Quick Answer:
Guthrie, Oklahoma has a documented tornado history stretching back more than a century. Notable events include tornadoes in 1968, 1984, 1999, and the powerful May 24, 2011 EF5 that passed near Guthrie. Sprague’s Backhoe provides storm shelter installation for families in Guthrie and Logan County.
Guthrie’s history may be best known for the 1889 Land Run, Victorian architecture, and its time as Oklahoma’s first state capital, but severe weather is part of the city’s history too.
National Weather Service records document tornadoes in and around Guthrie dating back well over a century. While historic records before 1950 are incomplete, several storms stand out in the city’s tornado history.
April 16, 1968: F2 Tornado Hits Guthrie
On April 16, 1968, an F2 tornado touched down in southeastern Guthrie.
The tornado heavily damaged a senior citizens’ home on East Perkins, ripping the flat roof from a newer wing of the building. Three residents suffered minor injuries, and debris from the building was found more than half a mile away.
The storm also damaged trees, roofs, windows, telephone service, and utilities in the surrounding area.
April 26, 1984: Tornado Crosses Guthrie
Another tornado crossed Guthrie on April 26, 1984.
According to the National Weather Service, the tornado first touched down about 10 miles southwest of Guthrie before moving northeast through the city. It damaged a lumber yard, downed trees, and toppled utility lines.
The tornado continued intermittently toward Stillwater, with damage reported along its path.
December 2, 1999: F2 Tornado Near Guthrie
Oklahoma tornadoes aren’t limited to spring.
On December 2, 1999, an F2 tornado traveled approximately 12 miles through Logan County, with its path extending from southwest of Guthrie to north of the city.
One injury was reported.
It’s a good example of why Oklahoma families shouldn’t treat tornado preparedness as something that only matters in April and May.
May 24, 2011: EF5 Tornado Approaches Guthrie
One of the most significant tornadoes in Logan County history occurred on May 24, 2011.
The violent EF5 tornado traveled approximately 63 miles through Canadian, Kingfisher, and Logan counties. Its path took it near El Reno, Piedmont, and Cashion before approaching Guthrie.
The tornado caused nine deaths and 181 injuries along its entire path.
After entering Logan County, it caused significant damage near Cashion before continuing toward Guthrie. The National Weather Service documented EF2 to occasional EF3 damage as the tornado approached the city.
Most of Guthrie itself was spared as the tornado passed west and then north of the center of town before dissipating northeast of the city.
What Guthrie’s Tornado History Shows
Guthrie’s tornado history doesn’t mean the city sits on a permanent tornado path. Tornadoes don’t follow fixed tracks, and a past storm cannot tell us where the next one will go.
What the history does show is that tornadoes of different strengths have affected Guthrie and Logan County in different seasons and different decades.
The best response isn’t trying to predict whether your particular property will ever be hit. It’s knowing where you’ll go when a tornado warning includes your location.
Storm Shelters in Guthrie, Oklahoma
Sprague’s Backhoe provides above-ground storm shelter installation in Guthrie, Oklahoma and throughout Logan County.
Above-ground shelters provide level entry without interior stairs and are installed statewide. Below-ground shelters may also be available depending on the property’s exact location, access, utilities, drainage, and other site conditions.
If you’re deciding between the two styles, our above-ground vs. below-ground storm shelter guide explains the main differences.
Both above-ground and below-ground safe rooms can be designed for extreme tornado conditions. FEMA’s safe room guidance includes information for residential tornado safe rooms and explains the protection these structures are designed to provide.
Sprague’s Backhoe has more than 20 years of storm shelter industry experience and has been locally owned since 2013. Every installation is handled by Sprague’s Backhoe, with no subcontractors or rotating crews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has a tornado ever hit Guthrie, Oklahoma?
Yes. National Weather Service records document multiple tornadoes in and around Guthrie, including an F2 that struck southeastern Guthrie in April 1968.
What was the strongest tornado near Guthrie?
The May 24, 2011 tornado was rated EF5 during its 63-mile path through central Oklahoma. As it approached Guthrie, the National Weather Service documented EF2 to occasional EF3 damage. Most of the city was spared as the tornado passed west and north of central Guthrie.
Has Guthrie had tornadoes outside spring?
Yes. An F2 tornado affected the Guthrie area on December 2, 1999. Tornadoes are possible in Oklahoma outside the traditional spring tornado season.
Does Guthrie have a higher tornado risk than other Oklahoma cities?
Historical tornadoes do not create a permanent tornado corridor or predict where future storms will travel. Guthrie and Logan County have experienced tornadoes, but severe weather preparation is important throughout Oklahoma.
Does Sprague’s Backhoe install storm shelters in Guthrie?
Yes. Sprague’s Backhoe installs above-ground storm shelters in Guthrie and throughout Oklahoma. Below-ground installation may also be available depending on the property’s exact location and site conditions.
Key Takeaways
- National Weather Service records document tornadoes in and around Guthrie for more than a century.
- An F2 tornado struck southeastern Guthrie in April 1968.
- A tornado crossed Guthrie during a severe weather event in April 1984.
- An F2 affected the Guthrie area in December 1999.
- The May 24, 2011 EF5 passed west and north of central Guthrie before dissipating northeast of the city.
- Past tornado paths do not predict where future Guthrie tornadoes will occur.
Looking for storm protection in Guthrie? Contact Sprague’s Backhoe at (405) 600-4905 for a free storm shelter quote for your Guthrie or Logan County property.
