Tornadoes and Hail in Oklahoma, February 26, 2023

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in Oklahoma, February 26, 2023
Start: 2023-02-26T17:40
End: 2023-02-26T23:35
Location: Oklahoma

February 26, 2023 · NWS OUN · 98 events in 34 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 5 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. 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: 1
Injuries: 15
Property damage: $52 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 98

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 powerful storm system, with highly anomalous magnitudes of wind shear and moisture for late February, impacted the forecast area on the evening of the 26th. A broken line of severe thunderstorms developed across the eastern Texas Panhandle/far western Oklahoma and quickly swept through much of the forecast area. Widespread wind damage, including gusts near 90 mph, along with a record number of tornadoes (13) for February occurred. Several reports of large hail were also received. Behind the line of thunderstorms, a tight pressure gradient and strong westerly low-level jet allowed widespread 50-60 mph winds gusts to continue through the late evening 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 Feb 26, 5:30 PM CST, 10 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 26, 5:30 PM CST, 10 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Norman OK
530 PM CST Sun Feb 26 2023

...New AVIATION...

.SHORT TERM...
(This evening through Monday)
Issued at 345 PM CST Sun Feb 26 2023

A remarkable, perhaps historic storm system, is currently
approaching our forecast area. Impacts of concern through tonight:

 - Severe thunderstorm wind gusts (greater than 80 mph) as storms
   move through west/central/north Oklahoma and parts of western
   north Texas
 - Severe (post-frontal) westerly winds gusting to 60 mph
   following the line of storms
 - Significant tornadoes and significant hail produced by severe
   storms as they track across northwest, west, west-central,
   southwest Oklahoma and portions of western north Texas

The potent mid/upper-level trough is currently approaching the
four corners region, as seen on latest water vapor loop. Observations
place the warm front near or just north of I-20 near the DFW
area, though the boundary is quickly approaching the Red River
with the Waurika mesonet station reporting 68 over 58 degrees.
This trend will continue with a warm and very moist air mass
advecting into Oklahoma through the afternoon and evening hours as
the trough approaches the plains.

Supercell thunderstorms are currently developing over the western
panhandles and far southwest Kansas. Storms will continue to
develop, march east, and reach our western counties around 5-7 PM.
SBCAPE values up to 1500 J/kg are prog'd (far southwest OK and
western north TX) with low to non-existent values farther north,
there is remarkable (and highly unusual) wind shear. This along
with rapid cooling aloft will aid in development/continuation of
supercell thunderstorms across western Oklahoma through the
evening. The higher tornado and large hail risk will accompany
these storms as they move across western Oklahoma before
transitioning to more of a derecho/wind event over west-
central/southwest/central Oklahoma this evening and into tonight.
However, QLCS tornadoes cannot be ruled out as storms move through
central Oklahoma.

Strong winds will continue behind the front and into the early
morning hours on Monday. Everyone should have a safety plan in
place by now, and by this evening:

 + People located in mobile homes should urgently plan to vacate
   to nearby/permanent structures
 + Have multiple ways to receive warnings as power outages appear
   quite possible with damaging winds
 + Charge digital devices and cell phones
 + Secure or put away loose items (e.g., trash cans, trampolines,
   grills, basketball goals)

As for tomorrow, more tranquil conditions are expected with sunny
skies and highs in the 60s and 70s.

Thompson

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Monday night through next Saturday)
Issued at 345 PM CST Sun Feb 26 2023

Above-average temperatures and dry conditions are expected
through Tuesday with elevated to near critical fire weather
conditions possible over western OK and western north TX. A cold
front arrives Tuesday night into Wednesday morning resulting in
somewhat cooler temperatures Wed/Thurs. There is a chance of a
rain/snow mix on Thursday for north/west Oklahoma, and central OK
Thursday night.

