Oklahoma, 2023

Hail and Damaging Winds in Oklahoma, October 4, 2023

October 4, 2023 · NWS TSA · 25 events in 7 counties and zones

Strong to severe thunderstorms developed across eastern Oklahoma during the afternoon and early evening hours of the 4th, with two primary focusing boundaries to support the development across the area. An outflow boundary from earlier thunderstorm activity stretched across east-central Oklahoma, while a cold front moved into the area from the northwest.

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
2
Property damage
$116,000
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
25

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.

Strong to severe thunderstorms developed across eastern Oklahoma during the afternoon and early evening hours of the 4th, with two primary focusing boundaries to support the development across the area. An outflow boundary from earlier thunderstorm activity stretched across east-central Oklahoma, while a cold front moved into the area from the northwest. The air mass became moderately unstable, and the deep-layer wind shear was strong across the region, supporting the development of organized and persistent, intense thunderstorms. The strongest thunderstorms produced large hail up to ping pong ball size, and damaging wind gusts.

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 Oct 4, 1:17 PM CST, 1 hour 18 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Oct 4, 1:17 PM CST, 1 hour 18 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tulsa OK
217 PM CDT Wed Oct 4 2023

...New SHORT TERM, LONG TERM...

.SHORT TERM...
(Through Tonight)
Issued at 215 PM CDT Wed Oct 4 2023

Multiple areas are favored for thunderstorm development in the
near term. The most robust development at the moment is along the
outflow boundary from the morning storms, extending along a
corridor just south of I-44. Coverage is also expanding across
south central and southeast Oklahoma within a region of low to mid
level warm advection. Finally, a few storms are trying to develop
ahead of the main cold front in north central Oklahoma just
northwest of the forecast area. Coverage is likely to continue to
expand along the outflow boundary and also the warm advection
region through the afternoon as faster upper level flow approaches
from the west. Instability and shear will support an isolated
strong to severe threat this afternoon for storms in eastern
Oklahoma. Of more importance, however, is that any afternoon
storms that move across southeast Oklahoma could set the stage for
localized flooding overnight.

The primary severe weather risk for southeast Oklahoma will
accompany a thunderstorm complex expected to organize from storms
developing to the west this afternoon ahead of the main upper
level trough. Waning instability should limit the hail potential,
with damaging winds being the main concern. Additional heavy rain,
given precipitable water values around 3 standard deviations above
normal, will increase the threat for flooding in far southeast
Oklahoma. A Flood Watch has been issued for Pushmataha and
Choctaw counties this evening and into pre-dawn Thursday. The
approach of the upper level trough should also lead to expanded
thunderstorm coverage farther north along the cold front itself
as it begins to move southward across the region, although the
evolution of the storms to the south could impact how much
expansion actually occurs.

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Tomorrow through Wednesday)
Issued at 215 PM CDT Wed Oct 4 2023

Showers and thunderstorms should continue into tomorrow morning in
southeast Oklahoma and into western Arkansas before moving out mid
to late afternoon. The heavy rain and severe weather threats
should be gone by then, however. With upper level troughing
continuing over the Northern Plains, a secondary, stronger cold
front will push through the area during the day Friday and into
Friday night, bringing much cooler conditions to the region for
the weekend. Northerly winds should be breezy immediately
following the front also. While an increase in cloudiness should
accompany the front, the low to mid levels are expected to be dry
enough to preclude any shower or thunderstorm threat. Lows
Saturday morning should dip into the 30s for parts of northeast
Oklahoma and far northwest Arkansas, with an outside chance of
some frost.

Northwest flow aloft will persist into early next week, keeping
seasonable temperatures and dry conditions in the area. An upper
level trough is expected to organize in the Rockies mid to late
week, leading to a return to southerly winds, increasing moisture,
near to above normal temperatures and shower and thunderstorm
chances.

