2009 Lone Grove tornado

2009 tornado in Oklahoma, U.S. 2009 Lone Grove tornado infobox 1/2 300 2009 Lone Grove tornado.jpg KTLX Ref LoneGrove.jpg Lone Grove, Oklahoma tornado damage.jpg Clockwise from top, there is a photo of the nocturnal tornado, illuminated by lightning, a photo of intense damage to a house, vehicles, and a tree in Lone Grove, and radar imagery of the tornado approaching Lone Grove Clockwise from top: The tornado as seen in or near Lone Grove; Intense damage from the tornado in Lone Grove; Radar imagery of the tornado approaching Lone Grove 55 minutes February 10, 2009, 6:48 p.m. CST February 10, 2009, 7:43 p.m. CST 37 mi km out 170 mph km/h on EF4 880 yd mi km 8 46 $3 million (2009 USD) Lone Grove, Oklahoma, Ardmore, Oklahoma, 3,500 114 February 2009 North American storm complex and Tornadoes of 2009 no During the evening hours of February 10, 2009, a deadly, long-lived, and violent nocturnal tornado that was part of a small tornado outbreak tracked 37 miles (59 km) through portions of Jefferson County, Love County, and Carter County in Oklahoma, after initially touching down in Montague County, Texas, near Spanish Fort. The tornado devastated the city of Lone Grove, killing eight people, injuring another 46, and severely damaging and destroying numerous businesses, mobile homes, and single-family homes throughout the area. Six of the fatalities occurred in mobile homes, with the seventh being in a well-built home that was destroyed at EF4 intensity. The eighth fatality occurred when a truck driving on Interstate 35 was directly hit by the tornado, resulting in the driver's death. Around 114 homes were destroyed, with some mobile homes reported to have been completely obliterated. The tornado was the deadliest and most intense to strike Oklahoma during the month of February since reliable records began in 1950, and had the highest death toll of any tornado in the United States in 2009. Meteorological synopsis February 2009 North American storm complex#Meteorological synopsis On February 7, 2009, the Storm Prediction Center highlighted a risk for severe weather in the Southern Plains for February 10. This turned into a moderate risk for much of central and southern Oklahoma by the morning of February 10 as low-level moisture, significant surface heating, and much colder air at higher altitudes created an incredibly unstable atmosphere, especially for the time of year. At 6:50 a.m. CST,All times listed in the article are in CST unless stated otherwise. [b] the Norman Hazardous Weather Outlook warned the potential for tornadoes across central Oklahoma.US Department of Commerce NOAA The Severe Weather and Tornado Event of February 10, 2009 https://www.weather.gov/oun/events-20090210 2025-12-14 National Weather Service EN-US As the day progressed, thunderstorms began to develop along a surface front, with the first signs of development occurring around 1 p.m. Two of these thunderstorms developed into tornadic supercells, with the first occurring over central Oklahoma and producing various tornadoes, the most significant of which was rated at EF2 intensity after striking the city of Edmond, Oklahoma. Following the first supercell, a second thunderstorm began to develop rapidly over the counties Young and Stephens in northern Texas, becoming supercellular by 5:30 p.m. The supercell began to enter an environment primed for tornadic development, with the tornado that struck Lone Grove touching down near Spanish Fort, Texas, at 6:48 p.m.*Storm Events Database – Event 155280 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/155280 2025-12-13 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information Storm Events Database – Event 154264 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/154267 2025-12-13 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information Storm Events Database – Event 154266 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/154266 2025-12-13 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information Storm Events Database – Event 154264 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/154264 2025-12-13 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information Tornado summary Touchdown and beginning The tornado initially touched down after sunset in Montague County just south of Spanish Fort, Texas at 6:48 p.m. and began snapping pecan trees up to 30 inches in diameter at EF1 intensity. Around this time, a tornado warning was issued for portions of Love, Carter, and Jefferson Counties. The tornado reportedly organized from a multi-vortex tornado into a large, singular funnel as it crossed the Red River of the South into Jefferson County in southern Oklahoma. Due to these observations, the tornado