Tulsa, Oklahoma, is situated in a region with a high potential for tornadic activity. Positioned within Tornado Alley and bordering the increasingly active Dixie Alley, the city is regularly exposed to severe weather systems that produce tornadoes. This geographical reality means residents and visitors must be aware of the consistent hazard posed by these storms. The risk of a tornado directly affecting the Tulsa metropolitan area is dictated by the convergence of atmospheric conditions common to the central United States.
Statistical Reality: Tornado Frequency in the Tulsa Metro
Tulsa County has recorded over 70 tornado events since 1950. On average, the county experiences a few tornadoes each year. Most of these rotating storms are categorized at the lower end of the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale, typically EF0 or EF1, meaning they cause minor to moderate damage.
The annual tornado threat follows distinct seasonal patterns. The primary period for significant activity runs from April through June, with May historically recording the highest frequency of events. A secondary peak occurs during the late autumn months, usually in October and November. Storms are most likely to develop during the late afternoon and evening hours, with the peak occurrence time hovering around 7 PM. While most tornadoes are weaker, the region maintains the potential for powerful storms, including those rated EF4.
Historical Context: Significant Tornadoes Near Tulsa
The city’s history includes several events that highlight the critical consequences of a direct tornado strike. One of the most destructive was the F4 tornado that struck on April 24, 1993, as part of a larger outbreak. This powerful storm caused widespread destruction, injuring 130 people and resulting in approximately $100 million in damage. It destroyed over 150 homes and businesses, demonstrating the potential for significant structural loss.
Decades earlier, on June 8, 1974, a significant F3 or F4 tornado tracked through the city as part of an outbreak. The storm, combined with intense rainfall, created what was then the costliest natural disaster in the city’s history. More recently, the threat was reaffirmed on August 6, 2017, when an EF2 tornado caused major damage to a midtown shopping and office district. This event, which occurred during an uncharacteristic August time frame, resulted in 30 injuries and significant property damage.
Preparedness and Local Alert Systems
Tulsa utilizes a system to ensure the public receives timely warnings when a tornado threatens the metro area. The local National Weather Service (NWS) office in Tulsa is the source for all official watches and warnings. This communication network transitions from a Tornado Watch (conditions are favorable for development) to a Tornado Warning (a tornado has been sighted or detected on radar).
The city maintains a network of over 80 outdoor warning sirens. Upon activation, the steady, three-minute tone signals a tornado warning. Residents should not rely solely on outdoor sirens, as the warning system also incorporates local media broadcasts, mobile alerts, and NOAA Weather Radio transmissions.
When a Tornado Warning is issued, the priority is to seek a designated safe place. This shelter should be a basement, storm cellar, or a small, interior room on the lowest level of a building. Put as many walls as possible between oneself and the outside, staying completely away from windows and exterior doors. Having a pre-established family plan and a preparedness kit allows for a rapid and organized response.