Thunderstorm Wind, Ellis
- When
- June 23, 8:35 AM CST
- Where
- Ellis County, 8.79 mi WSW of Arnett
- Measured
- 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- Mesonet
- Coordinates
- 36.072, -99.903
Arnett (ARNE) Mesonet observation.
An active severe weather and flooding event impacted the WFO Norman Forecast Area form the morning into early evening of the 23rd. An initial complex of severe thunderstorms moved from northwestern into southwestern Oklahoma and eventually western-north Texas during this time, producing reports of large hail and observations of severe winds.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS OUN wrote it up.
An active severe weather and flooding event impacted the WFO Norman Forecast Area form the morning into early evening of the 23rd. An initial complex of severe thunderstorms moved from northwestern into southwestern Oklahoma and eventually western-north Texas during this time, producing reports of large hail and observations of severe winds. A separate complex of slow-moving thunderstorms entered southeastern Oklahoma during the mid-morning, fostered by ascent atop a strong outflow boundary. Slow storm movement and rich boundary layer moisture combined to yield significant flash flooding across portions of Atoka County, Oklahoma. Eventually, these two separate areas of thunderstorms merged across central Oklahoma, yielding additional severe weather (mainly damaging winds) and flooding during the afternoon and early evening hours.
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 23, 5:46 AM CST, 2 hours 49 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Norman OK 646 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026 ...New AVIATION... .KEY MESSAGES... Updated at 644 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026 - One or more rounds of storms expected from this morning through early tonight; damaging winds possible. - Chances for evening storms again on Wednesday and potentially Thursday. - Hotter and drier into the weekend. && .NEAR TERM... (Through Tuesday) Issued at 141 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026 Northwest flow in, MCS out. That's a common forecast input/output for us in late June as the subtropical ridge begins to intensify out west. It's a pattern that we're going to find a little hard to shake through the rest of this week, as well. That pattern will be in place today. Guidance suggests the existence of an MCV from storms near the Palmer Divide on Monday afternoon. This MCV will slowly drift south-southeast within the steering flow and reach southwest Kansas by mid-to-late morning. While that's occurring, surface winds will begin backing again along and west of the 100th meridian within the lee trough zone. This will begin pumping the zone of 70-73 dewpoints northwestward toward the MCV. A couple of scenarios are possible, and those scenarios are in turn complicated by the possible existence of convection along the outflow boundary near the Red River around daybreak. Uncertainty in timing of the MCS is uncertain, as some members of the 0Z HREF (the HRRR and NAM especially) depict convection initiation as early as mid-morning. If this was to occur, forecast soundings suggest that the primary well of instability would be elevated above a stable boundary layer. In this case, the damaging wind threat could be initially limited until the MCS reaches the richer boundary-layer moisture in southern Oklahoma/western north Texas by late morning or early afternoon. Meanwhile, another round of convection will develop across the high terrain of Colorado and the panhandles and move southeast during the evening hours. This is where the presence of a midday MCS and its impacts on the environment will play a large role in determining the breadth of severe weather impacts across our area. For instance, the 18Z NAM 3km depicts no storms until an MCS moves through during the evening. The environment ahead of that MCS would be primed for significant severe wind gusts with large looping hodographs and moderate instability. Meanwhile, the 0Z NAM 3km does depict a midday squall line diving southeastward across western Oklahoma, and the subsidence behind it is sufficient to quash any further storms for the rest of the day and night. It goes without saying: there will be storms, most likely in the form of a squall line, across our area today (probably west of I-35 for the most part). Beyond that, confidence is limited in the cascading impacts of prior convection, so remain alert for changes in the forecast. Meister && .SHORT TERM... (Tuesday night through Thursday night) Issued at 141 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026 Northwest flow season will continue on Wednesday and especially Wednesday night. The ridge will continue to hold strong over the middle Rio Grande Valley with flow pinched over the Central Plains, which will very likely encourage another round of convection to develop off of the Front Range and Raton Mesa. The NAM shows a 35 knot 850 mb LLJ across the panhandles to just east of the 100th meridian, which presumably will favor a continuation of any MCS into at least the northwestern part of Oklahoma Wednesday evening. Similar to other northwest flow years, temperatures will be rather bifurcated across the forecast area: western north Texas, near the core of the ridge, will approach 100 degrees. Meanwhile, northern Oklahoma will likely see impacts of outflow boundaries on the diurnal cycle and will remain in the 80s. The pattern looks to break down at least a little bit on Thursday as the ridge deamplifies and spreads eastward. This will most likely add a few degrees to everyone's temperatures. Right now, NBM inputs suggest dewpoints will actually drop a few degrees Thursday relative to today/Wednesday, in