Oklahoma experiences an average of 57.4 tornadoes per year. Many residents rely on sturdy storm shelters on their properties to protect them from the harsh storms. Although a majority of these natural disasters are relatively mild, this guide outlines a few of the bigger ones that have affected the Sooner State.

What Are Some of the Biggest Tornadoes in Oklahoma History?

1. 1920 Peggs Tornado

This tornado is famous because it left only a single building standing — a jail. Even a building made of cement blocks didn’t withstand the powerful winds of this storm. The tornado traveled for three miles across Cherokee County, and it’s said that chickens were stripped bare of their feathers.

2. 1947 Woodward Superstorm

The 1947 Woodward superstorm wasn’t a single tornado but rather a series of six that started in Texas, crossed through Oklahoma, and ended in Kansas. The largest began in Canadian, TX, and traveled north. It was said to be 1.8 miles wide and moved at about 50 miles per hour. When it passed into Oklahoma, it fortunately avoided a few big cities until hitting Woodward.

The supercell storm then produced the remaining five tornadoes at the border between Oklahoma and Kansas. This storm prompted the creation of the National Weather Service’s tornado watch program in 1953. Along with the rise of storm shelters, the program has saved many lives.

3. Tornado Outbreak of May 2013

In May 2013, a tornado outbreak affected Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa. The three-day stretch of bad weather consisted of several supercell storms that developed in central Oklahoma and swept across the lower Great Plains. Although the outbreak traveled far, many injuries were avoided due to underground shelters and other protective measures that have been adopted throughout the years.

Stay safe with underground storm shelters from G & M Tank Co. in Purcell, OK. This company manufactures top-of-the-line structures to keep your family safe and comfortable during harsh storms. They’ll help you prepare for the unexpected. Call (405) 527-5342 to schedule a free estimate, or contact them online for more information.