Quick Answer:
The April 2023 Oklahoma tornado outbreak struck central Oklahoma on April 19, producing up to a dozen tornadoes that killed two people and caused widespread destruction in Cole, Shawnee, and other communities. A family in Cole survived by taking shelter in their above ground storm shelter that meets FEMA guidelines, demonstrating the effectiveness of proper storm protection during violent tornadoes.
On April 19, 2023, another violent tornado outbreak reminded Oklahoma families why storm preparedness matters in our state. From our backyard in Bridge Creek, we could see the massive supercell developing to the south, its dark wall cloud rotating as it moved toward Cole and surrounding communities. By evening, that storm system had spawned up to a dozen tornadoes across central Oklahoma, tragically claiming two lives and leaving destruction that hit close to home.
Our family has a 7×9 above ground storm shelter, and we were prepared to use it that night if needed. Watching those storms develop reinforced why we chose the protection we did.
What Happened During the April 2023 Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak
The severe weather system developed rapidly on the evening of April 19, 2023. Multiple supercells formed across central Oklahoma, with the National Weather Service tracking dangerous rotation in several storms.
The outbreak details:
- Timeline: Evening hours of April 19, 2023
- Tornado count: Up to 12 confirmed tornadoes
- Fatalities: 2 people killed
- Primary areas hit: Cole, Shawnee, and Oklahoma Baptist University campus
Emergency responders worked through the night conducting search and rescue operations as residents emerged from shelters to assess damage.
Cole Takes a Direct Hit
Cole, a small community southeast of Bridge Creek, took the brunt of one of the evening’s most powerful tornadoes. According to news reports, the Bridwell family farm received a direct hit that showed both the devastating power of tornadoes and the effectiveness of storm shelters.
According to media coverage, Larry and Robbie Bridwell, along with their daughter and grandmother, took cover in their 7×9 above ground concrete storm shelter as the tornado approached. The tornado destroyed two homes, leveled a barn, and scattered a lifetime of belongings across the landscape. The winds were so powerful they tore the wind turbine completely off the top of the storm shelter.
Despite the incredible destruction around them, according to reports, all four family members inside the shelter were completely unharmed.
When I saw this news story about a family taking a direct hit in their 7×9 above ground shelter, that was exactly the kind of real-world proof that validates what we know about these installations. The shelter performed exactly as designed, even under the worst possible conditions.
The Aftermath: Increased Demand Across Central Oklahoma
This storm shook homeowners throughout the region. Families in Blanchard, Shawnee, and everywhere in between realized how quickly their situation could change. At Sprague’s Backhoe, our call volume surged immediately after the outbreak, and we ended up busier than we’d ever been over the holiday season as families decided they didn’t want to face another storm season unprotected.
The proximity of the damage made it real for a lot of people who had been considering storm shelter installation but hadn’t taken action yet.
Above Ground vs Below Ground: Addressing the Safety Question
People ask me constantly whether above ground storm shelters are as safe as below ground installations. The answer is yes, when they’re properly designed for above ground use. Our above ground storm shelters weigh twice as much as typical below ground models and have significantly thicker walls because they’re specifically engineered to handle above ground conditions.
The Cole tornado provided real-world evidence of this engineering. Above ground concrete shelters that meet FEMA guidelines are designed to withstand EF5 tornado conditions, including extreme winds and debris impact.
Key advantages of above ground installation:
- Accessibility: No stairs during emergencies
- Flooding resistance: No water accumulation issues
- Installation flexibility: Can be placed where families need them most
Frequently Asked Questions
Are above ground storm shelters really as safe as below ground?
Yes. Above ground shelters built for above ground use have thicker walls and are much heavier than below ground models. They’re specifically engineered to handle surface-level tornado forces and debris impact.
How quickly can conditions change during tornado outbreaks?
Very quickly. The April 2023 outbreak developed over hours, but individual tornadoes can form and intensify within minutes. Having a plan and protection in place beforehand is essential.
What should families do if they don’t have storm shelter protection?
Get to the lowest floor of the most interior room, away from windows. However, this provides limited protection compared to purpose-built storm shelters that meet FEMA guidelines.
Do storm shelters work during direct tornado hits?
Yes. The Cole tornado demonstrated that properly installed concrete shelters can protect occupants even during direct impacts from violent tornadoes.
How does Sprague’s Backhoe ensure storm shelters perform during actual tornadoes?
With over 20 years of experience as an insured contractor in Bridge Creek, we follow strict installation standards and use shelters engineered to meet FEMA guidelines. Real-world events like the Cole tornado validate the engineering and installation methods we use throughout Oklahoma.
Key Takeaways
The April 2023 Oklahoma tornado outbreak reminded central Oklahoma families that severe weather remains an ongoing threat requiring advance preparation. Watching the storms develop from Bridge Creek and seeing the aftermath in nearby Cole reinforced the importance of having reliable protection in place.
Real-world performance during events like the Cole tornado demonstrates that above ground concrete storm shelters provide effective protection when properly designed and installed. Families throughout Oklahoma have options for protection that can provide peace of mind during severe weather season.
Oklahoma’s tornado threat continues year after year, making preparation a wise investment for families throughout the region.
Considering storm shelter protection for your family? Learn about the proven safety of above ground storm shelters that meet FEMA guidelines.
Get your free estimate today to discuss options for protecting your Oklahoma home.
