73842 Zip Code Natural Disasters and Weather Extremes
Hot Rankings
The chance of earthquake damage in 73842 Zip Code is lower than Oklahoma average and is much lower than the national average. The risk of tornado damage in 73842 Zip Code is much lower than Oklahoma average and is higher than the national average.
Earthquake Index, #714
| 73842 Zip Code | 0.01 |
| Oklahoma | 0.31 |
| U.S. | 1.81 |
The earthquake index value is calculated based on historical earthquake events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the earthquake level in a region. A higher earthquake index value means a higher chance of an earthquake.
Volcano Index, #1
| 73842 Zip Code | 0.0000 |
| Oklahoma | 0.0000 |
| U.S. | 0.0023 |
The volcano index value is calculated based on the currently known volcanoes using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the possibility of a region being affected by a possible volcano eruption. A higher volcano index value means a higher chance of being affected.
Tornado Index, #751
| 73842 Zip Code | 150.17 |
| Oklahoma | 363.83 |
| U.S. | 136.45 |
The tornado index value is calculated based on historical tornado events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the tornado level in a region. A higher tornado index value means a higher chance of tornado events.
Other Weather Extremes Events
A total of 3,885 other weather extremes events within 50 miles of 73842 Zip Code were recorded from 1950 to 2010. The following is a break down of these events:
| Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count |
| Avalanche: | 0 | Blizzard: | 6 | Cold: | 6 | Dense Fog: | 2 | Drought: | 29 |
| Dust Storm: | 0 | Flood: | 107 | Hail: | 2,318 | Heat: | 13 | Heavy Snow: | 40 |
| High Surf: | 0 | Hurricane: | 0 | Ice Storm: | 19 | Landslide: | 0 | Strong Wind: | 47 |
| Thunderstorm Winds: | 1,130 | Tropical Storm: | 0 | Wildfire: | 2 | Winter Storm: | 39 | Winter Weather: | 23 |
| Other: | 104 | ||||||||
Volcanos Nearby
No volcano is found in or near 73842 Zip Code.
Historical Earthquake Events
No historical earthquake events that had recorded magnitudes of 3.5 or above found in or near 73842 Zip Code.
No historical earthquake events found in or near 73842 Zip Code.
Historical Tornado Events
A total of 47 historical tornado events that had recorded magnitude of 2 or above found in or near 73842 Zip Code.
| Distance (miles) | Date | Magnitude | Start Lat/Log | End Lat/Log | Length | Width | Fatalities | Injuries | Property Damage | Crop Damage | Affected County |
| 4.6 | 1991-04-02 | 2 | 36°52'N / 99°17'W | 36°53'N / 99°12'W | 5.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Woods |
| 7.9 | 1955-06-18 | 2 | 36°47'N / 99°05'W | 36°49'N / 99°02'W | 3.60 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Woods |
| 10.3 | 1964-08-13 | 2 | 36°51'N / 99°01'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Woods | |||
| 12.6 | 2008-05-23 | 2 | 36°57'N / 99°07'W | 36°59'N / 99°01'W | 4.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 20K | 0K | Woods |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado developed and moved predominately over range land. Little or no significant damage was observed until the tornado approached the state line. Widespread tree damage, consistent with an EF2 tornado was noted. The tornado then moved into Comanche County Kansas. Monetary damages were estimated. EPISODE NARRATIVE: Thunderstorms developed during the afternoon ahead of a dry line that was located near the Texas panhandle and Oklahoma border. The thunderstorms quickly became supercells as they moved toward southwest Kansas. Very large hail was the initial threat, although a significant tornado threat became apparent as they neared the Kansas border. Three tornadoes were reported with the thunderstorms, with two of them doing significant damage. The tornadic thunderstorms moved northeast by nightfall, with other less severe thunderstorms developing farther south. Monetary damages were estimated. | |||||||||||
| 13.8 | 1952-04-30 | 2 | 36°46'N / 99°05'W | 36°46'N / 98°50'W | 13.70 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Woods |
| 18.0 | 2008-05-23 | 3 | 37°00'N / 99°03'W | 37°06'N / 99°03'W | 7.00 Miles | 980 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0K | Comanche |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: This 1/2 mile wide tornado moved out of Oklahoma. EF3+ damaged was based on trees that appeared to be sand blasted. Also, there were trees uprooted, several antique cars that have yet to be found as of late July, 2008 (probably dropped in ravines in the area). An oil tank was carried 2 miles. Several head of cattle were killed. The tornado turned west (left) as it began to dissipate. EPISODE NARRATIVE: An anonymously strong upper level system allowed everything to come together at the surface to produced what is perhaps the biggest tornado outbreak to ever occur in the Dodge City CWA! Fifty-five tornadoes were documented during that afternoon and evening! Some of the tornadoes were very large and damaging. The character of the supercell thunderstorms that day had similarities to the storms that produced the Greensburg tornado a little over a year after. In fact there was one tornado that was just as large and perhaps could have been just as damaging that was headed towards the small Kiowa county town but fortunately turned and dissipated. | |||||||||||
