Tornadoes and Hail in Oklahoma, June 17, 2023

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in Oklahoma, June 17, 2023
Start: 2023-06-17T18:43
End: 2023-06-17T22:40
Location: Oklahoma

June 17, 2023 · NWS OUN · 106 events in 26 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: $521,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 106

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.

Another unseasonably strong upper trough approached the region during the day on the 17th. Widespread thunderstorm development occurred across the High Plains, from southwest Kansas into the central Texas Panhandle by the late afternoon. The combination of anomalously (for mid-June) high magnitudes of wind shear and instability produced widespread severe weather outcomes across southern, central and northern Oklahoma. By the late evening hours, convection had organized into a mature bow echo across north-central Oklahoma, where numerous significant wind gusts (and damage) were observed. Similar outcomes occurred into portions of northeastern Oklahoma towards early morning hours of the 18th.

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 Jun 17, 5:56 PM CST, 47 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jun 17, 5:56 PM CST, 47 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Norman OK
656 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

...New AVIATION...

.SHORT TERM...
(This evening through Sunday)
Issued at 236 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

Severe weather, including the potential for significant hail and
wind, will occur later this afternoon through tonight. There is
also a risk for tornadoes as the low-level jet strengthens this
evening. Water vapor imagery indicates an intense shortwave
trough associated with anomalous mid-level flow (~60 to 65 knot
500 mb) moving across Colorado early this afternoon. At the
surface, a diffuse boundary/effective warm front is slowly
advancing northward across Oklahoma and a dryline is tightening
across the Texas panhandle.

There will be three synoptic to mesoscale zones for severe
convective development as this shortwave trough approaches the
Southern Plains:

1) Ascent downstream from this trough is resulting in severe
convection developing across the High Plains of Colorado. These
thunderstorms will grow upscale into a mesoscale convective system
(MCS) that will advance southeastward across southwest Kansas and
eventually into northwest Oklahoma by mid-evening.

2) The effective warm front/retreating boundary ahead of the MCS
will be an additional focus for convection. Convective inhibition
is forecast to sufficiently weaken for discrete/supercellular
convection ahead of the MCS--most likely across northwest
Oklahoma. This may occur as early as 5 PM. Overtime, the MCS
should overtake the discrete convection as it approaches from the
northwest.

3) A dryline across the eastern Texas panhandle will be a third
focus for convection. A ~60 knot mid-level jet associated with the
shortwave trough will impinge on the dryline by mid to late
afternoon. Mid-level ascent combined with the dryline circulation
will likely be sufficient for isolated to scattered convection
along the dryline. These thunderstorms would move into western
north Texas and southwest Oklahoma and may also grow upscale into
a complex that would track near the Red River.

Initially, with any discrete convection across northwest Oklahoma
and western north Texas/south west Oklahoma, the primary hazard
will be large, potentially significant hail given the magnitude of
cloud layer shear (~80 to 90 knots) that is primarily in the
zonal direction (west to east).

As the MCS advances southeastward and convection consolidates,
damaging wind gusts will become the primary hazard; however, large
hail will remain a hazard with any embedded, locally intense
updrafts. In addition, with a strengthening low-level jet, there
will be a tornado risk with any embedded supercellular
structures/QLCS mesovortices (LCLs should also lower during the
evening).

Finally, heavy rainfall will occur with the most intense
thunderstorms. Any urban areas or locations with training
thunderstorms will have the potential for flooding.

The complex of thunderstorms is expected to exit southeast
Oklahoma by early Sunday morning. In the system's wake, a dry
Father's Day is expected with seasonable temperatures and abundant
sunshine.

Mahale

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Sunday night through next Friday)
Issued at 236 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

For early next week, a ~595 dam mid-level ridge is progged to
expand northward into the Southern Plains with Oklahoma and north
Texas being on the northern periphery of its influence. The
attendant low-level thermal ridge will also expand northward with
850 mb temperatures rising to ~30 deg C across western north Texas
by Tuesday.

As a result, hot conditions will develop with temperatures ranging
from the low 90s across northeast Oklahoma to the mid 100s deg F
across western north Texas for Monday through Wednesday.
Confidence on the heat is high as even the 25th percentile of NBM
probabilistic guidance has highs near 100 deg F in Wichita Falls
on Tuesday.

Deterministic and ensemble guidance does indicate the ridge may
shift back to the southwest as a closed-low develops across the
eastern U.S. toward the latter half of the week. As a result, the
temperature forecast lowers slightly with an added chance for
showers and thunderstorms with northwest flow aloft.

Mahale

&&

.AVIATION...
(00Z TAFS)
Issued at 640 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

Watching two main areas of strong to severe thunderstorms
early this evening. Storms across parts of northern and western
Texas may remain far enough south to mainly impact only the SPS
terminal through the evening. However, a more consolidated area
of storms is expected to move across at least the northern half
of Oklahoma. VFR conditions are expected in the pre storm
environment, but as storms potential move across terminal sites
later this evening and overnight, IFR visibility is expected along
with rather strong and erratic winds. Hail will also be a concern
with storms, especially through about 4-5Z.

It is possible that gusty easterly winds will occur after the
storms move east later tonight, especially across the
PNC/SWO/OKC/OUN sites. A northerly wind is expected during at
least the first part of Sunday with residual clouds decreasing.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Oklahoma City OK  64  84  65  93 /  80  10   0   0
Hobart OK         62  90  64  99 /  50   0   0   0
Wichita Falls TX  67  95  67 103 /  50   0   0   0
Gage OK           58  88  62  98 /  60   0   0   0
Ponca City OK     63  84  63  92 /  80  20   0   0
Durant OK         68  90  67  96 /  70  20   0   0

&&

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

SHORT TERM...10
LONG TERM....10
AVIATION...06

Hazardous weather outlook, Jun 17, 3:48 PM CST, 2 hours 55 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED
National Weather Service Norman OK
448 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

OKZ004>048-050>052-TXZ083>090-182200-
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-
448 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

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

.DAY ONE...Through Tonight...