warning continued for Carter County. The tornado tracked northeast into Love County, Oklahoma at EF2 intensity as it crossed rural farmland and damaged two homes. The tornado crossed into Carter County at 7:10 p.m., where it inflicted scattered damage across sparsely populated areas. As the tornado crossed Highway 70, it struck a 2005 pickup truck, tossing it violently and causing significant damage to the vehicle. The driver, who was a member of the Lone Grove police department, sustained minor injuries.Howard Keith Police officer recalls surviving tornado https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/2009/02/20/police-officer-recalls-surviving-tornado/47905660007/ 2025-12-14 The State Journal-Register en-US Impacts in Lone Grove thumb|Significant damage to a home in Lone Grove|alt=A house with nearly all exterior walls and the roof completely destroyed by the tornadoThe tornado reached its maximum width of half a mile (0.80 km) and peak intensity of EF4 strength with winds of 170 mph (270 km/h) as it approached and struck the city of Lone Grove at around 7:25 p.m., where the tornado inflicted its worst damage.Greco Jonathan 2025-02-10 From the KOCO 5 Archives: 2009 tornado kills 8 people in Lone Grove https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-lone-grove-deadly-tornado-16-years-later-archives/63736637 2025-12-14 KOCO-TV en The tornado damaged and destroyed various homes, businesses and other buildings as it moved through the city, with some well-built residences sustaining EF4-level damage. Lone Grove's only furniture store was destroyed by the tornado.Tornado Kills 8 in Oklahoma; Storms Head East The Daily Yonder https://dailyyonder.com/tornado-kills-8-oklahoma-storms-head-east/2009/02/11/ 2009-02-11 2025-12-14 Many vehicles within the city were lofted and rolled. Numerous trees were damaged or toppled, with some being completely uprooted. As the tornado continued moving through Lone Grove, it directly impacted the Bar K Mobile Home Park, destroying 37 of the 41 mobile homes within the park and killing six people.Bassett Charles 2009-09-15 Lawmakers Consider Storm Shelters for Mobile Home Parks https://www.news9.com/story/5e35b62a83eff40362bf0fa1/lawmakers-consider-storm-shelters-for-mobile-home-parks 2025-12-14 KWTV-DT en-USTYREE JAMES S. Lone Grove rebuilds after deadly storm https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/nation-world/2009/09/06/lone-grove-rebuilds-after-deadly-storm/61362155007/ 2025-12-14 The Oklahoman en-USFebruary 12, 2009 Oklahoma town surveys tornado damage http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-tornado_12tex.ART.State.Edition1.4c87e19.html#selection-2763.0-2772.0 December 13, 2025 Associated Press https://archive.today/20090215205420/http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-tornado_12tex.ART.State.Edition1.4c87e19.html#selection-2763.0-2772.0 2009-02-152009-02-10 Rescuers search for more Okla. tornado victims https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna29125653 2025-12-14 NBC News en Several mobile homes within Lone Grove were reduced to unrecognizable pieces of debris. A seventh fatality occurred in the city when a well-constructed house was destroyed by the tornado at EF4 strength. At one point, the tornado tore a roof off a home and lifted a girl into the air, with her family managing to keep her from being carried away.2009-02-11 Twister's Carnage Leaves Eight Dead in Oklahoma https://www.nbcwashington.com/local/natltwisters-carnage-leaves-four-dead-in-oklahoma/1884781/ 2025-12-14 NBC4 Washington en-US As the tornado crossed Interstate 35, the eighth and final fatality occurred when a tractor-trailer driving south on the highway was toppled by the tornado's winds, killing the driver.2013-02-10 Deadly Lone Grove tornado struck 4 years ago https://www.koco.com/article/deadly-lone-grove-tornado-struck-4-years-ago-1/4291964 2025-12-14 KOCO-TV en Impacts in the Majestic Hills neighborhood left|thumb|Severe damage to the Ardmore Adventist Academy|alt=The Ardmore Adventist Academy, a small school building, partially flattened by the tornadoThe tornado continued northeastward, with a new tornado warning being issued for eastern portions of Carter County and for southern portions of Murray County. The tornado struck the Majestic Hills neighborhood just north of Ardmore at EF4 intensity, destroying at least eight well-built homes.Lone Grove tornado damage: Feb. 12, 2009 https://www.oklahoman.com/picture-gallery/weather/2009/02/12/lone-grove-tornado-damage-feb-12-2009/17622310007/ 2025-12-14 The Oklahoman en-US The tornado then struck the nearby Ardmore Adventist Academy, a small private school, which sustained severe damage. Numerous walls collapsed