| 20.5 | 2008-05-23 | 3 | 36°40'N / 99°33'W | 36°43'N / 99°31'W | 5.00 Miles | 1100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0K | Harper |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: A strong tornado, rated EF3 at its peak intensity, struck south-southwest of the Selman area, producing widespread damage along its path. The tornado touched down, doing minor damage to trees and outbuildings. The tornado continued moving northeast and struck a residence. Significant damage consistent with EF2 damage was seen at this location. More significant damage was done to a residence and stocked workshop building as the tornado moved northeast. This was the strongest point of the tornado, rated EF3. A semi-cab and a 20-horse trailer were blown 50 yards from inside of the workshop. They both sustained significant damage. The tornado moved north from this point, doing EF2 damage to a building and workshop. The owners of the home took shelter in their storm shelter during the tornado, but became trapped inside by debris over top of the door. They were freed by local firemen after approximately 45 minutes. The tornado continued north and then northwest as it began to dissipate. Before it dissipated, however, a heavy fiberglass water tank that was filled with water was destroyed and moved some distance away. Two horses were also killed and one was seriously injured by swirling tin and other sharp debris. Monetary damages were estimated. EPISODE NARRATIVE: Thunderstorms developed during the afternoon ahead of a dry line that was located near the Texas panhandle and Oklahoma border. The thunderstorms quickly became supercells as they moved toward southwest Kansas. Very large hail was the initial threat, although a significant tornado threat became apparent as they neared the Kansas border. Three tornadoes were reported with the thunderstorms, with two of them doing significant damage. The tornadic thunderstorms moved northeast by nightfall, with other less severe thunderstorms developing farther south. Monetary damages were estimated. | |||||||||||
| 22.4 | 1965-06-04 | 2 | 36°36'N / 98°54'W | 1.50 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Woods | |
| 23.9 | 1970-09-06 | 2 | 36°51'N / 99°42'W | 36°54'N / 99°33'W | 8.80 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Harper |
| 25.1 | 1951-04-05 | 2 | 36°32'N / 98°55'W | 36°34'N / 98°52'W | 3.60 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 2 | 3K | 0 | Woods |
| 26.7 | 1991-05-26 | 3 | 36°26'N / 99°20'W | 36°26'N / 99°08'W | 12.50 Miles | 1000 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Woodward |
| 26.8 | 1950-05-04 | 2 | 36°34'N / 99°34'W | 1.00 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Woodward | |
| 27.0 | 1950-05-24 | 2 | 36°27'N / 99°02'W | 1.00 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 2 | 25K | 0 | Woodward | |
| 29.2 | 1955-06-17 | 2 | 36°45'N / 98°42'W | 36°47'N / 98°39'W | 3.60 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Woods |
| 33.5 | 1956-04-02 | 3 | 36°41'N / 98°40'W | 36°48'N / 98°32'W | 10.80 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 2 | 250K | 0 | Woods |
| 34.4 | 1950-05-24 | 2 | 37°16'N / 99°29'W | 37°17'N / 99°25'W | 3.60 Miles | 77 Yards | 0 | 1 | 3K | 0 | Comanche |
| 36.8 | 2000-05-25 | 2 | 36°34'N / 98°37'W | 36°40'N / 98°33'W | 8.00 Miles | 250 Yards | 0 | 0 | 50K | 0 | Woods |
| Brief Description: This tornado was confirmed by a damage survey from the National Weather Service and is believed to have formed about 1/4 mile southwest of the intersection of State Highway 45 and NS246 Road in Woods County, or about 7 miles south-southwest of Dacoma, where significant tree damage was evident. Dozens of large, mature trees were stripped of most limbs, and many others were pushed over mostly in a northwestward direction, but not lofted. Then at the intersection of State Highway 45 and NS246 Road the property of the Green Valley Church sustained massive damage, most significant of which occurred to the community center, a 40 foot by 20 foot wooden structure that was completely destroyed. All exterior walls, 4 total, and the 2 interior walls were made of wood and entirely displaced from the foundation with debris located near the west edge of the foundation extending northwestward about 100 feet. On the same lot, just west and north of the community center, 3 to 4 large mature trees were either pushed over to the west and northwest or largely stripped of their limbs. The roof of the parsonage located approximately 50 feet north of the community center and just north of 2 pushed-over trees, also was heavily damaged. A 15 foot section of the gable-style roof was blown off the back side of the house and lofted eastward about 50 feet. Two large mature trees located northeast of the house were pushed over in a north-northwestward direction. Lesser damage on the property occurred to the garage, located immediately northeast of the community center, where several windows were broken and numerous roof shingles were missing. Several large bales of hay also rolled westward approximately 125 feet and were embedded in structure and tree debris. Damage to the Green Valley Community Center 6 miles SSW of Dacoma is the basis for the F2 rating. As the accompanying photo (below listing of tornado at 2225 CST) shows, this building was completely destroyed with most of the debris found to the northwest of the foundation. As the tornado tracked northeastward, a 1 mile long path of tree damage was evident on both sides of EW29 Road. Most trees had numerous limbs blown off or were damaged, while fewer trees were blown over, with the majority of trees north of the road blown over to the north and trees south of the road blown over to the east. Minor structural damage was also observed about 1/4 mile south of EW29 Road. Along NS249 Road an uninhabited house sustained significant damage to the east portion thought to be a garage, which was pushed over to the north. Numerous shingles were missing from the remainder of the house roof. A flag pole on the west side of the lot was