Oklahoma Tornado History
Every recorded tornado in Oklahoma from 1950 to present, with counts, fatalities, EF ratings, and notable events — sourced from the NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
Oklahoma sits at the geographic center of US tornado activity, and by virtually every metric it is the most intensely active state per square mile. The state averages more than 50 tornadoes per year and has recorded more F5/EF5 tornadoes — the strongest rating on the scale — than any other state in the lower 48. Central Oklahoma, along the I-44 corridor from Oklahoma City to the Kansas border, is the single most tornado-prone zone in the United States, and the Oklahoma City metro has been struck by more significant tornadoes than any other major US city.
The Tornado Climate of Oklahoma
Notable Oklahoma Tornadoes
Seasonality
May is peak month, responsible for roughly 30% of annual Oklahoma tornadoes. April and June each account for approximately 15%. The state's dual-peak pattern — a primary spring peak and a shorter October uptick — mirrors the broader southern Plains climatology. Oklahoma's "second season" in October is distinct from Dixie Alley states to the east, which often see winter tornadoes that Oklahoma typically does not.
Monthly distribution of all recorded Oklahoma tornadoes since 1950.
Top 10 Deadliest Oklahoma Tornadoes
| Date | Rating | Deaths | Injuries | Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 25, 1955 | F5 | 80 | 273 | 56.4 mi |
| May 3, 1999 | F5 | 36 | 583 | 37.0 mi |
| May 20, 2013 | EF5 | 24 | 212 | 13.8 mi |
| May 10, 2008 | EF4 | 21 | 350 | 75.5 mi |
| May 25, 1955 | F5 | 20 | 280 | 28.4 mi |
| May 5, 1960 | F4 | 16 | 106 | 62.4 mi |
| May 5, 1961 | F4 | 16 | 58 | 26.4 mi |
| June 8, 1974 | F4 | 14 | 150 | 29.0 mi |
| January 22, 1957 | F4 | 10 | 20 | 0.1 mi |
| May 24, 2011 | EF5 | 9 | 181 | 63.1 mi |
Annual Tornado Counts
Hover a bar for the year-specific count. Reporting improved significantly with Doppler radar deployment in the 1990s, inflating modern counts relative to pre-1990s.
Regional Patterns
Tornado activity is not uniform across the state. The central and north-central counties (Oklahoma, Cleveland, Canadian, Grady, Payne, Logan) record the most tornadoes. The Panhandle sees fewer but often longer-tracked tornadoes driven by plains-style supercells. The Ouachita Mountains in the southeast see fewer tornadoes than the rest of the state but occasionally produce strong events when severe weather penetrates the terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many EF5 tornadoes has Oklahoma had?
Oklahoma has had 8 confirmed F5 or EF5 tornadoes since 1950, the most of any US state. They include the 1947 Glazier–Higgins–Woodward tornado, the 1957 Ruskin Heights tornado, the 1999 Bridge Creek–Moore tornado, and the 2013 Moore tornado. Oklahoma has not had an EF5 since 2013.
What city in Oklahoma has had the most tornadoes?
Moore, Oklahoma has been struck by five tornadoes of F3 or greater intensity between 1998 and 2015, including two EF5/F5 events (1999 and 2013). Oklahoma City overall has experienced more total tornadoes due to its larger footprint, but Moore holds the record for highest concentration of violent strikes on a single community.
When is tornado season in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma tornado season runs from April through June, peaking in May. A secondary peak occurs in October. Tornadoes can occur in any month, though December–February activity is rare.
How many tornadoes has Oklahoma had since 1950?
Oklahoma has recorded 4,371 tornadoes from 1950 through the most recent NOAA SPC dataset update. The state averages approximately 58 tornadoes per year. 8 of these tornadoes were rated F5 or EF5 — the highest rating on the scale. The deadliest year on record was 1955, with 101 deaths, and the most active year was 2024 with 151 tornadoes.
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Data: NOAA Storm Prediction Center 1950–present tornado database. Counts and fatality totals reflect official post-event damage assessments. Current-year tornadoes may appear as preliminary until NWS surveys are finalized.