potential for dangerous
flooding.

SPOTTER AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACTION STATEMENT...
Activation of the Regional Spotter Network Expected.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.
THURSDAY...Severe Thunderstorm and Heavy Rain Potential.
FRIDAY through SUNDAY...No Hazards.
MONDAY...High Wind Potential.
TUESDAY...Thunderstorm Potential...High Wind Potential.

EXTENDED DISCUSSION...
Severe weather could be ongoing early Thursday morning
and storms may also redevelop Thursday afternoon along
an advancing cold front. While uncertainty remains in
the coverage of storms by Thursday afternoon, any storms
which do develop would pose a risk of severe weather.

Dry and mild weather prevails Friday before a notable
change occurs over the weekend. Hot and humid conditions
will develop Sunday and persist through early next week.
The early season heat often raises potential for heat
stress for any outdoor activities.

weather.gov/tulsa contains additional information.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 4, 6:33 AM CST, 41 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tulsa OK
733 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

OKZ064-041300-
Creek OK-
733 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Creek County
through 800 AM CDT...

At 733 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm near
Depew, moving northeast at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.

Locations in or near the path include...
Bristow...                        Kellyville...

This includes Interstate 44 between mile markers 185 and 206.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3607 9629 3608 9628 3593 9613 3575 9645
      3588 9656
TIME...MOT...LOC 1233Z 229DEG 30KT 3583 9649

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH

Special weather statement, May 4, 6:45 AM CST, 29 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tulsa OK
745 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

OKZ054-060-041300-
Tulsa OK-Osage OK-
745 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Osage
and northeastern Tulsa Counties through 800 AM CDT...

At 745 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm 6 miles
north of Sand Springs, moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.

Locations in or near the path include...
Tulsa...                          Sand Springs...
Owasso...                         Skiatook...
Sperry...                         Turley...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3628 9581 3613 9611 3627 9625 3643 9600
      3642 9596
TIME...MOT...LOC 1245Z 231DEG 26KT 3622 9610

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH

Special weather statement, May 4, 6:54 AM CST, 20 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tulsa OK
754 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

OKZ064-041345-
Creek OK-
754 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern Creek
County through 845 AM CDT...

At 753 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm 3 miles
south of Davenport, moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down small tree limbs and blow
         around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects
         is possible.

Locations in or near the path include...
Depew...                          Shamrock...
Milfay...

This includes Interstate 44 between mile markers 178 and 188.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3590 9662 3595 9656 3574 9635 3564 9654
      3564 9662
TIME...MOT...LOC 1253Z 231DEG 25KT 3565 9675

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Special weather statement, May 4, 6:55 AM CST, 19 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tulsa OK
755 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

OKZ060-064-041345-
Tulsa OK-Creek OK-
755 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern Creek
and central Tulsa Counties through 845 AM CDT...

At 755 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm 3 miles
northwest of Kellyville, moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down small tree limbs and blow
         around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects
         is possible.

Locations in or near the path include...
Tulsa...                          Sand Springs...
Sapulpa...                        Jenks...
Kellyville...                     Jenks Riverside Airport...
Gray...

This includes Interstate 44 between mile markers 196 and 224.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3616 9615 3616 9603 3607 9589 3584 9629
      3597 9645
TIME...MOT...LOC 1255Z 230DEG 25KT 3596 9626

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Special weather statement, May 4, 6:59 AM CST, 15 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tulsa OK
759 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

OKZ060-067-041345-
Tulsa OK-Wagoner OK-
759 AM CDT Wed May 4 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Wagoner
and southeastern Tulsa Counties through 845 AM CDT...

At 759 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm 4 miles
southwest of Bixby, moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down small tree limbs and blow
         around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects
         is possible.