bent to the northwest, while dozens of large mature trees north and northeast of the house were heavily damaged, with most of the them missing numerous limbs, while others were pushed over. This tree damage continued northward to EW27 Road. On the southeast side of Dacoma, an old barn was blown over, while another barn of tin construction had part of its roof blown off, with debris scattered northward a short distance. The tornado dissipated 1 mile east-northeast of Dacoma where 3-4 inch diameter tree limbs were downed. Severe thunderstorms first developed across portions of western and northern Oklahoma during the evening of the 25th, resulting in 4 confirmed tornadoes, one rated F2, and other areas of straight-line wind damage and large hail. Then during the early morning hours of the 26th, a line of severe thunderstorms formed across southwest Oklahoma and raced eastward into southeast Oklahoma, resulting in widespread damage from winds estimated between 80 and 100 mph at times. | |||||||||||
| 36.9 | 1969-04-16 | 2 | 36°36'N / 98°30'W | 36°47'N / 98°36'W | 13.80 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Alfalfa |
| 37.5 | 2002-04-17 | 2 | 36°29'N / 98°45'W | 36°36'N / 98°29'W | 15.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 1 | 35K | 0 | Woods |
| Brief Description: This tornado is a continuation of the tornado that moved out of Major County at 0032 CST. The tornado curved to the right as it crossed the Cimarron River and moved northeastward for 15 miles before entering Alfalfa County at 0005 CST on April 18th. In Woods County, about 2 miles southwest of the intersection of State Highway 45 and the Woods County line, the roof of a trailer house was completely removed, and an exterior wall on the northeast side of the house was badly damaged and partially removed from the structure. The owner of the house received minor abrasions to his arm. Across the road from the house, a barn was unroofed, and most of the walls were destroyed. Otherwise, only tree damage was observed across Woods County. Numerous severe thunderstorms were observed over western Oklahoma during the afternoon and evening of the 17th and early morning of the 18th. Four tornadoes were confirmed, and there were several reports of very large hail, even one report of softball size hail (4.5 inches in diameter). The tornadoes were at night with the largest tornado, believed to be up to one mile wide, causing a maximum of F2 damage over a 34 mile path across northwest Oklahoma. Another tornado resulted in F3 damage. | |||||||||||
| 38.4 | 1973-03-13 | 2 | 37°21'N / 99°20'W | 37°23'N / 99°18'W | 2.30 Miles | 40 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Comanche |
| 38.7 | 1960-04-12 | 2 | 36°42'N / 99°53'W | 0 | 3 | 25K | 0 | Harper | |||
| 38.8 | 1965-05-13 | 2 | 36°24'N / 99°40'W | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Ellis | |||
| 39.2 | 1991-05-15 | 3 | 36°39'N / 99°59'W | 36°45'N / 99°48'W | 11.50 Miles | 900 Yards | 0 | 3 | 250K | 0 | Harper |
| 39.6 | 1984-10-31 | 3 | 36°19'N / 98°58'W | 36°21'N / 98°40'W | 16.00 Miles | 250 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Major |
| 39.9 | 1984-10-31 | 3 | 36°13'N / 99°00'W | 36°19'N / 98°58'W | 4.00 Miles | 250 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Woodward |
| 40.0 | 1956-04-02 | 3 | 36°48'N / 98°32'W | 36°54'N / 98°25'W | 9.20 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Alfalfa |
| 40.6 | 2007-05-05 | 2 | 36°10'N / 99°19'W | 36°18'N / 99°13'W | 14.00 Miles | 600 Yards | 0 | 0 | 300K | 0K | Woodward |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: This tornado developed about 7.5 miles south of Sharon and moved northeast. Near the beginning of the tornado path, substantial damage was noted along EW 57 Road, about two miles north of the county line, and about one mile west of Highway 34. At this location, much of the roof of a single story home was removed, an old rail car being used to store dry cement bags and animal feed was thrown and/or rolled about 140 feet south of the residence, trees and large limbs were snapped, and a pickup truck was moved about 80 feet. Beyond this location, the tornado moved through very rural areas and damage was sparse through portion of the tornado's path. Damage to structures was again noted along a path beginning about 4 miles east of Sharon. In this area, a barn was destroyed and an outbuilding had its windows blown out. Further northeast along the path, more outbuildings were damaged, at least two barns were destroyed, a recreational vehicle was destroyed, and a semi trailer overturned. Several large trees were also downed as the tornado continued northeast before dissipating about 6 miles east northeast of Sharon, just south of Highway 183. In total, 56 utility poles were destroyed along the tornado's path. Monetary damages were estimated. EPISODE NARRATIVE: An upper level storm system moved slowly into south central Colorado during the afternoon. A dry line had become established and was located along the Oklahoma and Texas panhandle border. Also, favorable upper level winds were rotating around the upper level storm system, crossing the dryline over western Oklahoma. As the afternoon progressed, convergence along the dryline became maximized over this area. Thunderstorms developed during the afternoon hours and they quickly became supercells. Two of the supercells produced several tornadoes. The northern tornadic storm produced five tornadoes from southwest of Roll to just east of Arnett. The southern tornadic storm also produced five tornadoes in Oklahoma from near Sweetwater to near Sharon. Large hail was also observed. The supercells moved northeast out of Oklahoma during the late evening hours. Monetary values for the tornado damage were estimated. | |||||||||||