Thompson

&&

.AVIATION...
(00Z TAFS)
Issued at 526 PM CST Sun Feb 26 2023

IFR ceilings are hanging tough in central Oklahoma this evening
and will likely remain so until storms arrive later on. A line of
storms is expected to cross the entire area from 01z-07z, bringing
widespread strong wind gusts to the area, with many sites likely
to experience 50+ knot gusts from the west or southwest as the
line moves through. Winds will remain gusty behind the line
overnight but will slowly decrease through tomorrow morning.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Oklahoma City OK  45  71  40  71 / 100   0   0   0
Hobart OK         40  70  37  73 / 100   0   0   0
Wichita Falls TX  44  72  40  77 /  90   0   0   0
Gage OK           39  68  34  69 / 100   0   0   0
Ponca City OK     46  70  39  68 / 100   0   0   0
Durant OK         47  73  42  76 /  90   0   0   0

&&

.OUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
OK...Wind Advisory until 6 AM CST Monday for OKZ004>013-015-018>020-
     025-026-028>032-039>043-045>048-050>052.

     Wind Advisory until 6 PM CST this evening for OKZ014-016-017-
     021>024-027-033>038-044.

     Wind Advisory from 4 AM to 6 AM CST Monday for OKZ014-016-017-
     021>024-027-033>038-044.

     High Wind Warning until 4 AM CST Monday for OKZ014-016-017-
     021>024-027-033>038-044.

TX...Wind Advisory until 6 AM CST Monday for TXZ084-087>090.

     Wind Advisory until 6 PM CST this evening for TXZ083-085-086.

     Wind Advisory from 4 AM to 6 AM CST Monday for TXZ083-085-086.

     High Wind Warning until 4 AM CST Monday for TXZ083-085-086.

&&

SHORT TERM...01
LONG TERM....01
AVIATION...08

Hazardous weather outlook, Feb 26, 4:09 AM CST, 13 hours 31 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Norman OK
409 AM CST Sun Feb 26 2023

OKZ004>048-050>052-TXZ083>090-271015-
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-
409 AM CST Sun Feb 26 2023

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 of severe thunderstorms this evening
across portions of western Oklahoma and western north Texas. The
moderate risk is generally south of a line from Reydon to Waynoka
to Cherokee Oklahoma, and west of a line from Cherokee to Enid to
Piedmont to Lawton Oklahoma, and north of a line from Lawton
Oklahoma to Vernon and Crowell Texas. There is a slight and/or
enhanced risk of severe storms for the remainder of the area.

The primary threat will be damaging thunderstorm winds. Tornadoes
will also be possible early this evening across southwestern
Oklahoma and northwestern sections of north Texas with at least
some potential of a strong tornado. The tornado risk will continue
into the evening in areas farther north and east, although the
potential for strong tornadoes will be lower than in southwest
Oklahoma. Hail to the size of golf balls and locally heavy
rainfall will also be possible.

The most likely time for severe weather will be between 5 PM in
western Oklahoma and western north Texas spreading east and
exiting into eastern Oklahoma by 2 AM.

Thunderstorms are expected to develop in the eastern Texas
panhandle or far western Oklahoma late this afternoon. The wind
shear will be very strong across the area this evening and
instability will be sufficient that severe thunderstorms are
likely. Supercell storms will be possible late this afternoon and
early this evening with the potential of strong winds, hail, and
perhaps tornadoes, and strong tornadoes will be possible, mainly
in southwest Oklahoma and the adjacent part of north Texas.
The storms will eventually evolve into a line of storms, with
damaging thunderstorm winds being the primary threat. Tornadoes
will still be possible with any rotation that develops within this
line of storms, although the tornado threat will be lower than
with the initial thunderstorms.

These thunderstorms will be likely be moving at 60 to 80 mph
today, so be aware and take action quickly if a warning is issued.

.SPOTTER AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STATEMENT...

Storm spotter groups and emergency management personnel across
Oklahoma and north Texas should prepare for severe weather
operations late this afternoon and this evening.

.Strong winds...
After thunderstorms move though, strong non-thunderstorm winds
will still be likely Sunday evening into early Monday morning.