Locations in or near the path include...
Tulsa...                          Broken Arrow...
Bixby...                          Jenks...
Glenpool...                       Coweta...
Oneta...                          Liberty...
Leonard...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3599 9603 3615 9575 3602 9558 3585 9585
      3586 9599 3589 9603
TIME...MOT...LOC 1259Z 230DEG 25KT 3591 9594

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Local storm report, May 4, 7:01 AM CST, 13 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TULSA OK
801 AM CDT WED MAY 4 2022

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

0516 PM     TSTM WND DMG     2 E HOWE                34.95N 94.59W
05/02/2022                   LE FLORE           OK   NWS STORM SURVEY

            STRONG THUNDERSTORM WIND SNAPPED LARGE TREE
            LIMBS.

&&

EJC

The radar

The Tulsa radar (KINX), 40 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 13:15 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

16 hail, 14 flood, 7 flash flood, 3 tornado, 3 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Tulsa

When: May 4, 7:14 AM CST
Where: Tulsa County, 3.63 mi SSE of Jenks
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.974, -95.939

Hail, Tulsa

When: May 4, 5:04 PM CST
Where: Tulsa County, 3.73 mi W of Wekiwa
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 36.157, -96.246

Hail, Tulsa

When: May 4, 5:07 PM CST
Where: Tulsa County, 1.31 mi ESE of Sand Spgs
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.140, -96.100

Half dollar size hail damaged homes, businesses, and vehicles.

Hail, Osage

When: May 4, 5:08 PM CST
Where: Osage County, 2.65 mi NW of Sand Spgs
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.179, -96.150

Quarter size hail was reported at the Sand Springs Pogue Airport.

Hail, Creek

When: May 4, 6:15 PM CST
Where: Creek County, 2.36 mi NNW of Bellvue
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.930, -96.400

Flood, Adair

When: May 4, 6:15 PM CST to May 6, 10:15 PM CST
Where: Adair County, 0.89 mi NW of Chewey to 1.12 mi N of Chewey
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 36.110, -94.780

The Illinois River near Chewey rose above its flood stage of 12 feet at 7:15 pm CDT on May 4th. The river crested at 28.85 feet at 8:30 pm CDT on the 5th, resulting in major flooding. This was the fourth highest crest on record at this site. Disastrous flooding occurred from Fidler's Bend to near Hanging Rock, with numerous roads inundated and permanent campgrounds and cabins overtopped. Monetary damage from this flood was unknown. The river fell below flood stage at 11:15 pm CDT on the 6th.

Tornado, Okfuskee

When: May 4, 6:30 PM CST to 6:49 PM CST
Where: Okfuskee County, 3.44 mi W of Bearden to 2.53 mi WNW of Okemah
Rating: EF1
Path length: 8.9 mi
Path width: 1,350 yd
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.351, -96.441

This tornado developed in Seminole County, and produced damage in Cromwell before moving into Okfuskee County. It crossed into Okfuskee County about a mile northeast of Cromwell, or about four miles west of Bearden, and moved east-northeast damaging trees. The tornado enlarged and turned more northeast as it approached the E1130 Road, where the tree damage increased with numerous uprooted and snapped trees through where it crossed Highway 48 with a damage path width of about 3/4 of a mile wide. Outbuildings were also damaged. A gas station received minor damage where it crossed I-40. The tornado continued north-northeast producing light tree damage across the E1100 Road and Highway 56, then dissipated before it reached Highway 62 northwest of Okemah. Based on this damage, maximum estimated wind in this segment of the tornado was 105 to 110 mph.

Tornado, Okfuskee

When: May 4, 6:44 PM CST to 6:45 PM CST
Where: Okfuskee County, 3.43 mi NE of Bearden to 3.34 mi SW of Okemah
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.4 mi
Path width: 150 yd
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.390, -96.344

This tornado uprooted a few trees, and snapped large tree limbs. Based on this damage, maximum estimated wind in the tornado was 90 to 95 mph.

Hail, Okmulgee

When: May 4, 7:32 PM CST
Where: Okmulgee County, 4.45 mi SW of Nuyaka
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.600, -96.180

Flash Flood, Okmulgee

When: May 4, 7:57 PM CST to 10:45 PM CST
Where: Okmulgee County, 1.43 mi S of Nuyaka to 1.31 mi S of Nuyaka
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.630, -96.125

Portions of Highway 56 west of Okmulgee were impassable due to flooding.

