Thursday Morning Sees Four Confirmed Tornadoes

This January, Oklahoma experienced an unusual surge in severe weather, resulting in four confirmed tornadoes early Thursday morning. The tornadoes, generated under a winter that felt more like spring, signify the ongoing storm season.

Overview of Confirmed Tornadoes

On January 8, 2026, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported four tornadoes in Oklahoma. This total is notably higher than the typical monthly average and closely approaches the record set just last year.

Details of the Tornadoes

• EF-0 Tornado – Lake Thunderbird
  • Peak Wind: 80 to 85 mph
  • Path Length: 1.8 miles
  • Start Location: 1 NNW Lake Thunderbird Dam, Cleveland County
  • End Location: 3 N Lake Thunderbird Dam, Cleveland County
  • Damage: Tree damage was notably reported.
• EF-1 Tornado – Shawnee Lakes
  • Peak Wind: 90 to 95 mph
  • Path Length: 4 miles
  • Start Location: 4 E Stella, Cleveland County
  • End Location: 3 NNW Bethel Acres, Pottawatomie County
  • Damage: Damaged trees and one outbuilding.
• EF-1 Tornado – Shawnee
  • Peak Wind: 86 to 90 mph
  • Path Length: 2.6 miles
  • Start Location: 2 NNW Shawnee, Pottawatomie County
  • End Location: 3 S Aydelotte, Pottawatomie County
  • Damage: Roof damage to homes and commercial properties.
• EF-1 Tornado – Purcell
  • Peak Wind: 105 to 110 mph
  • Path Length: 9.4 miles
  • Start Location: 5 SW Purcell, McClain County
  • End Location: 2 NNE Lexington, Cleveland County
  • Damage: Significant damage to a few homes and utility poles.

Impact and Aftermath

Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities or injuries from these tornadoes. However, damage assessments indicate that homes, infrastructure, and trees sustained varying degrees of damage.

Weather Conditions and Future Forecast

Strong winds accompanied the storm system, with reported gusts reaching 88 mph at the Wynona Mesonet site. Residents are encouraged to stay informed on upcoming weather events through reliable sources.

For the latest updates, consult the El-Balad weather section or download the El-Balad weather app for alerts and forecasts.