Most destructive tornadoes in Oklahoma: Storms ranked by highest cost of property damage

Sam Royka, The Oklahoman
·2 min read

In Oklahoma, tornado season is no joke.

Since 1950, the state has been hit by 4,700 tornadoes, including preliminary 2024 numbers, resulting in more than 5,300 injuries and more than 350 deaths.

In addition to the loss of life, these tornadoes also left thousands of dollars worth of damage in their wake.

According to archives from the National Weather Service, these are the top seven costliest tornadoes in Oklahoma history.

More: See the top 5 deadliest Oklahoma tornadoes

7. Tulsa tornado

A tornado touched down in Tulsa on April 19, 1981, costing an estimated $75-100 million. That would be between $259 million and $345 million in today's dollars.

More: Throwback Tulsa: 'Sky lit up green' as Bixby tornado killed 5 in 1981

6. Cordell tornado

On October 9, 2001, a tornado in Cordell caused over $100 million in damage. Adjusted to 2024 dollars, that is more than $177 million.

More: 2001: Tornado slams into Cordell Minor injuries reported; 150 homes destroyed

5. Ardmore tornado

On May 7, 1995, the Ardmore tornado caused over $100 million in damage. Today, that's over $206 million.

More: May 7, 1995: Tornadoes Kill 3 in Love County

4. Altus-Altus AFB tornado

On May 11, 1982, this tornado spun through Altus, Oklahoma, a town of less than 20,000 and home of Altus Air Force Base. The tornado cost more than $200 million, which would be over $650 million today.

More: May 11, 1982: Tornado Kills 2; Altus Air Base Hit

3. Moore-OKC-Choctaw tornado

The top three costliest tornadoes in state history all took a detour through Moore, Oklahoma. This one happened on May 8, 2003. It cost over $370 million, which is over $699 million in 2024 dollars.

More: May 9, 2003: Twisters tear across city

2. Bridge Creek-OKC-Moore-Del City tornado

On May 3, 1999, this tornado tore a path across the metro that accumulated $1 billion in damage. Adjusted for inflation, that is $1.89 billion today.

More: Remembering May 3, 1999: tornado photos: Day 1

1. Newcastle-South OKC-Moore tornado

This twister hit the ground on May 20, 2013, causing $2 billion in damages. Adjusted for inflation, that is over $2.6 billion today. This 2013 tornado was the third-costliest in United States history, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

More: Stories of recovery from along the path of the 2013 tornado

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What was the most destructive tornado in Oklahoma? Costliest storms list