Oklahoma Breaks October Tornado Record

news image
Top Stories
23 Oct 2021 3:05 PM
In a whacky turn of events for Oklahoma, the state reached a tornado milestone during the month of *October!* Oklahoma's statewide tornado count for Octobers ranks this year as number one, then 1998 as second, 2007 as third, 2018 as fourth, and 2017 rounding out the top five. Typically, Oklahoma and the Great Plains experience the brunt of their tornado activity during the months of May and June. The spring severe season, as it is referred to quite frequently, is the height of the annual severe season. However the past few "severe seasons" have been a bit different. Severe weather has been quieter-than-average during those spring months in the Great Plains, but a bit busier during the fall months. Even take notice that a few of the active Octobers have happened within the past few years in Oklahoma. Link: Most of these tornadoes (at least 21) occurred between October 10-13 It should be noted that these statistics are for the entire state of Oklahoma during the month of October. The stats don't necessarily represent the rest of the Plains states, or other severe-prone locations. Related Link: October 20 is the 2 year anniversary of the 2019 EF-3 tornado in the Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX area October is one of the months notorious for "secondary severe weather season." Typically, October-December see a slight bump up in the number of severe storms, including tornadoes, across the Plains and Southeast. Much of this increase has to do with the intensity and location of the jet stream. The river of fast-flowing air well above our heads starts to dive farther south, while tapping into still (relatively) warm and muggy air. It's the same pattern of the spring, but a little less intense. A reason for the record-setting October this season could be because of the frequent, intense jet stream waves crossing these areas. While October 2021 has been busy regarding severe storms, this is where we typically see it for this time of the year (across Oklahoma and the Southern Plains). Since October has had a record pace for tornadic storms in parts of the Plains, stay weather aware and up-to-date regarding the latest forecast and alerts. We'll bring all of that (and more) to you on our WeatherNation platforms!
All Weather News
More
Eastern Pacific: Priscilla and TD17-E Target Mexico, Desert SW with Downpours

Eastern Pacific: Priscilla and TD17-E Target Mexico, Desert SW with Downpours

The Eastern Pacific has had a fairly average

9 Oct 2025 6:20 PM
Weekend Coastal Low: Rain & Flooding Threat

Weekend Coastal Low: Rain & Flooding Threat

An area of low pressure is expected to form a

9 Oct 2025 2:35 PM
Moisture Returns To The Southwest, Some Priscilla Influence Later

Moisture Returns To The Southwest, Some Priscilla Influence Later

Significant flash flooding is expected in the

9 Oct 2025 11:40 AM
Tropical Storm Jerry: Forecast, Track, and Island Impacts

Tropical Storm Jerry: Forecast, Track, and Island Impacts

On Tuesday morning, Tropical Storm Jerry had

9 Oct 2025 10:00 AM
Upgraded North Dakota Tornado Ends EF-5 Drought

Upgraded North Dakota Tornado Ends EF-5 Drought

The National Weather Service in Grand Forks,

9 Oct 2025 9:30 AM
Fall Front Triggers Frost and Storm Threat

Fall Front Triggers Frost and Storm Threat

TEMPERATURESA cold front sweeping through the

7 Oct 2025 1:35 PM
Fall Color Is Peaking in Parts of the Lower 48

Fall Color Is Peaking in Parts of the Lower 48

Grab the pumpkin spice and apple cider donuts

6 Oct 2025 9:55 AM