and large portions of the roof were destroyed. The school's gymnasium was also damaged, and a pecan tree orchid on the property was flattened.Staff Spectrum 2009-02-14 Tornado Devastates Adventist School https://spectrummagazine.org/post-archives/tornado-devastates-adventist-school/ 2026-01-07 Spectrum Magazine en-USAdventist Review : 04CN:Oklahoma Tornado Flattens Ardmore Adventist Academy http://adventistreview.org/article.php?id=2387 https://web.archive.org/web/20090218084505/http://adventistreview.org/article.php?id=2387 2009-02-18 2026-01-07 adventistreview.org The tornado then continued northeast before rapidly weakening and dissipating at 7:43 p.m., just past Deer Creek Road and to the east of Springer, Oklahoma. Aftermath right vertical 250 Uprooted Tree in Lone Grove, OK.jpg A tree that was completely uprooted Widespread damage from the February 10, 2009 Lone Grove EF4 tornado.jpg Widespread damage in Lone Grove A truck that was damaged and thrown by the February 10, 2009 Lone Grove EF4.jpg A truck that was damaged and moved into a ditch A tree that was completely uprooted by the tornado A view of the damage within Lone Grove, with destroyed vehicles, scattered debris, and damaged homes all present A red truck that was thrown into a ditch by the tornado Damage The tornado caused widespread damage throughout Lone Grove and the Majestic Hills neighborhood,2009-02-18 Majestic Hills Tornado: A Couple's Story of Survival https://www.kten.com/majestic-hills-tornado-a-couples-story-of-survival/article_86038293-a03c-5e8a-8865-1f0287919d42.html 2026-01-10 KTEN en with at least 114 mobile homes and single-family residences being destroyed. The Ardmore Adventist Academy building was deemed a total loss, and classes were temporarily moved to a nearby church.ANN staff 2009-02-12 United States: Tornado destroys Adventist school in Oklahoma https://adventist.news/news/unites-states-tornado-destroys-adventist-school-in-oklahoma 2026-01-07Communication Oklahoma 2024-11-06 Ardmore Adventist Academy: A Legacy of Faith and Learning https://www.okadventist.org/post/ardmore-adventist-academy-a-legacy-of-faith-and-learning 2026-01-08 Oklahoma Conference en Around 3,500 people lost electricity in the Carter County area. Numerous trees were destroyed and damaged, with some being completely uprooted. Various vehicles were lofted and rolled, with some being found a significant distance from their original locations. The only furniture store in Lone Grove was destroyed. Debris from this tornado were carried as far as Sulphur, Oklahoma. The tornado caused $3 million (2009 USD) in damages.All amounts of money are in 2009 USD unless stated otherwise. [a] Recovery efforts During the evening of February 10, national and local emergency services started rescue and recovery efforts, confirming the eight fatalities and 47 injuries. The emergency crews spray-painted an X on each building they searched before letting residents check for their belongings. left|thumb|300x300px|The National Guard in Lone Grove following the tornado|alt=National Guard troops within Lone Grove Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry visited the area and toured the damage on February 11, declaring a state of emergency in 17 counties. 28 members of the Oklahoma National Guard headed to Lone Grove after a briefing in Ardmore. The troops secured entry points near the hardest-hit areas, and aided local law enforcement. The Guardsmen were scheduled to be in the city until February 16.2009-02-12 Oklahoma Guard aids local community after devastating tornado https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article-View/Article/573927/oklahoma-guard-aids-local-community-after-devastating-tornado/ 2025-12-14 National Guard The American Red Cross opened shelters at Heritage Hall in Ardmore, Waterloo Baptist Church in Edmond, and Messiah Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City for those affected by the storms. The Salvation Army opened a canteen in Lone Grove to provide food and drinks, and by mid-day on February 12, they donated over 2,000 meals, beverages, and snacks. Disaster relief pouring into Lone Grove - Ardmore, OK - The Daily Ardmoreite http://www.ardmoreite.com/homepage/x114015871/Disaster-relief-pouring-into-Lone-Grove https://web.archive.org/web/20090215002423/http://www.ardmoreite.com/homepage/x114015871/Disaster-relief-pouring-into-Lone-Grove 2009-02-15 2026-01-10 The ArdmoreiteUSA Central Territory : ARDMORE, OK SALVATION ARMY CONTINUES RELIEF EFFORTS http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/usc/www_usc.nsf/vw-news-34/AB732783985ADBEA8625755B0076C50C?opendocument https://web.archive.org/web/20110722014352/http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/usc/www_usc.nsf/vw-news-34/AB732783985ADBEA8625755B0076C50C?opendocument 