| 40.9 | 1998-10-04 | 2 | 36°36'N / 98°31'W | 36°37'N / 98°30'W | 2.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 55K | 0 | Alfalfa |
| Brief Description: A major severe weather outbreak occurred across western and central Oklahoma from the afternoon of the 4th through the early morning of the 5th, resulting in 19 tornadoes, straight-line wind damage, hail as large as baseballs, and significant flooding across portions of Lincoln and Noble Counties, where numerous costly bridges were destroyed. Thunderstorms first developed over northwest Oklahoma during the early and mid-afternoon where hail larger than golf balls was reported in Major and Woodward Counties. The first of 19 tornadoes occurred at 1425 CST in Woods County 11 miles south-southwest of Dacoma. A media storm chaser observed this multiple vortex tornado as it touched down in southeastern Woods County and traveled northeast into western Alfalfa County before dissipating 4 miles northwest of Carmen. Damage was first reported south of Dacoma where an old abandoned house was damaged and a barn and garage were destroyed. As the tornado moved into western Alfalfa County, an office building at Carmen Field Limited Partnership and a local gas plant were completely destroyed. A modular home adjacent to the gas plant also had most of its roof blown off. Numerous witnesses described this tornado (F2) as very large and was at least a quarter of a mile wide. The 2nd tornado, an F0, developed on the salt flats 5 miles southeast of Cherokee in Alfalfa County and was seen by an Alfalfa County Sheriff's Deputy. The 3rd tornado was witnessed by a state trooper touching down very close to Highway 11, 5 miles west of Medford in Grant County, and was on the ground for less than one minute with no known damage (F0). As the thunderstorms associated with these tornadoes moved east, additional thunderstorms began to intensify farther south. Near Mountain Park in Kiowa County, Baseball size hail destroyed numerous car windshields. A short while longer, at 1638 CST, the 4th tornado was captured on video by a reliable storm chaser 9 miles southwest of Watonga in Blaine County. This tornado touched down for only a few seconds in an open field with no known damage (F0). Several storage buildings at a Lowe's Department Store in Ponca City in Kay County, were blown over by winds estimated between 80-90 mph. The 5th tornado touched down 2.5 miles southwest of Watonga in Blaine County and crossed US-270/281 two miles south of Watonga. The tornado continued to the northeast and finally dissipated about 9 miles east-northeast of Watonga. At least three homes suffered significant damage, one of which had its roof completely removed (F2). The 6th tornado was seen by an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Officer 5 miles north of Medicine Park in Comanche County touching down briefly in an open field with no known damage (F0). The 7th tornado, an F1, touched down 6 miles southwest of Dover in Kingfisher County and traveled northeast for 7 miles, crossing Highway 81 near the Cimarron River, and dissipating 2 miles southeast of Dover. One haybarn was destroyed, while 1 residence and 5 barns were damaged. Numerous trees and power lines were also downed. The 8th tornado, an F0, touched down just west of the intersection of US-277 and SH-8, 1 mile north of Cyril in Caddo County, and moved east for one-half mile knocking down trees and power lines and causing minor roof damage in the extreme northeastern portion of Cyril. While straight-line winds damaged a roof at the Farmers Coop Association building, and a trailer home in Guthrie in Logan County at 1745 CST, the 9th tornado touched down at 1747 CST on or just south of Lake Carl Blackwell in Payne County, and was observed by numerous people in and near Stillwater. The tornado moved northeast over the lake, crossed into extreme southern Noble County, and over Lake McMurtry. Minor damage was reported in northern Payne County, however the worst damage occurred in southern Noble County as the tornado moved off of Lake McMurtry and severely damaged a mobile home (F1). The 10th tornado (F2) was witnessed by 3 firefighters 1 mile south of Highway 277 on Lake Burtshi Road 9 miles west-southwest of Ninnekah in Grady County, and was on the ground for 1.5 miles. One mobile home was disintegrated, while 2 others nearby were flipped over. Many well-structured homes sustained minor roof damage, and numerous trees were blown over, some onto homes and one onto an RV. A storage building was also destroyed. The 11th tornado, also an F2, touched down in Grady County, 4.5 miles north of Middleburg, damaging several mobile homes and outbuildings. One mobile home was completely destroyed in the Bridge Creek area while two others were blown over. Scattered tree damage continued for 5 miles into McClain county just to the southwest of the Newcastle city limits. Wind damage continued into the south part of Newcastle causing damage to trees and power lines. In addition to the tornado damage, straight-line winds overturned several tractor-trailers 7 miles south of Tuttle, also in Grady County, and destroyed a barn in Dibble in McClain County. Lightning also struck a house on Broadway in Norman in Cleveland County, causing a small fire at 1900 CST. The 12th tornado (F0) developed at 1926 CST 3 miles north of Newcastle in McClain County, and was observed by people from Norman, Moore and Newcastle. This tornado touched down just northeast of the intersection of I-44 and North 32nd Street north of Newcastle, and moved north into extreme western Cleveland County near SW 149th St. and Meridian Avenue, in southwest Oklahoma City. Damage was primarily