National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Severe Thunderstorms in Northwest Texas; Dry Conditions and Gusty Winds Across Colorado

A few severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and gusty winds will be possible this afternoon and evening across northwest Texas. Dry conditions and gusty winds will persist across southern Colorado today. Read More >

                    October 17, 2007 Severe Weather Event

During the Late afternoon and evening hours of October 17, 2007 severe thunderstorms rolled across much of Eastern Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas. While the majority of the damage during the event was the result of strong straight line winds, there were also reports of hail and even a couple of tornadoes.

On October 17th, an energetic upper-level system slowly moved out of the central Rockies into the central Plains as a dry line across Oklahoma. Showers and thunderstorms developed well ahead of the dry line during the late morning and early afternoon, and a second band of strong to severe thunderstorms developed just ahead of the dry line during the late afternoon and evening hours. While the first round of thunderstorms did produce severe weather across portions of the area, the second band of thunderstorms produced more severe weather.

 

Significant Occurances During the Severe Weather Event
  • Straight-line winds caused at least one large tent to collapse at an outdoor festival in Tulsa at approximately 7:23 PM CDT. At least 55 people were injured, with 25 being transported to local hospitals. Of those, six were reported to be in serious condition, and one critical. In addition to the collapsed tent, several other tents at the festival were damaged, along with the contents within those tents.
  • 15 to 25 mobile homes were damaged, with two destroyed, in Oologah in Rogers County, OK, at approximately 7:50 PM CDT. Five injuries were reported in the area, but none was life-threatening.

 

radar loop
Radar Loop For Late Afternoon and Evening Hours of October 17th

 

oklahoma wind gusts from oct 17 2007
Maximum Wind Gusts on October 17th
Courtesy of The Oklahoma Mesonet

 

Other Notable Wind Gusts
Location
Wind Gust
Time
Tulsa International Airport
61 MPH
351 PM
Claremore, Rogers County
60 MPH
410 PM
Cleveland, Pawnee County
60 MPH
618 PM
Tulsa International Airport
85 MPH
727 PM
Eufaula, McIntosh County
90 MPH
835 PM
Peggs, Cherokee County
70 MPH
905 PM
Westville, Adair County
67 MPH
942 PM
Fayetteville, Washington County AR
58 MPH
1031 PM
Hindsville, Madison County AR
70 MPH
1105 PM