2011-07-22 2026-01-10 The Salvation Army Baptist Disaster Relief provided aid to those in Lone Grove by distributing food and offering emotional support.Severe Weather Event 20090210-3 https://oklahoma.gov/oem/emergencies-and-disasters/2009/02-10-severe-weather-event/situation-update-3.html 2025-12-14 Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management en The Department of Homeland Security offered to help rebuild damaged infrastructure and support those who lost their homes in the storm. The Chickasaw Telephone Company and the First National Bank and Trust Company established a relief fund for those in Lone Grove, with both companies donating a substantial amount of money. Feed the Children sent two truckloads of essential goods to affected areas in Carter County, with one truck being deployed to Lone Grove and the other to Ardmore. Around 7,000 tons of debris were within Lone Grove following the tornado, with an estimated cost of cleanup totaling around $500,000. Downed trees and branches were cut for firewood or turned into woodchips. FEMA approved Governor Brad Henry's request for assistance on February 25 and provided $90,000 in public assistance funds up front, and promised to provide an additional $90,000 if needed.Governor Brad Henry http://gov.ok.gov/display_article.php?article_id=1199&article_type=1 https://web.archive.org/web/20090416062332/http://gov.ok.gov/display_article.php?article_id=1199&article_type=1 2009-04-16 2026-01-10 Government of Oklahoma en 2009-04-06 Officials agree to tornado cleanup https://www.news9.com/story/5e350515e0c96e774b36d557/officials-agree-to-tornado-cleanup 2026-01-10 KWTV-DT en-USKTEN.com - Lone Grove Tornado Recovery Efforts http://www.kten.com/story/10139546/lone-grove-tornado-recovery-efforts?nav=menu410_2_8&redirected=true https://web.archive.org/web/20110713174027/http://www.kten.com/story/10139546/lone-grove-tornado-recovery-efforts?nav=menu410_2_8&redirected=true 2011-07-13 2026-01-10 KTEN en-us OEM and FEMA opened a recovery center in Lone Grove, allowing affected residents to receive information and fill out disaster loan applications. Those who were affected were allowed to borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their homes, and up to $40,000 to replace destroyed personal property. Businesses were allowed to borrow up to $2 million for property damage and economic loss. By February 23, federal grants topped $781,000, with 248 individuals applying for assistance and 140 home inspections being completed.Recovery Center Opening In Lone Grove – Oklahoma City News Story – KOCO Oklahoma City http://www.koco.com/news/18762193/detail.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110719103755/http://www.koco.com/news/18762193/detail.html 2011-07-19 2026-01-10 KOCO-TV2009-02-23 Storm assistance for Oklahomans tops $781K http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx#selection-519.0-526.0 2026-01-09 Tulsa World https://archive.today/20120913172349/http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx#selection-519.0-526.0 2012-09-13 Members of the Chickasaw Nation aided in the cleanup of Lone Grove, with 13 members of the Tribal Lighthorse Police department assisting in the two-day search and recovery effort. Chickasaw Nation Facilities and the Support Division and Career Development Initiative program (CDI) helped tornado victims recover possessions and aided in cleaning up the area. The Chickasaw Nation Ardmore senior site provided shelter for storm victims. Donation drives and fundraisers were organized in the Chickasaw Nation for those impacted by the tornado.Chickasaw Times http://c919297.r97.cf2.rackcdn.com/nhazjkjcxxtn4dvsedsi7w9mteys5a-optimized-pub.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20250122150034/http://c919297.r97.cf2.rackcdn.com/nhazjkjcxxtn4dvsedsi7w9mteys5a-optimized-pub.pdf 2025-01-22 2026-01-10 c919297.r97.cf2.rackcdn.com On March 14, 2009, musical artist Chris Cagle, along with various other musicians, performed at a benefit concert and raised over $18,000 for those impacted by the tornado. Another concert that was performed by The Salvation Army raised over $2,300.2009-03-13 Chris Cagle to play Carter County tornado benefit http://blog.newsok.com/bamsblog/2009/03/13/chris-cagle-to-play-carter-county-tornado-benefit/#selection-199.0-199.49 2026-01-09 BAM's blog https://archive.today/20120707010313/http://blog.newsok.com/bamsblog/2009/03/13/chris-cagle-to-play-carter-county-tornado-benefit/#selection-199.0-199.49 2012-07-07REPORTS FROM STAFF Chris Cagle stars in benefit concert for Carter County storm victims https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/music/2009/03/13/chris-cagle-stars-in-benefit-concert-for-carter-county-storm-victims/61448630007/ 2026-01-10 The Oklahoman en-USBenefit concerts raise over $20,000 for Carter Co. tornado victims http://www.kxii.com/news/headlines/41340222.