Quick Answer:
Shawnee, Oklahoma has experienced several significant tornadoes, including an EF3 that struck the city in April 2023 and an EF4 near Shawnee in May 2013. Sprague’s Backhoe installs both above-ground and below-ground storm shelters in Shawnee, with options designed to meet or exceed FEMA safe room guidelines.
Shawnee has experienced some powerful tornadoes over the years, including a destructive EF3 that struck the city in April 2023.
For families living in Shawnee and Pottawatomie County, that history is worth understanding. Not because another tornado will follow the same path, but because past storms show how quickly severe weather can affect an Oklahoma community.
Sprague’s Backhoe has been locally owned in Oklahoma since 2013 and brings more than 20 years of storm shelter industry experience to every installation. Both above-ground and below-ground storm shelter installation are available in Shawnee.
April 19, 2023: The EF3 Tornado That Struck Shawnee
One of the most significant tornadoes in recent Shawnee history struck on April 19, 2023.
The tornado developed during a severe weather outbreak that produced multiple tornadoes across central Oklahoma. It eventually moved into the Shawnee area, where it caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, trees, power lines, and other structures.
The tornado was rated EF3.
One of the more unusual features of the storm was its movement. The tornado made a pronounced turn toward the north during its track rather than continuing along a simple northeastward path.
That’s an important severe weather lesson. Tornado movement can change, and families should not try to determine whether they’re safe based only on where they think a storm is headed. If your location is included in a tornado warning, follow the warning and move to your designated shelter or safest available location.
Damage Across the Shawnee Community
The April 2023 tornado caused widespread damage across Shawnee, including residential areas, businesses, and the Oklahoma Baptist University campus.
The damage extended beyond individual buildings. Downed trees and power lines, damaged infrastructure, debris, and power outages created additional challenges after the tornado had passed.
For Shawnee residents, the event became another reminder that tornado preparedness needs to happen before severe weather develops.
May 19, 2013: A Violent EF4 Near Shawnee
Ten years before the 2023 tornado, another violent tornado affected the Shawnee area.
On May 19, 2013, an EF4 tornado developed in Pottawatomie County and caused severe damage near Shawnee. Homes and other structures were destroyed along its path, and the tornado caused fatalities and injuries.
The event occurred one day before the devastating May 20, 2013 Moore tornado, making those two days one of the most memorable periods of severe weather in recent central Oklahoma history.
What Shawnee’s Tornado History Tells Us
Past tornadoes don’t tell us where the next tornado will travel. There aren’t predetermined tornado paths through Shawnee, Pottawatomie County, or any other Oklahoma community.
What Shawnee’s history does demonstrate is that strong and violent tornadoes are possible in this part of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma historically sees its highest tornado activity during spring, particularly in April and May, but tornadoes can occur outside the traditional spring season when atmospheric conditions are favorable.
That makes year-round preparedness more useful than waiting until the first major severe weather forecast of spring.
Have More Than One Way to Receive Tornado Warnings
A storm shelter only helps if you know when it’s time to use it.
Families should have more than one reliable way to receive warnings, especially at night. Wireless Emergency Alerts, local weather alerts, and a properly programmed NOAA Weather Radio can all be part of a household warning plan.
Outdoor warning sirens are another tool, but they are primarily intended to alert people who are outdoors. They shouldn’t be the only warning method your household relies on inside the home.
Storm Shelter Options for Shawnee Homeowners
Sprague’s Backhoe installs both above-ground and below-ground storm shelters in Shawnee. The right choice depends on your household, accessibility needs, property layout, and personal preference.
Above-Ground Storm Shelters
Above-ground concrete storm shelters provide level entry with no interior stairs. This can make them a practical option for older adults, young children, people with mobility limitations, and families bringing pets into the shelter.
Because there are no stairs inside, the full interior dimensions are usable for people, pets, seating, and emergency supplies.
Sprague’s Backhoe offers standard 5×7, 6×8, and 7×9 above-ground models.
Below-Ground Storm Shelters
Below-ground storm shelter installation is also available in Shawnee.
Sprague’s Backhoe offers standard Slope Front and Easy Access below-ground models. These shelters require excavation and include interior stairs, so accessibility, drainage, underground utilities, and property conditions should be considered when choosing a location.
The Easy Access design uses a gentler stair angle than the standard Slope Front, while the Slope Front preserves more usable interior floor space.
Both above-ground and below-ground shelters installed by Sprague’s Backhoe are designed to meet or exceed FEMA safe room guidelines.
Above-Ground vs. Below-Ground in Shawnee
There isn’t one shelter type that’s automatically right for every Shawnee household.
| Consideration | Above Ground | Below Ground |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Level entry, no stairs | Interior stairs |
| Interior Space | Full interior dimensions usable | Stairs reduce usable floor space |
| Installation | Placed by crane and anchored into the ground | Excavation required |
| Water | No below-ground water intrusion | Some water may enter during heavy rain |
| Property Considerations | Truck and crane access | Excavation access, utilities and drainage |
For families with mobility concerns, an above-ground shelter may make more sense. Other homeowners simply prefer the traditional underground design.
The goal is to choose a shelter your household can reach quickly and comfortably when a warning is issued.
How Storm Shelter Installation Works in Shawnee
Installation depends on which type of storm shelter you choose.
Above-Ground Installation
Sprague’s Backhoe uses a crane to place each concrete above-ground shelter at the prepared location. The shelter is secured directly into the ground using a steel ground anchoring system, so a separate concrete foundation is not required.