Thunderstorm Wind, Okmulgee

When: May 4, 8:04 PM CST
Where: Okmulgee County, 2.35 mi WSW of Okmulgee
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.620, -96.010

Strong thunderstorm wind blew down a tree onto Highway 56.

Flash Flood, Okmulgee

When: May 4, 8:17 PM CST to May 5, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Okmulgee County, Okmulgee to 1.51 mi SSW of Okmulgee
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.630, -95.970

Emergency management reported widespread flooding in Okmulgee. About 35 homes were damaged from flooding, and 50 swift water rescues were made for people trapped in flooded homes and vehicles. Monetary damage from the flood was unknown.

Hail, Okfuskee

When: May 4, 8:26 PM CST
Where: Okfuskee County, Okemah
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.430, -96.300

Flood, Okmulgee

When: May 4, 8:30 PM CST to May 12, 9:30 PM CST
Where: Okmulgee County, 0.56 mi E of Preston to 4.71 mi ENE of Hoffman
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.720, -95.970

The Deep Fork River near Beggs rose above its flood stage of 18 feet at 9:30 pm CDT on May 4th. The river crested at 30.94 feet at 8:45 am CDT on the 6th, resulting in major flooding. This was the fifth highest crest on record at this site. Disastrous flooding occurred with homes flooded northwest of Okmulgee, and county roads inundated. Monetary damage from this flood was unknown. The river fell below flood stage at 10:30 pm CDT on the 12th.

Flood, Cherokee

When: May 4, 8:45 PM CST to May 7, 7:45 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, Tahlequah to 1.32 mi SSE of Moodys
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.920, -94.970

The Illinois River near Tahlequah rose above its flood stage of 11 feet at 9:45 pm CDT on May 4th. The river crested at 27.53 feet at 5:00 am CDT on the 6th, resulting in major flooding. This was the fourth highest crest on record at this site. Disastrous flooding occurred from near Hanging Rock to the headwaters of Lake Tenkiller. Highway 10 was flooded and closed to its intersection with Highway 51. Many cabins and parks were inundated. Monetary damage from this flood was unknown. The river fell below flood stage at 8:45 pm CDT on the 7th.

Hail, Okfuskee

When: May 4, 8:48 PM CST
Where: Okfuskee County, 4.96 mi ESE of Bearden
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.320, -96.300

Thunderstorm Wind, Okfuskee

When: May 4, 8:50 PM CST
Where: Okfuskee County, 0.98 mi E of Okemah Arpt
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.432, -96.263

The Oklahoma Mesonet station near Okemah measured 63 mph thunderstorm wind gusts.

Hail, Okmulgee

When: May 4, 9:09 PM CST
Where: Okmulgee County, 3.96 mi WNW of Coalton
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.510, -96.030

Thunderstorm Wind, Okmulgee

When: May 4, 9:09 PM CST
Where: Okmulgee County, 3.96 mi WNW of Coalton
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.510, -96.030

Thunderstorm wind gusts were estimated to 60 mph.

Flash Flood, Mayes

When: May 4, 10:00 PM CST to May 5, 2:30 AM CST
Where: Mayes County, 1 mi SW of Pryor to 1.56 mi WSW of Pryor
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.290, -95.333

Portions of W 500 Road were closed between 9th Street and S 430 Road due to flooding.

Flash Flood, Mayes

When: May 4, 10:00 PM CST to May 5, 2:30 AM CST
Where: Mayes County, 2.56 mi S of Pryor to 2.59 mi S of Pryor
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.264, -95.327

County Road 520 was flooded and closed between Elliott Road and Oakwood Road on the south side of Pryor.

Flood, Adair

When: May 5, 12:45 AM CST to May 6, 3:00 PM CST
Where: Adair County, 3.05 mi NW of Watts to 1.67 mi NNE of Watts
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 36.150, -94.610

The Illinois River near Watts rose above its flood stage of 13 feet at 1:45 am CDT on May 5th. The river crested at 27.50 feet at 2:30 pm CDT on the 5th, resulting in major flooding. This was the fourth highest crest on record at this site. Disastrous flooding occurred from the Arkansas border to Fidler's Bend, with many permanent campgrounds and cabins overtopped. Monetary damage from this flood was unknown. The river fell below flood stage at 4:00 pm CDT on the 6th.

