Tornado-warned storms nearly two weeks ago and then last Tuesday sent Sulphur residents fleeing to their shelters, but only scattered damage to trees, power lines and out buildings was reported.
On Friday, April 24, a strong circulation was reported west of Davis headed east, southeast.
A tornado associated with that storm moved over Davis and into Sulphur in the late afternoon hours, as warning sirens sounded in both communities. The circulation did not reach the ground, however, and minimal damage was reported. Large hail was reported in northwestern parts of the county.
Then on Tuesday, April 28, another tornado-warned storm packing high wind, torrential rain and small hail lashed Sulphur through the late morning hours.
Amaximum wind gust of nearly 50 miles-per-hour was reported from the Oklahoma Mesonet weather site, just north of Sulphur. Some Sulphur residents were without power for several hours before crews from OG&E could repair damaged poles and lines.
While many area communities sounded their sirens, the Hickory community’s siren was temporarily off line, however deputies from the Murray County Sheriff’s office drove through that area warning residents of the impending storm. Resident David Byers this week thanked the sheriff’s office for their help in warning Hickory residents. The siren has since been repaired.
Although only 1.20 inches of rain was reported, it came fast and furious, flooding low areas of the city. Wind uprooted trees, and caused scattered light damage in and around Sulphur.
The rain improved this area’s drought situation, raising the yearly total to 11.67 inches. Normal rainfall totals are about 35 to 40 inches in any given year. Last year, the area received about 41.93 inches.
PHOTO BY BLAKE SEALE