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 1237 PM CDT Wed Oct 4 2023

RA/TSRA impacts at the TAF sites through much of the afternoon
will be brief, with MVFR cigs/vsbys as temporary restrictions.
Coverage of RA/TSRA will increase this evening as a cold front
moves through the area, with the window for convection between
00z-06z for the E OK sites and 02z-08z across the NW AR sites.
Cigs will lower to IFR categories along with MVFR/brief IFR vsbys
in TSRA. Once RA/TSRA moves east, MVFR vsbys in light fog and
IFR cigs (brief LIFR cigs possible across the NW AR sites
possible)will prevail through mid morning, though MVFR cigs will
prevail through the remainder of the period, with cigs improving
to VFR across the OK sites sites between 13z-15z.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
TUL   64  80  52  72 /  90  20   0   0
FSM   67  78  57  77 /  90  60   0   0
MLC   64  77  54  75 /  90  30   0   0
BVO   59  81  47  71 /  80  10   0   0
FYV   61  76  48  72 /  90  60   0   0
BYV   62  75  50  69 /  80  70   0   0
MKO   64  78  53  73 /  80  40   0   0
MIO   63  78  49  68 /  80  30   0   0
F10   63  78  53  73 /  90  30   0   0
HHW   65  78  57  78 / 100  40   0   0

&&

.TSA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
OK...Flood Watch from 7 PM CDT this evening through Thursday morning
     for OKZ049-053.

AR...None.
&&

SHORT TERM...22
LONG TERM....22
AVIATION...23
Hazardous weather outlook, Oct 4, 11:45 AM CST, 2 hours 50 minutes before
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In the hours before

Special weather statement, Oct 4, 9:48 AM CST, 4 hours 47 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Oct 4, 10:30 AM CST, 4 hours 5 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Oct 4, 11:11 AM CST, 3 hours 24 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Oct 4, 1:53 PM CST, 42 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Oct 4, 2:25 PM CST, 10 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Oct 4, 2:27 PM CST, 8 minutes before
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The radar

The Tulsa radar (KINX), 92 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:35 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

17 thunderstorm wind, 8 hail. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, McIntosh

When
October 4, 2:35 PM CST
Where
McIntosh County, 3.45 mi ENE of Texanna
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
35.360, -95.390

Thunderstorm Wind, Choctaw

When
October 4, 3:34 PM CST
Where
Choctaw County, 4 mi WSW of Gay
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.928, -95.684

Strong thunderstorm wind blew down numerous trees, some blocked county roads.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pittsburg

When
October 4, 3:36 PM CST
Where
Pittsburg County, 0.91 mi SSW of Reams
Measured
53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
35.058, -95.707

Thunderstorm wind gusts were measured to 61 mph near the intersection of Shady Grove Road and Highway 69, northeast of McAlester.

Thunderstorm Wind, Choctaw

When
October 4, 3:40 PM CST
Where
Choctaw County, 1.28 mi W of Gay
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.949, -95.642

Strong thunderstorm wind blew down numerous trees near the Muddy Boggy bridge.

Thunderstorm Wind, Choctaw

When
October 4, 3:41 PM CST
Where
Choctaw County, 0.57 mi W of Gay
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.950, -95.630

Strong thunderstorm wind blew down numerous trees, some blocked county roads.

Hail, Choctaw

When
October 4, 4:09 PM CST
Where
Choctaw County, 0.87 mi NNE of Grant
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
33.942, -95.516

Hail, Tulsa

When
October 4, 4:25 PM CST
Where
Tulsa County, 1 mi ENE of Glenpool
Measured
1.25 in hail
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
35.956, -95.984

Half dollar size hail damaged homes and vehicles.

Hail, Tulsa

When
October 4, 4:34 PM CST
Where
Tulsa County, 3 mi WNW of Bixby
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
35.967, -95.930

Hail, Tulsa

When
October 4, 4:44 PM CST
Where
Tulsa County, 3 mi SSW of Broken Arrow
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.010, -95.801

Thunderstorm Wind, Tulsa

When
October 4, 4:45 PM CST
Where
Tulsa County, 2.34 mi WSW of Broken Arrow
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
36.032, -95.815

Strong thunderstorm wind snapped numerous large tree limbs.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tulsa

When
October 4, 4:45 PM CST
Where
Tulsa County, 1.92 mi WSW of Broken Arrow
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
36.042, -95.813

Strong thunderstorm wind snapped a large tree limb onto a house.