When weather, ground conditions, and property access are favorable, above-ground installation typically takes about two hours.
Below-Ground Installation
Below-ground installation requires excavation before the concrete shelter can be placed. When conditions are favorable, installation generally takes about three to four hours.
Utility locations, drainage, property access, and the amount of room available for equipment all affect where a below-ground shelter can be installed.
Every installation is handled by Sprague’s Backhoe, with no subcontractors or rotating crews.
Property Access Matters
Storm shelters are heavy concrete structures, so installation requires adequate access for Sprague’s Backhoe’s truck and equipment.
For above-ground installations, the truck generally needs about 10 feet of width and 14 feet of vertical clearance along the access path. Once positioned, approximately 4–5 feet of clearance is needed on each side for the outriggers, along with roughly 20–25 feet of overhead clearance above the truck for crane operation.
The equipment places above-ground shelters from the rear of the truck rather than setting them off the side.
Below-ground installations also require adequate equipment access to the excavation area.
Fences, trees, overhead power lines, septic components, underground utilities, vehicles, and other obstacles can affect where a shelter can safely be installed.
Choosing the Right Storm Shelter Size
When choosing a shelter, don’t plan only for the number of people living in your home.
Think about pets, emergency supplies, seating, and how much personal space your family would prefer while waiting through a warning.
Sprague’s Backhoe offers standard storm shelter sizes rather than custom-built sizes. Above-ground options include 5×7, 6×8, and 7×9 models. Below-ground options include standard Slope Front and Easy Access models.
All listed dimensions are interior measurements. Above-ground shelters have no interior stairs, while the stairs in below-ground models reduce the amount of usable floor space.
Building a Tornado Plan Before the Next Warning
Installing a storm shelter is one part of tornado preparedness. Families should also decide ahead of time how everyone will respond when a warning is issued.
- Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.
- Keep the path to your storm shelter clear.
- Know who is responsible for children and pets.
- Keep shoes, flashlights, medications, and basic supplies available.
- Make sure everyone in the household knows where to go.
- Don’t wait until you can see or hear a tornado before taking a warning seriously.
If you don’t have a dedicated storm shelter, follow National Weather Service guidance and move to a small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. People in mobile or manufactured homes should identify a sturdier shelter they can reach before severe weather arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rating was the April 19, 2023 Shawnee tornado?
The tornado that struck the Shawnee area on April 19, 2023 was rated EF3. It caused extensive damage across parts of Shawnee, including residential and commercial properties and the Oklahoma Baptist University campus.
Was Shawnee affected by an EF4 tornado in 2013?
Yes. A violent EF4 tornado affected areas near Shawnee in Pottawatomie County on May 19, 2013, one day before the devastating May 20 Moore tornado.
Does Sprague’s Backhoe install above-ground storm shelters in Shawnee?
Yes. Sprague’s Backhoe installs above-ground concrete storm shelters throughout Shawnee and statewide in Oklahoma.
Does Sprague’s Backhoe install below-ground storm shelters in Shawnee?
Yes. Shawnee is within Sprague’s Backhoe’s below-ground storm shelter service area. Both above-ground and below-ground installation are available for qualifying properties in Shawnee.
How long does storm shelter installation take?
When weather, ground conditions, and property access are favorable, above-ground installation typically takes about two hours. Below-ground installation generally takes about three to four hours.
What storm shelter sizes are available?
Above-ground shelters are available in standard 5×7, 6×8, and 7×9 sizes. Sprague’s Backhoe also offers standard Slope Front and Easy Access below-ground models.
Which is better, an above-ground or below-ground storm shelter?
Neither type is automatically better for every household. Above-ground shelters provide level entry and full use of the interior floor space, while some homeowners prefer an underground shelter. Accessibility, property conditions, household needs, and personal preference should all be considered.
Are above-ground storm shelters safe during strong tornadoes?
Properly designed and installed above-ground safe rooms can provide tornado protection without being underground. The storm shelters Sprague’s Backhoe installs are designed to meet or exceed FEMA safe room guidelines for extreme winds and wind-borne debris.
Are Sprague’s Backhoe storm shelters FEMA certified?
No. FEMA does not certify or approve individual storm shelter products. Sprague’s Backhoe installs storm shelters designed to meet or exceed FEMA safe room guidelines.
When is tornado season in Shawnee?
Oklahoma historically sees its highest tornado activity during spring, especially April and May. However, tornadoes can occur outside the traditional spring season, so severe weather preparedness should be maintained throughout the year.
Key Takeaways
- An EF3 tornado caused extensive damage in Shawnee on April 19, 2023.
- A violent EF4 tornado affected the Shawnee area on May 19, 2013.
- Past tornado tracks do not determine where future tornadoes will occur.
- Families should have multiple reliable ways to receive tornado warnings.
- Sprague’s Backhoe installs both above-ground and below-ground storm shelters in Shawnee.
- Above-ground shelters provide level entry with no interior stairs and full use of the interior floor space.
- Below-ground Slope Front and Easy Access options are available for qualifying Shawnee properties.
- Storm shelters installed by Sprague’s Backhoe are designed to meet or exceed FEMA safe room guidelines.
Considering a storm shelter for your Shawnee home? Contact Sprague’s Backhoe at (405) 600-4905 for a free quote and to discuss above-ground and below-ground options for your property.