to trees. The 13th tornado was one of the most destructive tornadoes of the outbreak, developing over the city of Moore in Cleveland County about 1/2 mile north of SW 19th Ave, just east of Santa Fe Ave. The tornado tracked almost due north at first, and then curved slightly east of north. Many homes lost all or parts of their roofs, leaving them uninhabitable, and one home lost a portion of an exterior wall. Sections of roofs were also torn off of a few warehouses as the tornado crossed Shields Ave. and then dissipated just west of I-35. The worst damage occurred along NW 12th Ave to the west of Janaway where F2 damage was observed. In total, 10 single-family residences were either destroyed or severely damaged; 8 multi-family buildings were severely damaged; and hundreds of other homes and businesses sustained minor damage. Damage estimates were near 2 million dollars. The 14th tornado touched down near EW 106 road and NS 346 Road 4 miles southeast of Meeker in Lincoln County, where light damage occurred to many trees. The tornado then moved northeast crossing EW 347 south of US 62. Damage was observed from just south of this intersection southward for about one mile. Just south of the intersection, trees were downed and a house received damage to the roof and porch. F2 damage occurred about 1/2 mile south of US 62, where three homes received significant roof damage, and an RV was pushed over onto its side. The tornado crossed US 62 with light damage to trees and minor damage to a house along the highway. The tornado likely dissipated just northeast of the intersection of US 62 and NS 347 Road. The 15th tornado, also an F2, developed a few minutes after the last tornado about 7 miles west of Prague. This tornado touched down near NS 348 road about 1/2 mile north of EW 106 Road where a mobile home received light damage. The tornado moved northeast crossing near the intersection of EW 105 Road and NS 349 Road, then grew in size and intensity before crossing US 62. A mobile home along US 62 just west of NS 350 Road was destroyed. The metal frame that supported the home and most of the contents was deposited northwest of the original location up to 150 yards. Other debris was thrown north-northeast across US 62. The tornado then continued northeast and damage was noted for 3/4 of a mile along NS 350 Road centered on US 62. Slight damage to trees and outbuildings was observed along NS 352 Road approximately 2 miles north of US 62. The tornado probably dissipated northeast of this point, although roads became inaccessibe due to flooding and made it difficult to determine the exact location. In addition, a 6 mile long swath of damaging straight-line winds accompanied this tornado from 6 miles west of Prague to 3 miles northwest of Prague, resulting in massive tree damage. Damaging straight-line winds were also responsible for blowing down trees and power lines in Shawnee in Pottowatomie County at 2010 CST, and for a wind gust of 64 mph at 2020 CST, 4 miles west-southwest of Guthrie in Logan County, measured by Oklahoma Mesonet. Another tornado, the 16th of the outbreak, developed at about the same time 6 miles northwest of Prague, and moved northeast for 7 miles before dissipating 7 miles north-northeast of Prague. This tornado, rated an F1, touched down at the intersection of EW 102 Road and NS 350 Road where outbuildings received moderate damage. Less than 1/4 of a mile away on EW 102 Road, a mobile home was lifted and thrown east about 100 yards, uprooting a power pole while airborne. The mobile home was destroyed upon impact. All 6 family members who took shelter inside an interior closet were injured. All injuries were minor, except for the father who suffered broken ribs, a cracked pelvis and head injuries. He stayed overnight in a nearby hospital and was released the next day. As the tornado continued east-northeast along NS 352 Road, south of the community of Wilzetta, an outbuilding was unroofed, minor damage occurred to a house roof, and trees were uprooted. Tree and power line damage continued to about 2 or 3 miles east of Wilzetta. The tornado then turned more to the northeast as it crossed SH 99 where a mobile home received minor damage, 3 outbuildings were destroyed, a few logs at a sawmill were tossed, and trees were downed. Scattered tree damage was observed to just southwest of the intersection of NS 357 Road and EW 99 Road where the tornado lifted. In addition to the tornadoes near Prague, straight-line winds were responsible for downing numerous trees and awnings of several businesses in downtown Prague. Farther south in Pottawatomie County, 2 tornadoes (Numbers 17 and 18 of the outbreak) embedded in larger swaths of damaging straight-line winds, developed near Shawnee. The first one touched down 3 miles northwest of Shawnee and remained on the ground for 3 miles before dissipating 3 miles north of Shawnee. A large swath of damaging straight-line winds approximately 1 mile wide and 4 miles long accompanied this F1 tornado as it moved across northern portions of Shawnee. Extensive tree damage occurred on a private golf course just west of Acme road. Minor damage also occurred to the roof of the clubhouse and to the roof-mounted air conditioning unit. Widespread tree and roof damage also occurred in a subdivision south of 45th St. and west of Kickapoo. In addition to a mobile home being destroyed near the east end of the damage path, which is believed to be the result of a tornado, many other mobile homes nearby received minor damage. In addition, 1 mile southeast of Dale in Pottowatomie County, numerous trees and signs were either destroyed or uprooted along Interstate 40; a shed was destroyed, and a barn was unroofed along Highway 102. Oklahoma