Hail, Tulsa

When
October 4, 4:50 PM CST
Where
Tulsa County, 2.99 mi SW of Broken Arrow
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
36.017, -95.815

Hail, Tulsa

When
October 4, 4:51 PM CST
Where
Tulsa County, 1.59 mi SW of Broken Arrow
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
36.032, -95.797

Hail, Wagoner

When
October 4, 5:04 PM CST
Where
Wagoner County, 5.58 mi NNE of Broken Arrow
Measured
1.5 in hail
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.120, -95.730

Ping pong ball size hail damaged homes and vehicles.

Thunderstorm Wind, Creek

When
October 4, 5:34 PM CST
Where
Creek County, 0.63 mi SSW of New Mannford
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
36.122, -96.355

Thunderstorm wind gusts were estimated to 65 mph by a ham radio operator in Mannford.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rogers

When
October 4, 5:35 PM CST to 5:45 PM CST
Where
Rogers County, 1 mi SSW of Tiawah to 1 mi SW of Tiawah
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
36.257, -95.577

Strong thunderstorm wind uprooted trees, damaged the roofs of homes, and snapped numerous large tree limbs.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tulsa

When
October 4, 6:05 PM CST
Where
Tulsa County, 3.09 mi SSE of Tulsa
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
36.108, -95.931

Strong thunderstorm wind snapped numerous large tree limbs.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tulsa

When
October 4, 6:05 PM CST
Where
Tulsa County, 4 mi SW of Tulsa
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.109, -96.001

Strong thunderstorm wind snapped numerous large tree limbs.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tulsa

When
October 4, 6:05 PM CST to 6:10 PM CST
Where
Tulsa County, 1.25 mi SE of Tulsa
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Injuries
2 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
36.139, -95.932

Strong thunderstorm wind blew down a sign at the Tulsa State Fair, injuring two teenagers.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tulsa

When
October 4, 6:07 PM CST
Where
Tulsa County, 3 mi NE of Jenks
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.051, -95.932

Strong thunderstorm wind snapped numerous large tree limbs.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tulsa

When
October 4, 6:14 PM CST
Where
Tulsa County, (Tul)tulsa Intl Arpt
Measured
57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
36.200, -95.880

The ASOS at the Tulsa International Airport measured 66 mph thunderstorm wind gusts.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tulsa

When
October 4, 6:15 PM CST
Where
Tulsa County, 1.46 mi SSE of Owasso
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
36.249, -95.844

Strong thunderstorm wind blew down power lines across E 66th St N, on the southeast side of Owasso.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tulsa

When
October 4, 6:18 PM CST
Where
Tulsa County, 1.22 mi ENE of Owasso
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
36.278, -95.830

Strong thunderstorm wind snapped large tree limbs and blew down power lines on E 86th St N and N 129th E Ave.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rogers

When
October 4, 6:20 PM CST to 6:25 PM CST
Where
Rogers County, 6.61 mi NNW of Catoosa
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
36.264, -95.807

Strong thunderstorm wind blew down multiple trees and snapped power poles on E 76th St N, on east side of Owasso.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rogers

When
October 4, 6:24 PM CST
Where
Rogers County, 3.5 mi N of Catoosa
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.230, -95.760

Strong thunderstorm wind snapped large tree limbs, and blew down power lines.

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.

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

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Oklahoma in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in Oklahoma, October 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 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1139183, 1140275, 1140255, 1140277, 1140278, 1140269, 1140259, 1140256, 1140257, 1140261, 1140268, 1140260, 1140258, 1139191, 1140263, 1139192, 1140270, 1140271, 1142127, 1140264, 1140265, 1140273, 1140274, 1140272, 1140267.