large part because surface winds veer some. Given how much rain the area has seen recently, that doesn't feel like a given. Storm chances Thursday may very well stay to our north across Kansas, though northern Oklahoma is far enough removed from the ridge to warrant mentionable PoPS as well. Meister && .LONG TERM... (Friday through Monday) Issued at 141 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026 The northwest flow regime will break down by Saturday at the latest. The subtropical ridge will slide back east and amplify across the southeast US in response to a trough approaching the Pacific Northwest. For us, there are a few sensible impacts: -Temperatures will start heating up again by the weekend, and Heat Advisory criteria may once again be met over a 3-5 day span consecutively during the afternoon. -Rain chances will markedly decrease over the weekend and into early next week, as well. There is an indication that the upcoming period of ridging will then retrograde and center itself back over the southern/central Plains during week 2, but that is beyond the current long-term forecast. Meister && .AVIATION... (12Z TAFS) Issued at 645 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026 Showers and thunderstorms currently across northwest Oklahoma are expected to slowly advance southeast this morning into the afternoon. Ahead of these thunderstorms, additional scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible today. PROB30s were included at most terminals to account for this. Gusty, variable winds, hail, and reduced visibility are possible in the most intense storms. There is a chance additional showers and thunderstorms may occur overnight. However, there is high uncertainty on this scenario. Therefore, they were not included in this TAF issuance. Widespread MVFR to IFR ceilings are ongoing this morning. Ceilings should improve at most terminals by this afternoon. However, KSWO, KPNC, and KWWR may remain at MVFR for an extended period of time. Outside of thunderstorms, east to southeast winds are expected to continue. Mahale && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Oklahoma City OK 88 72 89 73 / 50 60 30 50 Hobart OK 94 71 95 73 / 40 50 20 20 Wichita Falls TX 94 74 96 75 / 20 30 0 0 Gage OK 91 68 88 68 / 60 60 30 30 Ponca City OK 82 69 84 70 / 60 70 50 70 Durant OK 90 76 92 76 / 50 40 10 0 && .OUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... OK...None. TX...None. && NEAR TERM...04 SHORT TERM...04 LONG TERM....04 AVIATION...10
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Norman OK
513 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026
OKZ004-009-231045-
Harper OK-Ellis OK-
513 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northwestern Ellis
and western Harper Counties through 545 AM CDT...
At 512 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 4 miles northeast of Gate to 6 miles northwest
of Shattuck. Movement was southeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny 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...
Shattuck, Laverne, Buffalo, Arnett, Gage, May, Rosston, and Catesby.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3683 9962 3607 9965 3626 10000 3699 10000
TIME...MOT...LOC 1012Z 311DEG 11KT 3690 9999 3635 9992
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MeisterSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Norman OK
550 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026
OKZ009-231115-
Ellis OK-
550 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Ellis
County through 615 AM CDT...
At 550 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles east of Follett, moving southeast at 5 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny 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...
Shattuck, Gage, and Catesby.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3659 10000 3640 9970 3624 9973 3624 10000
TIME...MOT...LOC 1050Z 329DEG 4KT 3644 9996
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MeisterSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Norman OK
712 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026
OKZ018-019-231245-
Kingfisher OK-Logan OK-
712 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern
Kingfisher and northwestern Logan Counties through 745 AM CDT...
At 712 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 4
miles east of Dover, moving east at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 40 mph and penny 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...
Hennessey and Dover.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3616 9766 3593 9765 3590 9788 3608 9795
3617 9770 3617 9768
TIME...MOT...LOC 1212Z 250DEG 13KT 3599 9784
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
MDUSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Norman OK
742 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026
OKZ009-231315-
Ellis OK-
742 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northwestern Ellis
County through 815 AM CDT...
At 742 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 6 miles southeast of Elmwood to 8 miles
northwest of Shattuck. Movement was southeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 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...
Shattuck, Gage, Fargo, and Catesby.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3645 9961 3625 9961 3625 10000 3653 10000
TIME...MOT...LOC 1242Z 299DEG 31KT 3658 10041 3638 9995
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MDUSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Norman OK
814 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026
OKZ009-010-231345-
Woodward OK-Ellis OK-
814 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northern Ellis and
southwestern Woodward Counties through 845 AM CDT...