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

.Fire weather...
Fire weather conditions will be elevated across western Oklahoma
and western north Texas each afternoon from Monday through
Thursday due to warm temperatures and low afternoon relative
humidity. Near-critical conditions are expected in the far west
on Tuesday afternoon with stronger winds.

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

In the hours before

Local storm report, Feb 26, 5:11 PM CST, 29 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
511 PM CST SUN FEB 26 2023

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

0450 PM     NON-TSTM WND GST 3 SSW FREEDOM           36.73N 99.13W
02/26/2023  M50 MPH          WOODWARD           OK   MESONET

&&

The radar

The Vance AFB radar (KVNX), 108 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 00:57 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

56 thunderstorm wind, 20 hail, 17 tornado, 5 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.

High Wind, Woodward

When: February 26, 5:40 PM CST
Where: Woodward forecast zone
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 36.423, -99.265 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Beckham

When: February 26, 7:00 PM CST
Where: Beckham County, 4.19 mi ESE of Erick
Measured: 68 kt (78 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.190, -99.800

Tornado, Harmon

When: February 26, 7:08 PM CST to 7:14 PM CST
Where: Harmon County, 3.72 mi NW of Mc Knight to 2.65 mi SSE of Vinson
Rating: EFU
Path length: 7.5 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 34.810, -99.954

Two storm chasers observed a tornado south of Vinson crossing State Highway 30. No damage was observed, and the path of this tornado is estimated.

Tornado, Roger Mills

When: February 26, 7:13 PM CST to 7:18 PM CST
Where: Roger Mills County, 1.69 mi W of Cheyenne to 0.68 mi W of Strong City
Rating: EF2
Path length: 7 mi
Path width: 500 yd
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Injuries: 3 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.609, -99.700

A tornado touched down just south of State Highway 47 and just southwest of the Cheyenne cemetery. The tornado initially moved east-southeast, then turned northeast moving through the northwestern portion of Cheyenne including a portion of the Washita Battlefield. A number of mobile homes were destroyed both west of Cheyenne and also along US-283 north of Cheyenne. Other homes were also damaged along the path. One fatality occurred in a mobile home that was destroyed. The tornado continued moving northeast damaging trees, power poles and at least one outbuilding southwest of and immediately west of Strong City before dissipating. A photograph from one of the destroyed mobile homes near Cheyenne was recovered near Lambert, OK in Alfalfa County, about 100 miles northeast of Cheyenne.

Tornado, Beckham

When: February 26, 7:13 PM CST to 7:18 PM CST
Where: Beckham County, 4.95 mi SSW of Erick to 2.36 mi SE of Erick
Rating: EF1
Path length: 6 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.150, -99.918

A tornado was observed crossing State Highway 30 to the southwest of Erick. The tornado moved east-northeast and then northeast to the south and southeast of Erick. The Erick Fire Department observed damage to trees and a barn on E 1280 Road. As the tornado moved northeast, another barn was destroyed, and damage was observed to power poles and a pivot irrigator.

Thunderstorm Wind, Harmon

When: February 26, 7:15 PM CST
Where: Harmon County, 3.41 mi W of Gould
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.670, -99.830

Thunderstorm Wind, Beckham

When: February 26, 7:21 PM CST
Where: Beckham County, 3.39 mi SW of New Liberty
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.320, -99.755

Powerlines were reported down along Highway 152 west of Sayre. Time was estimated via radar.

Tornado, Greer

When: February 26, 7:23 PM CST to 7:34 PM CST
Where: Greer County, 2.75 mi NNE of Reed to 1.3 mi SE of Brinkman
Rating: EF1
Path length: 11 mi
Path width: 75 yd
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.937, -99.682

Greer County Emergency Management reported damage associated with a tornado that moved from north-northeast of Reed to just southeast of Brinkman. Power poles, trees and at least two barns were damaged by this tornado.

