Thunderstorm Wind — Jackson, Oklahoma

2008-06-05 · near Altus, Jackson, Oklahoma

Event narrative

Substantial wind damage was reported in Altus. One hundred and seventy-nine homes sustained some kind of damage, with two destroyed, five with major damage, forty-three with minor damage, and one hundred twenty-nine affected. Seventeen businesses were damaged, with two destroyed, four with major damage, and eight with minor damage. One hundred and seventy power poles and numerous trees were blown down. Sixty percent of the town was without power at one point. Roof damage was reported to several buildings. Part of the roof at Altus Junior High caved in. Several buildings on East Broadway had roofs blown off or collapsed. Highway 62 was closed on the east side of town due to debris.. One injury was reported when a semi-truck was blown over injuring the driver. A train car also was overturned on the southeast side of town. No injuries were reported with it. Monetary damages were estimated.

Wider weather episode

An unusually strong storm system entered the northwest United States and moved southeast toward the Four Corners region. Surface low pressure developed over southeast Kansas and deepened rapidly. Surface winds over Oklahoma also steadily increased, with sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph and wind gusts over 50 mph reported at times. These non-thunderstorm winds caused some minor damage throughout the day. By mid afternoon, the storm system had moved toward the plains, with widespread thunderstorms developing from South Dakota into northern Texas. Over Oklahoma, thunderstorms developed along and east of a dry line that was located near the Oklahoma and Texas panhandle border. The thunderstorms took some time before becoming severe, but due to the degree of instability and wind shear farther to the east, supercell thunderstorms finally emerged. Damaging wind gusts and large hail occurred as the storms moved northeast at 45 to 60 mph. Numerous wind gusts of over 80 mph were reported, with many locations reporting wind damage as the thunderstorms passed. Heavy rainfall also occurred, with some locations receiving 3.50 to 4.50 of rain. Several roadways had to be closed due to water running over them. Monetary damages were estimated.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (34.6400, -99.3300)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 120834. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.