Tornado, Pittsburg

When: May 5, 1:09 AM CST to 1:13 AM CST
Where: Pittsburg County, 0.37 mi ENE of Blocker to 1.21 mi W of Featherston
Rating: EF1
Path length: 2.4 mi
Path width: 450 yd
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.072, -95.564

This tornado snapped a few trees, uprooted a number of trees, and damaged several outbuildings. Based on this damage, maximum estimated wind in the tornado was 90 to 95 mph.

Flash Flood, Sequoyah

When: May 5, 1:45 AM CST to 5:00 AM CST
Where: Sequoyah County, Vian to 0.17 mi ESE of Vian
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.500, -94.970

Portions of Highway 64 were flooded and closed.

Flash Flood, Adair

When: May 5, 2:19 AM CST to 3:45 AM CST
Where: Adair County, 1 mi NNW of Bunch to 1.42 mi NNW of Bunch
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.693, -94.777

Portions of S 4637 Road were flooded.

Flood, Ottawa

When: May 5, 3:00 AM CST to May 9, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Ottawa County, 2.85 mi ENE of Narcissa to 2.98 mi WNW of North Miami
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 36.810, -94.880

The Neosho River near Commerce rose above its flood stage of 15 feet at 4:00 am CDT on May 5th. The river crested at 20.87 feet at 11:45 am CDT on the 7th, resulting in moderate flooding. Riverview Park in Miami was flooded, and considerable agricultural flooding occurred. Portions of Highway 125 were flooded and closed. The river fell below flood stage at 10:00 pm CDT on the 9th.

Flood, Creek

When: May 5, 4:00 AM CST to May 6, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Creek County, 1.49 mi SSE of Sapulpa to 1.49 mi ESE of Sapulpa
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.980, -96.090

Polecat Creek near Sapulpa rose above its flood stage of 21 feet at 5:00 am CDT on May 5th. The river crested at 26.50 feet at 1:30 pm CDT on the 5th, resulting in moderate flooding. Moderate flooding of pasture lands occurred between Sapulpa and Jenks. Several rural roads and outbuildings were flooded. Monetary damage from this flood was unknown. The river fell below flood stage at 7:00 pm CDT on the 6th.

Flood, Ottawa

When: May 5, 4:15 AM CST to May 8, 11:30 PM CST
Where: Ottawa County, 2.84 mi ESE of Hockerville to 0.88 mi NNW of Peoria
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 36.990, -94.730

The Spring River near Quapaw rose above its flood stage of 20 feet at 5:15 am CDT on May 5th. The river crested at 31.98 feet at 2:30 am CDT on the 7th, resulting in major flooding. Agricultural land and county roads were flooded to a depth of several feet. Monetary damage from this flood was unknown. The river fell below flood stage at 12:30 am CDT on the 9th.

Flood, Cherokee

When: May 5, 4:15 AM CST to 3:30 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 2.15 mi NNW of Standing Rock to 3.43 mi NNW of Robbins
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.780, -94.930

Baron Fork Creek near Eldon rose above its flood stage of 18 feet at 5:15 am CDT on May 5th. The river crested at 27.89 feet at 8:00 am CDT on the 5th, resulting in major flooding. This was the second highest crest on record at this site. Disastrous flooding occurred, with many permanent campgrounds and cabins overtopped. Monetary damage from this flood was unknown. The river fell below flood stage at 4:30 pm CDT on the 5th.

Flood, Sequoyah

When: May 5, 7:40 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Sequoyah County, 4.77 mi W of Blackgum to 4.55 mi W of Blackgum
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 35.621, -95.085

Portions of Indian Road north of Highway 10A were completely washed out. Monetary damage from this flood was unknown.