Hail, Greer

When: February 26, 7:28 PM CST
Where: Greer County, 1 mi SW of Mangum
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.870, -99.513

Thunderstorm Wind, Greer

When: February 26, 7:35 PM CST
Where: Greer County, 2.15 mi NNW of Hester
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.830, -99.440

Tornado, Kiowa

When: February 26, 7:45 PM CST to 7:54 PM CST
Where: Kiowa County, 2.72 mi E of Lone Wolf to 3.5 mi NNW of Hobart
Rating: EF1
Path length: 7.5 mi
Path width: 600 yd
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 34.987, -99.202

A large tornado was observed by spotters and chasers east of Lone Wolf, crossing State Highway 9 and moving northwest of Hobart. An NWS storm survey team found numerous trees and power poles damaged, and at least six barns or outbuildings damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When: February 26, 7:49 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, (Lts)altus Afb
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.660, -99.290

Thunderstorm Wind, Custer

When: February 26, 7:53 PM CST
Where: Custer County, 2.85 mi NE of Clinton
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 35.538, -98.933

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When: February 26, 7:55 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 3.08 mi NW of (Lts)altus Afb
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 34.690, -99.330

Thunderstorm Wind, Kiowa

When: February 26, 7:55 PM CST
Where: Kiowa County, (Hbr)hobart Airport
Measured: 67 kt (77 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.990, -99.050

Hail, Kiowa

When: February 26, 7:58 PM CST
Where: Kiowa County, 2 mi SE of Hobart
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.010, -99.075

Thunderstorm Wind, Kiowa

When: February 26, 7:58 PM CST
Where: Kiowa County, 0.89 mi NW of (Hbr)hobart Airport
Measured: 63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 35.000, -99.060

Thunderstorm Wind, Custer

When: February 26, 8:01 PM CST
Where: Custer County, Clinton
Measured: 67 kt (77 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 35.510, -98.970

Hail, Kiowa

When: February 26, 8:09 PM CST
Where: Kiowa County, 1.38 mi S of Hobart
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.010, -99.100

Thunderstorm Wind, Tillman

When: February 26, 8:10 PM CST
Where: Tillman County, 4 mi S of Tipton
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.442, -99.140

Hail, Caddo

When: February 26, 8:13 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 1 mi S of Carnegie
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.086, -98.600

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When: February 26, 8:15 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 3.08 mi NW of (Lts)altus Afb
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 34.690, -99.330

Hail, Caddo

When: February 26, 8:16 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, Carnegie
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.100, -98.600

Hail, Tillman

When: February 26, 8:19 PM CST
Where: Tillman County, Frederick
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.390, -99.020

Thunderstorm Wind, Caddo

When: February 26, 8:20 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 1.38 mi N of Ft Cobb Res Dam
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.180, -98.450

Wind damage to home and outbuilding along with utility lines down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Caddo

When: February 26, 8:25 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 2.03 mi N of Ft Cobb Res Dam
Measured: 74 kt (85 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.189, -98.444

Homes and barns were damaged about 1.5 to 2 miles north of Fort Cobb Lake Dam.

Thunderstorm Wind, Caddo

When: February 26, 8:30 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 0.89 mi SW of Ft Cobb Res Dam
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.150, -98.460

Thunderstorm Wind, Caddo

When: February 26, 8:30 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 6.75 mi W of Hinton
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.470, -98.480

Thunderstorm Wind, Caddo

When: February 26, 8:30 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 1.38 mi S of Bridgeport
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.530, -98.380

Estimated wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Caddo

When: February 26, 8:30 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, Albert
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 35.230, -98.410

A storm chaser reported barn damage with debris blown across Highway 146.

Tornado, Alfalfa

When: February 26, 8:31 PM CST to 8:32 PM CST
Where: Alfalfa County, 1.64 mi NNW of Amorita
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 36.940, -98.306

A tornado northwest of Amorita significantly damaged a barn. This tornado may have persisted longer, but no additional damage was observed in this very rural area.