.Thunderstorms...
Thunderstorms will move into western Oklahoma and north Texas
from the Texas panhandle and into northwest Oklahoma from Kansas
this evening.

Initially, thunderstorms will be more discrete across western
Oklahoma and north Texas and will pose a risk of very large hail,
damaging winds, and a couple of tornadoes through early this
evening.

As the complex of storms from Kansas merges with these
thunderstorms, very strong damaging wind gusts, embedded
tornadoes, and heavy rainfall will become the primary hazards.

All this activity is expected to shift east of the area very late
tonight into early Sunday morning.

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

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday...

.Heat...
Heat index values from 100 to 110 degrees are forecast Monday
through Wednesday of next week.

.Thunderstorms...
Thunderstorm chances return to parts of northern and western
Oklahoma Thursday and Friday.

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

Mahale

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jun 17, 6:01 PM CST, 42 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Norman OK
701 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

OKZ033-036-TXZ083-180030-
Harmon OK-Jackson OK-Hardeman TX-
701 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

...Strong winds will impact portions of southwestern Jackson,
southeastern Harmon and northwestern Hardeman Counties through 730
PM CDT...

At 700 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking an area of showers with
strong winds near Kirkland, moving northeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Eldorado, Gould, and Goodlett.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3454 10000 3469 9973 3444 9960 3430 10000
TIME...MOT...LOC 0000Z 239DEG 40KT 3442 10002

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

Mahale

Special weather statement, Jun 17, 6:12 PM CST, 31 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Norman OK
712 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

TXZ087-180045-
Knox TX-
712 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northern Knox County
through 745 PM CDT...

At 712 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11
miles west of Benjamin, moving northeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Gilliland and Truscott.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3383 9983 3382 9983 3382 9976 3380 9975
      3381 9974 3380 9973 3382 9972 3380 9970
      3383 9969 3381 9966 3382 9964 3380 9963
      3378 9958 3380 9958 3379 9957 3380 9955
      3375 9948 3356 9999 3374 10000
TIME...MOT...LOC 0012Z 239DEG 40KT 3365 9998

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

Mahale

Special weather statement, Jun 17, 6:26 PM CST, 17 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Norman OK
726 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

OKZ009-014-180100-
Roger Mills OK-Ellis OK-
726 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern Ellis
and northwestern Roger Mills Counties through 800 PM CDT...

At 726 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 4
miles southwest of Lake Marvin, moving east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Crawford and Durham.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3600 10000 3607 9974 3572 9972 3575 10000
TIME...MOT...LOC 0026Z 269DEG 29KT 3583 10021

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

Ware

Special weather statement, Jun 17, 6:30 PM CST, 13 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Norman OK
730 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

TXZ083>085-180100-
Foard TX-Wilbarger TX-Hardeman TX-
730 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central Foard,
southern Wilbarger and southeastern Hardeman Counties through 800 PM
CDT...

At 730 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Thalia, moving northeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 40 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Vernon, Thalia, Oklaunion, Lockett, and Rayland.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3387 9966 3404 9965 3428 9926 3405 9904
TIME...MOT...LOC 0030Z 239DEG 40KT 3401 9952

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

Mahale

Special weather statement, Jun 17, 6:32 PM CST, 11 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Norman OK
732 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

OKZ035>037-180100-
Tillman OK-Kiowa OK-Jackson OK-
732 PM CDT Sat Jun 17 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
Jackson, south central Kiowa and northwestern Tillman Counties
through 800 PM CDT...

At 732 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 4
miles west of Humphreys, moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 40 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Snyder, Tipton, Manitou, Elmer, Headrick, Humphreys, and Hess.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

This storm may intensify, so be certaA strong thunderstormin to
monitor local radio stations and available television stations for
additional information and possible warnings from the National
Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3447 9940 3460 9938 3468 9896 3442 9895
TIME...MOT...LOC 0032Z 265DEG 22KT 3454 9931

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

Mahale

The radar

The Dodge City radar (KDDC), 113 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 00:44 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

101 thunderstorm wind, 3 hail, 2 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Tornado, Harper

When: June 17, 6:43 PM CST to 6:50 PM CST
Where: Harper County, 5.88 mi SW of Rosston to 0.96 mi NE of Laverne
Rating: EF1
Path length: 7.1 mi
Path width: 300 yd
Property damage: $40,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 36.746, -100.000

This tornado moved into Harper County from Beaver County OK (see report from the Oklahoma panhandle from NWS Amarillo). At the Beaver County-Harper County line, the tornado caused roof damage to a home as well as tree damage. It continued to damage trees and power poles as the tornado moved to just northeast of Laverne. A barn was damaged along US-283 just north of Laverne before the tornado dissipated. In addition to the tornado, a large area of wind damage was observed south of the tornado creating areas of wind damage in the town of Laverne.

Thunderstorm Wind, Harper

When: June 17, 6:50 PM CST to 6:55 PM CST
Where: Harper County, Laverne
Measured: 83 kt (96 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.710, -99.900

As a tornado was dissipating north of Laverne, damaging winds from this supercell produced widespread roof, tree and power line damage in Laverne. A number of homes and buildings throughout town suffered roof damage, and multiple power poles were downed in Laverne as well as to the east along State Highway 149.