Flood, Okfuskee

When: May 5, 7:45 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Okfuskee County, 1 mi W of Mason to 0.4 mi WSW of Mason
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.570, -96.388

Portions of Mason Road east of Highway 48 were washed out. Monetary damage from this flood was unknown.

Flood, Creek

When: May 5, 8:38 AM CST to 2:00 PM CST
Where: Creek County, 1 mi NNW of Depew to 1.11 mi NNW of Depew
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.813, -96.507

Cropland and portions of several county roads were flooded.

Flood, Mayes

When: May 5, 9:12 AM CST to 2:00 PM CST
Where: Mayes County, 1 mi SSW of Spavinaw to 1.15 mi W of Spavinaw
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.367, -95.057

Portions of Highway 82 south of Spavinaw were flooded and closed.

Flood, Le Flore

When: May 5, 10:45 AM CST to May 6, 5:15 AM CST
Where: Le Flore County, 0.57 mi W of Shady Pt to 1.49 mi W of Cameron
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.130, -94.680

The Poteau River near Poteau rose above its flood stage of 24 feet at 11:45 am CDT on May 5th. The river crested at 26.68 feet at 6:15 pm CDT on the 5th, resulting in moderate flooding. Croplands and county roads were inundated by flood water. The river fell below flood stage at 6:15 am CDT on the 6th.

Flash Flood, Tulsa

When: May 5, 11:15 AM CST to 1:00 PM CST
Where: Tulsa County, 2.14 mi SSW of Bixby to 0.82 mi S of Bixby
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $2.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.921, -95.895

Flooding in Bixby damaged at least 37 homes and four businesses, and flooded roads. Much of the damage was in a neighborhood south of Highway 64 and west of S Mingo Road.

Hail, Okmulgee

When: May 5, 11:24 AM CST
Where: Okmulgee County, 0.69 mi S of Okmulgee
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.620, -95.970

Hail, Pittsburg

When: May 5, 12:35 PM CST
Where: Pittsburg County, 0.75 mi ESE of Haileyville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.845, -95.558

Hail, Tulsa

When: May 5, 1:21 PM CST
Where: Tulsa County, 2.33 mi N of Alsuma
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.133, -95.865

Hail, Tulsa

When: May 5, 1:21 PM CST
Where: Tulsa County, 2.35 mi NNW of Alsuma
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 36.130, -95.890

Hail, Tulsa

When: May 5, 1:23 PM CST
Where: Tulsa County, 0.89 mi NW of Broken Arrow Cotton
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.130, -95.780

Hail, Tulsa

When: May 5, 1:35 PM CST
Where: Tulsa County, 2.07 mi S of Tulsa Young Arpt
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 36.100, -95.820

Hail, Muskogee

When: May 5, 1:43 PM CST
Where: Muskogee County, 0.69 mi S of Braggs
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.660, -95.200

Flood, Le Flore

When: May 5, 2:45 PM CST to May 8, 3:15 AM CST
Where: Le Flore County, 4.12 mi NNW of Arkoma to 2.68 mi N of Arkoma
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.400, -94.490

The Poteau River near Panama rose above its flood stage of 29 feet at 3:45 pm CDT on May 5th. The river crested at 36.20 feet at 4:45 pm CDT on the 6th, resulting in moderate flooding. Agricultural land was flooded from near Panama to near Arkoma, and county roads were closed. The river fell below flood stage at 4:15 am CDT on the 8th.

What these are

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.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
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.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Oklahoma in 2022 Every state in 2022 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Oklahoma, 2022 Warnings in Oklahoma, May 2022

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: 1027095, 1031421, 1031430, 1031427, 1031467, 1031883, 1031458, 1031463, 1031465, 1031820, 1031475, 1031854, 1031476, 1031903, 1031887, 1031479, 1031484, 1031487, 1031489, 1031857, 1031870, 1031877, 1031494, 1031878, 1031875, 1031862, 1031860, 1031865, 1031893, 1031882, 1031884, 1031885, 1031888, 1031897, 1033773, 1031506, 1031556, 1031567, 1031569, 1031599, and more.