Tornado, Caddo

When: February 26, 8:32 PM CST to 8:39 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 2.31 mi SW of Gracemont to 2.36 mi ENE of Gracemont
Rating: EF0
Path length: 5.1 mi
Path width: 75 yd
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.163, -98.284

Damage began north of County Road 1280 before moving northeast and passing just west of Gracemont The tornado produced damage at the Gracemont cemetery damaging trees and moving granite headstones. The tornado then turned east-northeast crossing US-281 and dissipating north of County Road 1250.

Thunderstorm Wind, Caddo

When: February 26, 8:35 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 2.99 mi SSE of Stecker
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.920, -98.300

Thunderstorm Wind, Caddo

When: February 26, 8:35 PM CST
Where: Caddo County, 6.75 mi W of Hinton
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.470, -98.480

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodward

When: February 26, 8:35 PM CST
Where: Woodward County, 15.36 mi N of Mooreland Arpt
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 36.700, -99.150

A brick and wood sign was blown over. Sheet metal was removed from an outdoor stage. Large tree limbs were also down at this location.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tillman

When: February 26, 8:40 PM CST
Where: Tillman County, 2.86 mi W of Grandfield
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.230, -98.740

Thunderstorm Wind, Comanche

When: February 26, 8:46 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, Lawton
Measured: 63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.610, -98.390

Tornado, Grady

When: February 26, 8:52 PM CST to 8:53 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 4.74 mi WSW of Minco to 4.57 mi WSW of Minco
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.25 mi
Path width: 75 yd
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.276, -98.013

A barn and a garage were damaged along County Road 1200 to the west-southwest of Minco by a relatively brief tornado.

Hail, Grady

When: February 26, 8:53 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 2.46 mi SSE of Chickasha Arpt
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.049, -97.949

Hail, Grady

When: February 26, 8:55 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 3.24 mi SSE of Chickasha Arpt
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.040, -97.940

Thunderstorm Wind, Cotton

When: February 26, 8:55 PM CST
Where: Cotton County, 3.52 mi NE of Walters Arpt
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.400, -98.360

Thunderstorm Wind, Grady

When: February 26, 8:55 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 4.47 mi ENE of Norge
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.020, -97.930

Thunderstorm Wind, Grady

When: February 26, 8:56 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 3.24 mi SSE of Chickasha Arpt
Measured: 62 kt (71 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.040, -97.940

Tornado, Grady

When: February 26, 8:57 PM CST to 9:00 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 3.24 mi W of Tuttle to 3.19 mi NNW of Tuttle
Rating: EF0
Path length: 4 mi
Path width: 150 yd
Continued into: Canadian, Ok (OUN)
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.284, -97.867

A tornado touched down south of County Road 1190 to the west of Tuttle, and moved northeast crossing the Canadian River into Canadian County. In Grady County, the tornado damaged trees and street signs.

Thunderstorm Wind, Comanche

When: February 26, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, 4.56 mi E of Geronimo
Measured: 74 kt (85 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.480, -98.300

Time is estimated via radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cotton

When: February 26, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Cotton County, 3.52 mi NE of Walters Arpt
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.400, -98.360

Thunderstorm Wind, Grady

When: February 26, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 1.78 mi SW of Minco
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.290, -97.960

Tornado, Canadian

When: February 26, 9:00 PM CST to 9:07 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, 6.89 mi ESE of Union City to 4.7 mi WNW of Mustang
Rating: EF1
Path length: 6.7 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.335, -97.838

This tornado touched down west of Tuttle in Grady County and moved into Canadian County to the southwest of Mustang. The tornado moved north-northeast dissipating west-northwest of Mustang. A number of homes and buildings were damaged, especially from SW 104th Street to SW 75th Street near Cimarron Road. The tornado dissipated near SW 44th Street and Richland Road.

Hail, Grady

When: February 26, 9:05 PM CST
Where: Grady County, 5 mi NW of Middleberg
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.161, -97.803

Hail, Grady

When: February 26, 9:05 PM CST
Where: Grady County, Bridge Creek
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.230, -97.720

Hail, McClain

When: February 26, 9:05 PM CST
Where: McClain County, Blanchard
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.140, -97.660

Thunderstorm Wind, Garfield

When: February 26, 9:09 PM CST
Where: Garfield County, Hillsdale
Measured: 74 kt (85 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.560, -97.990

A roof was removed from a trailer in Hillsdale. Time was estimated via radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Stephens

When: February 26, 9:10 PM CST
Where: Stephens County, 2.07 mi S of Duncan
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 34.470, -97.960

Thunderstorm Wind, Stephens

When: February 26, 9:10 PM CST
Where: Stephens County, Duncan
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $80,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.500, -97.960

Widespread wind damage reported throughout Duncan. Numerous houses received damage to their roofs. Additionally, 40 power poles were damaged to varying degrees (broken and/or down) throughout town.

Hail, McClain

When: February 26, 9:12 PM CST
Where: McClain County, Newcastle
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.250, -97.600

Tornado, Oklahoma

When: February 26, 9:12 PM CST to 9:18 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 1.75 mi NNW of Wheatland to 1.83 mi S of Warr Acres
Rating: EF1
Path length: 5.5 mi
Path width: 500 yd
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.424, -97.660

This tornado developed northwest of SW 44th Street and Council Road and just north of Western Heights High School. The tornado moved northeast, crossing Interstate 40 just east of Rockwell Avenue, and dissipated near NW 23rd Street between MacArthur Blvs and Ann Arbor Avenue. One building near SW 36th and Council had one exterior wall blown outward, and there was tree and power pole damage at various spots along the tornado path.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson

When: February 26, 9:15 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 0.69 mi N of Ringling
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.190, -97.590

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: February 26, 9:15 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 3.06 mi SE of Edmond
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.620, -97.440

Three sections of a fence were blown down.

Tornado, McClain

When: February 26, 9:15 PM CST to 9:19 PM CST
Where: McClain County, 1.95 mi NE of Cole to 1.76 mi ENE of Goldsby
Rating: EF2
Path length: 6.12 mi
Path width: 600 yd
Continued into: Cleveland, Ok (OUN)
Property damage: $200,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.123, -97.550

This tornado developed just west of Pennsylvania Avenue about 1/2 mile south of 290th Street where it took the roof off an outbuilding. The tornado moved east-northeast damaging a mobile home along 290th Street, and then snapped a couple of power poles as moved into the city limits of Goldsby just east of SW 24th Avenue. The tornado caused roof and fence damage in a neighborhood near NW 12th Avenue and Center Road in Goldsby before moving across the Goldsby airport damaging hangars. The tornado then crossed the Canadian River into Cleveland County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oklahoma

When: February 26, 9:16 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 0.47 mi NNE of (Okc)will Rogers Apt
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 35.396, -97.596

Thunderstorm Wind, Kingfisher

When: February 26, 9:19 PM CST
Where: Kingfisher County, 1.32 mi ENE of Okarche
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.740, -97.960

Tornado, Cleveland

When: February 26, 9:19 PM CST to 9:38 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 3.95 mi SSW of Norman to 2.45 mi NE of Stella
Rating: EF2
Path length: 20 mi
Path width: 900 yd
Injuries: 12 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $50 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.164, -97.454

The tornado that moved through Goldsby in McClain County crossed the Canadian River and into Cleveland County moving swiftly through southern and eastern portions of Norman. The tornado passed less than one mile southeast of the National Weather Center, and damaged numerous homes in neighborhoods near 12th Avenue SE and Cedar Lane Road, and northeast of 24th Avenue SE and Imhoff Road as well as damaging apartments and businesses near the intersection of State Highway 9 and US Highway 77. EF2 damage was noted at several apartment buildings, homes and businesses in these areas. Moving northeast, the tornado moved into less areas with less density of homes and people, but still affected neighborhoods near 36th Avenue SE and Lindsay Street, 48th Avenue SE and Lindsey, and 60th Avenue SE and Alameda Street. The tornado continued northeast damaging trees, power lines and a few homes before dissipating in far southeast Oklahoma City near SE 125th Street and Dobbs Road. The tornado moved at over 60 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Canadian

When: February 26, 9:20 PM CST
Where: Canadian County, 2.07 mi N of Yukon
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.530, -97.740

Hail, Cleveland

When: February 26, 9:22 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 3 mi N of Norman
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.263, -97.440

Thunderstorm Wind, Kingfisher

When: February 26, 9:25 PM CST
Where: Kingfisher County, 1.12 mi W of Kingfisher
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.860, -97.950

Thunderstorm Wind, Stephens

When: February 26, 9:25 PM CST
Where: Stephens County, 6.64 mi SW of Lake Fuqua Dam
Measured: 67 kt (77 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.530, -97.750

Thunderstorm Wind, Cleveland

When: February 26, 9:30 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 3.07 mi NW of Noble
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 35.170, -97.430

A 30-foot-tall tree, over 12-inches in diameter, was uprooted. Minor damage was also observed to the roof of the nearby house and backyard fence.

Thunderstorm Wind, Garfield

When: February 26, 9:30 PM CST
Where: Garfield County, 2.03 mi NNE of (End)vance Afb Enid
Measured: 78 kt (90 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 36.366, -97.903

A few homes suffered roof damage, barns were damaged, and an RV was flipped over along Norman Road in Enid from thunderstorm winds.

Hail, Cleveland

When: February 26, 9:34 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 4.44 mi ENE of Stanley Draper Lake Dam
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.361, -97.281

Hail, Oklahoma

When: February 26, 9:34 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 6.43 mi S of Choctaw
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.397, -97.266

Hail, Oklahoma

When: February 26, 9:36 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma County, 6.32 mi S of Choctaw
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.400, -97.250

Thunderstorm Wind, Garvin

When: February 26, 9:40 PM CST
Where: Garvin County, 0.69 mi N of Elmore City
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 34.630, -97.400

Damage to trees and a carport roof. A metal outbuilding was knocked over and roof was removed from an old shop.

Tornado, Cleveland

When: February 26, 9:42 PM CST
Where: Cleveland County, 5.29 mi NE of Stella
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.25 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Continued into: Pottawatomie, Ok (OUN)
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.376, -97.146

A tornado developed just inside Cleveland County southwest of the intersection of Southeast 89th Street and Pottawatomie Road. A house and outbuilding suffered roof damage. The tornado moved east one-quarter of a mile before crossing Pottawatomie Road and moving into Pottawatomie County.

Tornado, Pottawatomie

When: February 26, 9:42 PM CST to 9:48 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 5.29 mi WSW of Dale to 1.47 mi N of Dale
Rating: EF1
Path length: 5.75 mi
Path width: 440 yd
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.375, -97.142

This tornado moved out of Cleveland County crossing Pottawatomie Road just southeast of 89th Street/Memorial Road. The tornado moved east-northeast producing tree damage, roof damage to a home and flipping an RV as it approached Interstate 40. The tornado continued to produce tree and power pole damage moving east and northeast before dissipating after crossing State Highway 270 just north of Garretts Lake Road.

Tornado, Pottawatomie

When: February 26, 9:45 PM CST to 9:51 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 3.52 mi S of Aydelotte to 2.49 mi NE of Aydelotte
Rating: EF2
Path length: 5.7 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Continued into: Lincoln, Ok (OUN)
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.390, -96.922

This tornado developed just north of the Shawnee Mall on the north side of Shawnee and raced to the north-northeast creating tree damage and damage to a pivot irrigator. Several power poles were damaged along Wolverine Road near Harrison Avenue before the tornado turned northeast moving through a neighborhood near Moccassin Trail Road and Bryan Road. Several homes in this neighborhood had significant roof damage with at least one home losing its entire roof. The tornado continues producing tree, power pole, fence and outbuilding damage before crossing into Lincoln County near Brangus Road.

Tornado, Lincoln

When: February 26, 9:51 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 2.3 mi SSE of Meeker
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.4 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.469, -96.875

This tornado moved north into Pottawatomie County. It produced damage to trees and an outbuilding before dissipating about one-third of a mile north of the county line.