Mesonet also measured a wind gust of 72 mph at 2055 CST, 3 miles north-northwest of Shawnee. The 2nd tornado, also an F1 and the 18th tornado of the outbreak, developed in or very close to the Shawnee business district, moved east for 2 miles, and was also accompanied by a large area of damaging straight-line winds. The exact damage resulting from the tornado was difficult to assess, but it is believed it was limited to fallen trees, downed power lines, and minor roof and structural damage to many homes. The area of straight-line wind damage was approximately 2.5 miles wide and 5 miles long, and occurred from the western side of Shawnee to the eastern side of Shawnee. Damage included widespread fallen trees in a suburban area north of Highland extending several blocks either side of Kickapoo, in the Woodland Park area, Boy Scout Park, and in the rural area along and south of Farrel Road between Harrison and Bryan. One tree fell on and heavily damaged the Beard House, a local landmark that was the first homestead built in Shawnee in 1895. An east-facing cinder block wall of a warehouse was blown outward in the vicinty of Minnesota and Pennsylvania Streets, and structural damage occurred to many buildings in downtown Shawnee, including toppled brick walls and broken windows. The combination of widespread straight-line wind damage and a tornado resulted in major damage over a very large area. The 19th and last tornado of the outbreak touched down 5 miles west-northwest of Little, near the intersection of EW 114 Road and NS 351 Road in northwestern Pottowatomie County, where minor tree damage was observed. The tornado, an F3, then increased in size to approximately a 1/2 mile wide as it moved northeast. As it crossed NS 351 Road and then EW 113 Road, a number of outbuildings were heavily damaged, and trees were snapped. Three mobile homes received light damage near the north edge of the path, and 3 other homes received light damage to shingles. The tornado crossed Interstate 40 blowing over a truck which was carrying hazardous materials. The tornado then continued northeast unroofing a mobile home, causing damage to trees and destroying a number of outbuilding before crossing the North Canadian River into northeast Pottawatomie County. Along EW 110 Road, significant tree damage was observed, and a barn was partially unroofed. The community of Center View near the intersection of SH 99 and EW 109 Road was then hard hit with most of the damage south and east of this intersection. From the debris pattern, the center of the tornado crossed Highway 99 one-half mile south of EW 109 Road. A house along Highway 99 was unroofed and lost most of its exterior walls. Three homes suffered major damage along EW 109 Road. Two other homes suffered significant damage. As the tornado continued moving northeast another home suffered significant roof damage, and the south facing brick wall was buckled. The garage was destroyed. Steel and cinder block from the garage were impaled in a tree. There was also significant damage to large trees. Farther northeast, damage to a roof was noted, and a large number of power lines were downed along NS 357 Road near the intersection of EW 108 Road. One outbuilding was damaged, and light damage was observed in trees just south of EW 107 Road. In total, at least 60 homes or businesses were damaged. Major flooding developed across Noble, Lincoln, and Payne Counties shortly after midnight on the 5th. Red Rock Creek and Black Bear Creek near Red Rock in Payne County, overflowed their banks between Highway 77 and Interstate 35 washing away several small bridges. Damage was estimated at 200 thousand dollars. Six to seven inches of rain fell across a large portion of Lincoln County. At least 3 bridges were washed away by the floods including 1 bridge 1 mile east of Kendrick, and dozens of roads suffered erosion damage. Creeks also overflowed their banks in Stroud, Davenport, and Agra. At least 500 thousand dollars in damage resulted. Between 4 and 5 inches of rain fell across Payne County forcing the Cu Chee Creek to overflow its banks, flooding many roads in Cushing and Stillwater. | |||||||||||
| 41.2 | 2008-05-23 | 2 | 37°22'N / 99°24'W | 37°26'N / 99°20'W | 6.00 Miles | 760 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0K | Kiowa |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: This tornado moved out of Comanche county and did EF2 damage to trees and power poles. It crossed the path of the tornado that occurred on May 4, 2007. EPISODE NARRATIVE: An anonymously strong upper level system allowed everything to come together at the surface to produced what is perhaps the biggest tornado outbreak to ever occur in the Dodge City CWA! Fifty-five tornadoes were documented during that afternoon and evening! Some of the tornadoes were very large and damaging. The character of the supercell thunderstorms that day had similarities to the storms that produced the Greensburg tornado a little over a year after. In fact there was one tornado that was just as large and perhaps could have been just as damaging that was headed towards the small Kiowa county town but fortunately turned and dissipated. | |||||||||||
| 41.2 | 1960-03-28 | 2 | 36°18'N / 99°54'W | 36°28'N / 99°31'W | 24.20 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Ellis |
| 41.2 | 1987-03-22 | 2 | 36°37'N / 99°54'W | 1.00 Mile | 73 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Harper | |
| 41.5 | 2002-04-18 | 2 | 36°35'N / 98°31'W | 36°47'N / 98°25'W | 15.00 Miles | 1500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 75K | 0 | Alfalfa |
