Thunderstorm Wind — Pontotoc, Oklahoma

2012-02-20 · near Ada, Pontotoc, Oklahoma

Event narrative

Information provided by a NWS Storm Survey team and local radar confirmed that a strong microburst occurred near the Happyland community. A strapped down, double-wide was destroyed by the intense winds, with debris scattered 100 to 150 yards. Unfortunately, two people were inside the mobile home when it was destroyed.

Wider weather episode

A potent, quick-moving storm system affected Oklahoma during the afternoon of the 22nd, with strong winds, small hail, and brief heavy rainfall. South winds that had developed over the southern plains tried to bring moisture northward, but quality moisture was lacking, which kept the severe thunderstorm potential more of a marginal threat. A pacific cold front began advancing east through Oklahoma during the late morning hours, with thunderstorms developing over parts of west-central Oklahoma by early afternoon. The thunderstorms were quick moving, and had moved near the I-35 corridor by 3 to 4 pm. Sporadic marginally severe hail was reported, although most locations received much small hail. The main concern with the thunderstorms was the wind. Winds ahead of the front were already gusting over 30 mph. Just off the surface, much higher wind speeds were present. At times, some of the stronger winds would come down to the surface. Strong winds caused isolated areas of damage, with one area near Edmond, Oklahoma, and the other east of Ada, Oklahoma. The non-tornadic winds east of Ada approached 100 mph, causing substantial damage to a double-wide trailer. The damage was local however, with very little damage in the surrounding areas. The storms moved into eastern Oklahoma by the early evening hours.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (34.7700, -96.5919)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 357844. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.