logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
News
December 5, 2024
A November for the record books
By Gary McManus State Climatologist

November 2024 will enter Oklahoma’s vast and storied weather lore as one of the most extreme months in state history, shattering records for both the highest statewide average rainfall and the most tornadoes ever recorded in November.

This unprecedented combination of rain and storms has left an indelible mark on the state’s already dynamic weather narrative. The month also saw another extreme, drought— which had been rapidly intensifying since midsummer— nearly eradicated by the historic rainfall.

At least 31 tornadoes were confirmed during the month, according to preliminary data from the National Weather Service, nearly tripling the previous November record of 12 set in 1958. That brought the 2024 tornado count to 145 through November, just four shy of the record 149 set through all of 2019.

The tornadic activity came in two waves, the first striking from Nov. 2-4 and causing the most damage. Three tornadoes were rated EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, while another was rated EF2.

Preliminary reports from emergency management officials indicated at least 384 structures were damaged or destroyed, and the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported nearly 50 injuries. Substantial damage occurred in southeast Oklahoma City, Moore, Choctaw, Comanche, Harrah, Fairland, and near Tenkiller.

An EF1 tornado struck near the Oklahoma Mesonet site at Talala, which measured a wind gust of 94 mph as the twister passed nearby. The month’s second wave of tornadoes hit southwestern Oklahoma early on Nov. 18. Though far less violent and damaging, the overnight twisters added at least nine more to the month’s total.

While the November rains were as extreme as the month’s tornadoes—adding flooding to the month’s woes—they helped significantly alleviate Oklahoma’s ongoing drought.

The statewide average rainfall totaled 7.84 inches, according to preliminary data from the Oklahoma Mesonet— 5.52 inches above normal—obliterating the previous record of 6.05 inches set in November 2015. It also became the 16th-wettest calendar month on record, dating back to 1895.

May 2015 still holds the top spot with 14.44 inches. Numerous individual locations across the state also saw their all-time November rainfall records fall. These accomplishments were made even more remarkable by the fact that the rainfall occurred almost exclusively during the first 18 days of the month.

The heaviest rains fell from southwestern to northeastern Oklahoma, with totals ranging from 8 to 11 inches and surpluses of 7 to 10 inches. All areas of the state saw a surplus, though parts of southeastern Oklahoma barely exceeded normal with totals closer to 4 inches.

The precipitation wasn’t all rain. The far western Panhandle received more than 20 inches of snow over a five-day span from

McIntosh County Democrat wins Sequoyah Award
A: Main, News...
McIntosh County Democrat wins Sequoyah Award
June 12, 2025
The Oklahoma Press Association presented its Better Newspaper Contest Awards during the OPA Annual Convention June 6-7, at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort in Shawnee. The top award a newspaper can r...
this is a test
Fink inducted into OPA Half Century Club
A: Main, News...
Fink inducted into OPA Half Century Club
June 12, 2025
Managing Editor Jerry Fink of The Eufaula Indian Journal and the McIntosh County Democrat was inducted into the Oklahoma Press Association Half Century Club on Saturday, June 7 at the Grand in Shawnee...
this is a test
Preliminary set for 2 suspected of killing Eufaulan
A: Main, News...
Preliminary set for 2 suspected of killing Eufaulan
June 12, 2025
Two Muskogee men charged with killing a Eufaula resident were ordered to appear at a preliminary hearing in district court at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 3. Suspects Kyren Omari Boulware, 19, and Michael ...
this is a test
2 dead, 4 injured in pileup
A: Main, News...
2 dead, 4 injured in pileup
June 12, 2025
Two people from Marshall, Texas were killed, and four others were injured in a harrowing four-vehicle pileup on U.S. 69 half a mile south of the Muskogee City Limits at about 2:20 p.m. on Monday, June...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Commissioners getting an increase in road spending
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
June 12, 2025
Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, announced some good news and some bad news at the Monday morning Monthly County Commissioner meeting. First, the bad news, at least for those who oppose wind turbines in the ...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Old Settlers Day, a Checotah tradition this weekend
June 12, 2025
Don’t miss Old Settlers Day this Saturday. This family tradition in Checotah is one of old friends, new friends and lots of good ol’ fashion family fun. Always the second Saturday in June, the town ho...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
A: Main, News...
Celebrate Flag Day, June 14
June 12, 2025
Bring us your tattered and weathered flag. Observe as our local Boys Scouts and DAV members honorably retire it. Starting at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Free Cookout, Games and Raffle At Veterans Park, 114 N Broa...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Juneteenth Celebration set for June 21
June 12, 2025
CLEARVIEW - The ending of slavery in the United States, celebrated annually on or around June 19, will be celebrated on Saturday June 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The celebration will take place at th...
this is a test
Bridge dedicated to World War II veteran
News
Bridge dedicated to World War II veteran
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
June 12, 2025
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently honored the late veteran William “Bill” Antrum Fox Jr. by naming a bridge after him. The William A. Fox Jr. Memorial Bridge is on SH 9 East at Nine M...
this is a test
Jefferson Highway keeps on rollin’
News
Jefferson Highway keeps on rollin’
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
June 12, 2025
Long before Route 66, there was the Jefferson Highway. Route 66 was a federally funded, 2,448-mile highway that crossed the country going east and west from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, Californ...
this is a test
News
Checotah Class of 2005 Reunion
June 12, 2025
Let’s celebrate our 20-year reunion together! Join us for a fun class reunion weekend! It will be a weekend of laughter and memories you’ll cherish forever! June 13 -15 Marvel Resort, Gore, OK For mor...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy