April Flooding in Tulsa: Record Rainfall and Tornado Activity on the Rise | This Week in Weather Episode 1

As Barnsdall marks one year since the devastating EF-4 tornado, meteorologist Stephen Nehrenz reflects on an extraordinary week in Oklahoma weather, detailing rainfall records and escalating tornado threats that continue to shape communities across the region.

Tuesday, May 6th 2025, 11:02 am

By: David Prock, Stephen Nehrenz

In this edition of "This Week in Weather," meteorologist Stephen Nehrenz gives us a weather update from Oklahoma's News on 6 digital studio.

The goal is to offer deeper insights into the week’s forecast along with historical weather events.

One Year Later: Remembering the EF-4 Tornado That Devastated Barnsdall

Barnsdall in Osage County was struck by an EF-4 tornado one year ago on May 6, and it has had a lasting impact it has had on the community.

"One of the worst tornadoes we've had in years, if not decades, here in Green County," said Nehrenz."It was on the ground for 45 minutes. An EF-4 tornado. Of course, the heart of it, the worst of it as far as damage presented, that EF 4 rating was when it hit the town of Barnsdall on the ground for almost 41 miles pretty much non-stop."

At its peak, it reached nearly a mile wide and produced estimated wind speeds between 170 and 180 miles per hour. The tornado's power was evident in video and still images showing rare horizontal vortex features, which are typically seen in only the most violent storms.

As the anniversary approaches, Nehrenz emphasized the lasting emotional and physical impact the storm had on the community of Barnsdall and the surrounding Osage County area.

April Sets Rainfall Record in Tulsa, Worsens Flooding Threats

Tulsa recorded its wettest April on record in 2025, with nearly 11 inches of rain falling throughout the month.

“Those records go back about 120 years,” Nehrenz said, noting the previous record was set in 2017.

The historic rainfall has officially ended drought conditions across Green Country, especially in long-affected areas like Pawnee and Osage counties, where lake levels, such as Skiatook Lake, have now risen above normal for the first time in years.

With May and June typically being the region’s wettest months, Nehrenz warned that it won’t take much additional rain to trigger more flooding.

“Flooding is very consistently our biggest weather killer,” he said, highlighting that Oklahoma has already seen five flood-related fatalities in 2025. Many of these deaths, he added, occur when people drive into high water. “Flooding is one of those severe weather risks that most folks really seem to underestimate.”

Tornadoes in 2025

The state has also recorded 35 tornadoes so far this year, placing Oklahoma ahead of schedule for spring tornado activity.

Nehrenz said a shift in the jet stream could temporarily suppress conditions for severe storms, but the risk remains high as the season continues.

David Prock

David Prock is a digital content producer for Griffin Media and is a regular contributor to both News9.com and NewsOn6.com.

Stephen Nehrenz

Most meteorologists you meet will tell you that they have been fascinated with weather since a young age. Stephen is no exception! Born and raised in Norman in the heart of tornado alley,