Oklahoma's Tornado-Free Streak Nears Remarkable Record

news image
Top Stories
25 Apr 2018 10:04 PM
The Sooner State might be Oklahoma's official nickname, but so far in 2018, it's later that has Sooner Staters feeling lucky. Through Wednesday, Oklahoma hadn't seen a tornado within its state borders, nearing a record extending back to the early 1960s. Oklahoma hasn't officially recorded a tornado so far in 2018, and if there isn't a tornado on Thursday (which is highly unlikely), it would set a new record for the latest first tornado of the season. https://twitter.com/NWSNorman/status/988840171050360833 Oklahoma, of course, is in the heart of so-called tornado alley, the Great Plains states that often receive the majority of severe weather during the spring months, when clashing air masses combine with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico to lead to widespread severe storms. Several relatively recent notable outbreaks of storms have targeted Oklahoma, including an F-5 tornado in Oklahoma City's southern suburbs that killed 36 people, the 2013 EF-5 tornado in Moore, Oklahoma that killed 24 and the 2013 El Reno EF-3 twister that killed eight and injured more than 150 people. So why the lack of storms so far this year? A cool pattern mostly dictated by a persistent series of cold fronts has kept much of the South locked in a chilly pattern. There are indications that next week could resume a more typical spring pattern - leading right into Oklahoma's (and America's) busiest month for tornadoes. The National Weather Service office in Norman, Oklahoma described to WeatherNation on Tuesday the streak in more detail (first video), along with the fact that Oklahomans can't let their guard down despite the unusually slow start to severe weather season there. [playlist type="video" ids="90614,90615"] No severe thunderstorms are currently forecast for Oklahoma through Saturday, meaning the record should be broken on Thursday. Stay with WeatherNation to see if Oklahoma is able to actually break the record. For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Chris Bianchi
All Weather News
More
Weekend Forecast: Rain in Southern California

Weekend Forecast: Rain in Southern California

Yet another system is on tap for the West Coa

29 Mar 2024 2:45 AM
First Coast to Coast Storm of April Ahead

First Coast to Coast Storm of April Ahead

Spring typically brings active weather to the

29 Mar 2024 2:30 AM
From Snow to 80s in 3 Days for the Southern Plains

From Snow to 80s in 3 Days for the Southern Plains

Get ready for a roller coaster ride of temper

29 Mar 2024 2:25 AM
Spring Snow in California Bolsters Snowpack

Spring Snow in California Bolsters Snowpack

Snow is falling again on the West Coast thank

29 Mar 2024 2:20 AM
Spring Storm for the East Coast Today

Spring Storm for the East Coast Today

A strong low-pressure system in the eastern G

29 Mar 2024 2:20 AM
Easter Forecast: Who's Cracking Open Some Nice Weather

Easter Forecast: Who's Cracking Open Some Nice Weather

Some parts of the country have been dye-ing t

28 Mar 2024 5:25 PM
Total Solar Eclipse: 5 Things you Need to Know

Total Solar Eclipse: 5 Things you Need to Know

A total solar eclipse is coming! Here are the

28 Mar 2024 1:00 PM