Sinking air from collapsing evening thunderstorms in Oklahoma warmed as it reached the surface, causing a massive heat burst on this date in 1996. The heat burst, with its dramatic increases in temperature and severe straight line winds spread across much of southwestern and central Oklahoma during a six hour period.
The affected area was up to 150 miles wide and affected twelve counties. The Oklahoma Mesonet showed early morning temperatures that rose from the 80s and into the upper 90s and low 100s in some places. Some maximum temperatures between 11 pm and 3 am were: 98 degrees in Norman, 99 degrees in Washington, 102 degrees in Chickasha, 101 degrees at Fort Cobb, 100 degrees at Hobart, and 105 degrees in Ninnekah. Wind speeds in excess of 70 mph were measured throughout southwest Oklahoma and in parts of central and south-central Oklahoma.
The resulting damage was devastating across parts of southwest Oklahoma, particularly in the Lawton and Marlow areas. An estimated ninety percent of houses and outbuildings in eastern Comanche and western Stephens Counties sustained damage. Power outages lasted anywhere from a few minutes to nearly three days in parts of Lawton. Over 27,000 customers were without power at one time. Downed power lines sparked grass fires throughout the region. Total damage estimates exceeded $18 million.
The affected area was up to 150 miles wide and affected twelve counties. The Oklahoma Mesonet showed early morning temperatures that rose from the 80s and into the upper 90s and low 100s in some places. Some maximum temperatures between 11 pm and 3 am were: 98 degrees in Norman, 99 degrees in Washington, 102 degrees in Chickasha, 101 degrees at Fort Cobb, 100 degrees at Hobart, and 105 degrees in Ninnekah. Wind speeds in excess of 70 mph were measured throughout southwest Oklahoma and in parts of central and south-central Oklahoma.
The resulting damage was devastating across parts of southwest Oklahoma, particularly in the Lawton and Marlow areas. An estimated ninety percent of houses and outbuildings in eastern Comanche and western Stephens Counties sustained damage. Power outages lasted anywhere from a few minutes to nearly three days in parts of Lawton. Over 27,000 customers were without power at one time. Downed power lines sparked grass fires throughout the region. Total damage estimates exceeded $18 million.
on May 21, 2006, 11:47 pm
What do you think about these reports, guys? 4 degrees of global warming by 2080? You know better than me. But if that's accurate, it's pretty scary.
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