| Brief Description: This tornado is a continuation of the tornado that developed in Major County and moved through Woods County. The tornado tracked for another 15 miles in Alfalfa County before dissipating 2 miles southwest of Ingersoll. As the tornado entered Alfalfa County, damage was sustained to outbuildings, trees and power lines, along State Highway 45 to the west of Carmen. Large trees were uprooted or snapped, and a windmill was destroyed along EW 25 Road to the east of NS 253 Road, or about 4.5 miles southwest of Lambert. Along the west side of NS 255 Road, between EW 23 Road and EW 22 Road (about 2.5 miles west of Lambert), a barn roof was removed as was the west section of the barn. Numerous power poles were snapped along EW 22 Road in a « mile area to the east of NS 255 Road. Several high-tension power poles were damaged or destroyed west of NS 256 Road and south of EW 21 Road. Significant tree damage and a couple of destroyed outbuildings were observed at the northeast corner of EW 20 and NS 256 Roads, about 5.5 miles southwest of Cherokee. The tornado continued north-northeast with the last damage observed along EW 17 Road just east of NS 257 Road, 2 miles southwest of Ingersoll, or about 4 miles west-northwest of Cherokee. In total, the tornado persisted for 62 minutes and traveled 34 miles. Numerous severe thunderstorms were observed over western Oklahoma during the afternoon and evening of the 17th and early morning of the 18th. Four tornadoes were confirmed, and there were several reports of very large hail, even one report of softball size hail (4.5 inches in diameter). The tornadoes were at night with the largest tornado, believed to be up to one mile wide, causing a maximum of F2 damage over a 34 mile path across northwest Oklahoma. Another tornado resulted in F3 damage. | |||||||||||
| 43.2 | 1962-05-28 | 2 | 36°48'N / 98°25'W | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Alfalfa | |||
| 44.1 | 1984-10-31 | 2 | 36°11'N / 98°54'W | 36°18'N / 98°49'W | 8.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Major |
| 44.8 | 2008-05-23 | 3 | 37°20'N / 99°43'W | 37°24'N / 99°33'W | 11.00 Miles | 3170 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0K | Clark |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: This extremely large tornado (1.8 miles wide) moved east and then turned northeast towards Kiowa county. Many power poles were taken down by the tornado. It also caused EF3 damage to trees, two old houses, barns and it carried an oil tank battery 1.8 miles depositing it in trees. There was at least 20 head of cattle killed by the tornado. There was minor injuries received by a 20 year old male as he took refuge in his truck that was parked next to a baler inside a barn. The barn was completely swept away leaving the young man with cuts from broken glass. The baler that was left standing probably protected him and his truck from going airborne, if not rolling. Also, there was serious injury to a male in a semi on highway 34 in the vicinity of 37.3327 N, 99.6344 W probably by the RFD. Two other semis parked at this location rolled over but no injuries were sustained by the drivers. This extremely large tornado moved into Kiowa county. The radar signature was eerily similar to the Greensburg tornado that occurred on May 4, 2007. EPISODE NARRATIVE: An anonymously strong upper level system allowed everything to come together at the surface to produced what is perhaps the biggest tornado outbreak to ever occur in the Dodge City CWA! Fifty-five tornadoes were documented during that afternoon and evening! Some of the tornadoes were very large and damaging. The character of the supercell thunderstorms that day had similarities to the storms that produced the Greensburg tornado a little over a year after. In fact there was one tornado that was just as large and perhaps could have been just as damaging that was headed towards the small Kiowa county town but fortunately turned and dissipated. | |||||||||||
| 45.3 | 1973-09-25 | 3 | 37°08'N / 99°31'W | 37°49'N / 98°54'W | 58.00 Miles | 80 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Comanche |
| 46.5 | 1995-05-17 | 2 | 36°28'N / 98°34'W | 36°32'N / 98°21'W | 12.00 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 50K | 0 | Alfalfa |
| 46.8 | 1985-09-22 | 2 | 36°44'N / 98°23'W | 36°44'N / 98°20'W | 4.00 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Alfalfa |
| 46.9 | 1955-06-17 | 2 | 36°30'N / 98°27'W | 1.00 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Alfalfa | |
| 47.0 | 1987-03-22 | 2 | 36°29'N / 99°59'W | 36°36'N / 99°58'W | 7.50 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Ellis |
| 47.1 | 1958-06-21 | 3 | 36°18'N / 99°45'W | 0.50 Mile | 67 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Ellis | |
| 47.2 | 1962-05-20 | 2 | 36°45'N / 98°21'W | 0.30 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Alfalfa | |
| 47.7 | 2007-05-04 | 5 | 37°23'N / 99°22'W | 37°37'N / 99°19'W | 26.00 Miles | 3000 Yards | 11 | 63 | 250.0M | 0K | Kiowa |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: This killer tornado started in Comanche county and crossed into Kiowa county at 2003 CST / 2103 CDT. It curved north then northwest before making a complete loop northwest of Greensburg. Thus, the path was 25.8 miles. This tornado destroyed nearly 95 percent of the town of Greensburg and despite adequate warning, unfortunately took the life of 11 people, some that were in basements. First responders arriving on the scene requested three refrigerated refer trucks thinking there would be hundreds of fatalities. It also destroyed a dozen homes and a church south of Greensburg but did not cause injury. In all, 961 homes and businesses were destroyed, 216 received major damage and 307 received minor damage. As the tornado was dissipating it turned northwest, west, south and then