At 813 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 5 miles north of Shattuck to 5 miles southwest
of Woodward. Movement was southeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 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...
Woodward, Shattuck, Gage, Fargo, Sharon, Tangier, and Catesby.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3651 10000 3645 9963 3645 9936 3616 9925
3616 9938 3615 10000
TIME...MOT...LOC 1313Z 308DEG 13KT 3635 9990 3636 9946
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MDUSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Norman OK
846 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026
OKZ009-014-231415-
Roger Mills OK-Ellis OK-
846 AM CDT Tue Jun 23 2026
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of southern Ellis and
northwestern Roger Mills Counties through 915 AM CDT...
At 846 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 11 miles east of Wolf Creek Park to 4 miles
west of Higgins to 3 miles south of Gage. Movement was southeast at
25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny 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...
Shattuck, Arnett, Gage, and Harmon.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor NOAA Weather
Radio, local radio stations or available television stations for
additional information and possible warnings from the National
Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3634 10000 3636 9998 3636 9972 3622 9959
3617 9960 3616 9957 3604 9947 3588 9976
3588 10000
TIME...MOT...LOC 1346Z 328DEG 22KT 3615 10046 3613 10010 3627 9976
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MDUThe Vance AFB radar (KVNX), 175 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 14:34 UTC.
14 thunderstorm wind, 5 flash flood, 4 hail, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
Arnett (ARNE) Mesonet observation.
The report was relayed through mPING.
Multiple sources confirmed significant and widespread flash flooding on the morning of June 23rd in and near the outlined event area. This included numerous roadways that were significantly flooded, with several high-water rescues reported, including along U.S. Highway 69/75. Some roadways were also washed out or collapsed. This flooding resulted in the issuance of a rare Flash Flood Emergency, the first across the WFO Norman Forecast Area since May of 2019. The event time is approximate.
The location is approximate.
Trees were blown down along Sawmill Road, just south of the Sawmill Spur. The location is approximate, and the event time is estimated based on radar observations.
The report was relayed through mPING.
Trees were blown down along Old Highway, north of Main Street. The location is approximate, and the event time is estimated based on radar observations.
Trees were blown down near the intersection of Lain Lake Road and Big Slough Road. The event time is estimated based on radar observations.
An estimated wind gust from a social media video.
The report was relayed through mPING.
Significant roadway flooding occurred along the U.S. Highway 377 corridor north of Connerville and near Pontotoc. This included at least one high-water rescue and several road closures. The event time is approximate.
Significant roadway flooding occurred along the U.S. Highway 377 corridor north of Pontotoc. This included at least one high-water rescue and several road closures. The event time is approximate.
Roadway flooding occurred near the intersection of Oklahoma Highway 7 and Car Pen Road. The event time is approximate.
Oklahoma City Will Rogers International Airport (KOKC) observation.
Oklahoma City Will Rogers International Airport (KOKC) observation.
An image of wood and metal poles blown down near the intersection of Southeast 44th Street and High Avenue was shared on social media. The event time is estimated based on radar observations.
Multiple sources confirmed widespread roadway flooding occurred in and near the outlined event area. This included several high-water rescues, road closures and erosion/damage in at least one location. The event time is approximate.
Several large tree branches/limbs, up to 6 inches in diameter, were blown down. The event time is estimated based on radar observations.
A large tree was uprooted, landing on an adjacent carport, near the intersection of Flood Avenue and Gray Street. The event time is estimated based on radar observations.
A broadcast media storm chaser shared images of large trees uprooted near the intersection of U.S. Highway 62 and Jackson Avenue, with several blocking roadways. The event time is estimated based on radar observations.
An image showing a large tree split in half near the intersection of Classen Boulevard and Duffy Street was shared. The event time is estimated based on radar observations.
A large tree was blown onto a house, causing extensive roof damage. The location is approximate, and the event time is estimated based on radar observations.
An image showing significant roadway flooding along U.S. Highway 77, near the Lee Street intersection, was shared. The event time is approximate.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Oklahoma in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in Oklahoma, June 2026
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: 1348892, 1348894, 1355758, 1348893, 1351276, 1348895, 1351273, 1351275, 1348896, 1348897, 1355760, 1355761, 1355759, 1348898, 1348899, 1348904, 1355762, 1348900, 1348901, 1348903, 1348913, 1348911, 1348908, 1355764.