Thunderstorm Wind, Garvin

When: February 26, 9:55 PM CST
Where: Garvin County, 0.89 mi SW of Pauls Valley
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.730, -97.230

Thunderstorm Wind, Pottawatomie

When: February 26, 9:55 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, Shawnee
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.330, -96.920

High Wind, Caddo

When: February 26, 10:00 PM CST
Where: Caddo forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.174, -98.375 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Noble

When: February 26, 10:00 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, Lincoln

When: February 26, 10:00 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 4.71 mi E of Meeker
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.507, -96.807

Damage to a barn and power poles reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kay

When: February 26, 10:00 PM CST
Where: Kay County, Tonkawa
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.680, -97.310

Reports of widespread power outages in Tonkawa. Time estimated via radar.

Hail, Murray

When: February 26, 10:03 PM CST
Where: Murray County, Davis
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.500, -97.120

Thunderstorm Wind, Lincoln

When: February 26, 10:07 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 3.01 mi ESE of Prague
Measured: 78 kt (90 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.477, -96.639

An wooden electrical transmission tower was downed to the southeast of Prague.

Thunderstorm Wind, McClain

When: February 26, 10:10 PM CST
Where: McClain County, 2.92 mi ESE of Byars
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.860, -97.000

Hail, Murray

When: February 26, 10:13 PM CST
Where: Murray County, 1 mi NE of Sulphur
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.520, -96.958

Thunderstorm Wind, Murray

When: February 26, 10:15 PM CST
Where: Murray County, 3.64 mi NNE of Sulphur
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.560, -96.950

Thunderstorm Wind, Pontotoc

When: February 26, 10:25 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, 6.16 mi SW of Fittstown
Measured: 75 kt (86 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.550, -96.710

Thunderstorm Wind, Carter

When: February 26, 10:32 PM CST
Where: Carter County, 5.34 mi ESE of Ardmore
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 34.130, -97.060

A sheet metal roof was removed from an outbuilding. Time was estimated via radar.

Hail, Pontotoc

When: February 26, 10:33 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, 1 mi NW of Stonewall
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.660, -96.542

Hail, Pontotoc

When: February 26, 10:33 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, Stonewall
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.650, -96.530

Thunderstorm Wind, Pontotoc

When: February 26, 10:33 PM CST
Where: Pontotoc County, Stonewall
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.650, -96.530

Damage to power poles reported in Stonewall.

High Wind, Love

When: February 26, 10:35 PM CST
Where: Love forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 33.950, -97.244 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Harmon

When: February 26, 10:45 PM CST
Where: Harmon forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.744, -99.846 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Hughes

When: February 26, 10:55 PM CST
Where: Hughes County, 2.91 mi ESE of Holdenville
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.070, -96.350

High Wind, Custer

When: February 26, 11:35 PM CST
Where: Custer forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.639, -99.001 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Bryan

When: February 26, 11:35 PM CST
Where: Bryan County, 2.95 mi WSW of Roberta
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 33.920, -96.350

Thunderstorm Wind, Atoka

When: February 26, 11:35 PM CST
Where: Atoka County, 0.57 mi W of Lane
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.300, -96.000

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Tornado, Roger Mills	2023-02-26	62	Male	Mobile/Trailer Home	Direct

What these are

High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
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.
Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Oklahoma in 2023 Every state in 2023 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Oklahoma, 2023 Warnings in Oklahoma, February 2023

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: 1075541, 1076045, 1082915, 1081667, 1081668, 1076046, 1076163, 1081669, 1075551, 1076047, 1081670, 1076048, 1076049, 1076050, 1076052, 1075570, 1076053, 1076059, 1076034, 1076060, 1075557, 1076061, 1076035, 1075565, 1076178, 1082920, 1076062, 1076063, 1076067, 1082921, 1081671, 1081672, 1076071, 1076073, 1076179, 1076074, 1076075, 1081673, 1075552, 1076036, and more.