back east making a loop. This was documented on both high resolution doppler radar and through the ground survey. Also as the tornado was dissipating a new circulation quickly grew northeast of town. Several oil storage tanks were destroyed causing an environmental concern. In the town of Greensburg, hazardous material was strewn everywhere. As of July 26th, the debris was still not fully cleaned up. Two landfills were filled with debris from the town and this was even as most was burned. Hundreds of thousands of dump truck loads were taken out. It was estimated that approximately 400,000 cubic yards of debris was removed. The major highway running through town was closed for 1 full month. At one time there were over 150 law enforcement officers (from all over the country) present. Military was called in for debris removal and rebuilding. Damage of insured losses exceeded $150 million, but including un-insured losses, was roughly 250 million dollars. **** NOTE **** The 11th victim passed away on September 19th, 2007 after a long battle with a head injury sustained during the tornado. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A destructive tornado, the first 5 rating on the new Enhanced-Fujita Scale and the first 5 classification since May 3, 1999 when an F5 tornado ripped through Moore, Oklahoma occurred on this day. There were 12 tornadoes during about a 4 hour period, one a little over 2 miles wide! Two of the tornadoes existed for over 1 hour as they churned up the ground, leveling homes and causing fatalities along their path. Miraculously, on 13 people perished, 11 in Greensburg - a miracle because over 90 percent of the town of Greensburg was literately wiped off the face of the earth. Another round of tornadoes occurred the following day across generally the same area. Nearly 250 pivot irrigation sprinklers were damaged or destroyed during the 2 day outbreak. Due to the number of sprinklers involved and the lack of replacements, some farmers would be out of service for over 1 year. | |||||||||||
| 47.9 | 2008-05-23 | 2 | 37°24'N / 99°33'W | 37°31'N / 99°31'W | 10.00 Miles | 2815 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0K | Kiowa |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: This large tornado moved out of Clark county where it had done EF3 damage. In Kiowa county, EF2 damage was done to a concrete walled house. Trees also received EF2 damage. A power pole with transmission wire attached was deposited from an unknown location. The tornado turned sharply west towards the end of it's life. EPISODE NARRATIVE: An anonymously strong upper level system allowed everything to come together at the surface to produced what is perhaps the biggest tornado outbreak to ever occur in the Dodge City CWA! Fifty-five tornadoes were documented during that afternoon and evening! Some of the tornadoes were very large and damaging. The character of the supercell thunderstorms that day had similarities to the storms that produced the Greensburg tornado a little over a year after. In fact there was one tornado that was just as large and perhaps could have been just as damaging that was headed towards the small Kiowa county town but fortunately turned and dissipated. | |||||||||||
| 47.9 | 2008-05-23 | 2 | 37°22'N / 98°45'W | 37°27'N / 98°44'W | 7.00 Miles | 250 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0K | Barber |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: This tornado produced EF2 damage to trees and turned sharply northwest as it dissipated. EPISODE NARRATIVE: An anonymously strong upper level system allowed everything to come together at the surface to produced what is perhaps the biggest tornado outbreak to ever occur in the Dodge City CWA! Fifty-five tornadoes were documented during that afternoon and evening! Some of the tornadoes were very large and damaging. The character of the supercell thunderstorms that day had similarities to the storms that produced the Greensburg tornado a little over a year after. In fact there was one tornado that was just as large and perhaps could have been just as damaging that was headed towards the small Kiowa county town but fortunately turned and dissipated. | |||||||||||
| 48.4 | 2002-04-17 | 3 | 36°06'N / 99°05'W | 36°09'N / 99°04'W | 5.00 Miles | 600 Yards | 0 | 0 | 20K | 0 | Dewey |
| Brief Description: This tornado formed in northern Dewey County, near Cestos, and moved northward, entering Woodward County at 2241 CST. In Dewey County, an old, abandoned farm house, constructed of wood, with broken windows and no doors, was leveled, about 2.5 miles east-southeast of Cestos. Huge cottonwood trees nearby were uprooted. A 15 ft long bus, with no engine, was lofted over a chain-link fence and dropped on its side about 50-75 ft away, and a 1/2 ton pickup trailer bed, detached from the front of the truck, was picked up and carried about 1/2 mile, and crumpled. Numerous severe thunderstorms were observed over western Oklahoma during the afternoon and evening of the 17th and early morning of the 18th. Four tornadoes were confirmed, and there were several reports of very large hail, even one report of softball size hail (4.5 inches in diameter). The tornadoes were at night with the largest tornado, believed to be up to one mile wide, causing a maximum of F2 damage over a 34 mile path across northwest Oklahoma. Another tornado resulted in F3 damage. | |||||||||||
| 48.7 | 1976-04-17 | 4 | 37°04'N / 98°32'W | 37°19'N / 98°22'W | 19.50 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 2 | 250K | 0 | Barber |
* The information on this page is based on the global volcano database, the U.S. earthquake database of 1638-1985, and the U.S. Tornado and Weather Extremes database of 1950-2010.