Oklahoma Tornadoes 2024: A Year of Extremes
2024 was one for the books. With 148 confirmed tornadoes across the state, it became Oklahoma’s second-highest year on record—just one shy of the 149 tornadoes that hit in 2019.
April and May were as active as expected, with 56 and 53 tornadoes respectively. But the real surprise came in November.
🌩️ November Tornado Outbreak Breaks Records
Oklahomans are used to watching the skies in spring, not fall. But in 2024, November delivered a record-breaking 30 tornadoes. Central Oklahoma took the hardest hit, with widespread damage, extended power outages, and several injuries. For many, it was a wake-up call: tornadoes don’t stick to the calendar.
📞 How It Affected Our Business
At Sprague’s Backhoe, fall and winter are usually slower seasons for storm shelter inquiries. Most folks assume they have time to prepare before spring. But after the November outbreak, our phones lit up.
We typically quote an 8–10 week lead time for installations in the off-season—but after this event, it began to feel like spring demand came early. Call volume surged, and response times stretched out while we worked through inquiries and bookings.
📅 Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Spring
Oklahoma weather is unpredictable. While spring remains the peak for tornadoes, 2024 reminded all of us that dangerous storms can strike any time of year.
If you’ve been thinking about installing a storm shelter, don’t wait until severe weather is already on the radar. Planning ahead not only gives you peace of mind—it also helps you avoid the spring rush, when installation schedules can book out months in advance.
✅ Prepare Now for What Comes Next
We’re already gearing up for 2025, and we encourage Oklahoma homeowners to do the same. Whether you’re looking at an above ground storm shelter or a below ground model, we’ll walk you through your options and help you make the best choice for your home and family.
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