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090321065157/http://www.kxii.com/news/headlines/41340222.html 2009-03-21 2026-01-10 KXII In the year following the tornado, the Bar K Mobile Home Park was renamed and new mobile homes were assembled, and the majority of Lone Grove residents who left the city had returned. Inhabitants of the Majestic Hills neighborhood had new homes constructed.Bassett Charles 2010-02-10 Lone Grove Residents Remember Tornado, 1 Year Later https://www.news9.com/story/5e35b55283eff40362bf002f/lone-grove-residents-remember-tornado-1-year-later 2026-01-10 KWTV-DT en-US2010-02-09 Surviving the Storm: A Couple's Story of Rebuilding https://www.kten.com/surviving-the-storm-a-couples-story-of-rebuilding/article_b475d0db-c7c2-551a-b6c8-7cb8000976f9.html 2026-01-10 KTEN en Warning and safety issues Following the tornado, it was discovered that some residents were caught off-guard, despite the tornado sirens going off and a tornado warning being issued 37 minutes prior.2009-02-11 Oklahoma Town Surveying Damage After Twisters Kill 8 https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/southcentral/2009/02/12/97859.htm 2025-12-14 Claims Journal en-US The absence of storm cellars within the Bar K Mobile Home Park meant that the people living within the park had no safe place to shelter during the storm, as mobile homes are one of the most susceptible structures in high winds and severe weather. Oklahoma lawmakers discussed options in providing storm shelters to those in mobile home parks after John Bowman, the manager of the Lone Grove Mobile Community, appealed for action following the tornado, as a majority of the fatalities occurred when mobile homes were completely destroyed or overturned. Public reaction On February 12, President Barack Obama spoke with Governor Brad Henry and Oklahoma Senators Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn, stating that he "passed along his condolences and best wishes to the victims".2009-02-12 Searches and cleanup continue after Okla. storms https://www.firerescue1.com/search-rescue/articles/searches-and-cleanup-continue-after-okla-storms-a3WMmbOkrbAOgw2u/ 2026-01-09 FireRescue1 en-US thumb|The Lone Grove tornado memorial|alt=The stone memorial in Lone Grove that honors the victims of the tornado The controversial Westboro Baptist Church made an announcement that members of the church were going to stage a demonstration in Ardmore on the Valentine's Day following the tornado. The church described the tornado as a divine punishment, and were reportedly planning to target funeral services in Ardmore. A memorial service in honor of the victims was scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on February 10, 2010, exactly one year after the tornado. On May 29, 2010, a stone memorial was installed at the Lone Grove Kiwanis Club to honor those who lost their lives and were impacted by the tornado, and to the individuals who assisted in rebuilding the community.Bernard Cindy Lone Grove Tornado Memorial Cindy Bernard https://www.cindybernard.com/lone-grove/ https://web.archive.org/web/20250522104234/https://www.cindybernard.com/lone-grove/ 2025-05-22 2026-01-10 Cindy Bernard Studio en-US Casualties This tornado became the deadliest and first EF4+ tornado to strike Oklahoma during the month of February, and was the deadliest tornado of 2009 in the United States.Monthly Climate Reports National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/tornadoes/200913 2026-01-09 NCEILaNore Steve 2016-05-11 Lone Grove Tornado: Deadliest Feb. Tornado in Oklahoma History https://www.kxii.com/content/news/Lone-Grove-Tornado-Deadliest-Feb-Tornado-in-Oklahoma-History-379052681.html 2026-01-10 KXII en Eight people died as a result of the tornado, all within and around Lone Grove, and 46 people were injured, 14 of whom sustained severe injuries. Six of the eight fatalities occurred within mobile homes in the Bar K Mobile Home Park. A seventh person was killed after their well-built house sustained EF4 damage. Three bodies were found outside of their leveled mobile homes. Two other bodies were discovered inside the remains of their homes. One body was discovered on a road within the trailer park, and another was found in a nearby field.Bewley Dan 2009-02-12 Cleanup Continues In Lone Grove https://www.newson6.com/story/5e36747e2f69d76f62085a26/cleanup-continues-in-lone-grove 2026-01-09 KOTV-DT enMiller Marsha Tornado hits Oklahoma with deadly winds https://www.oakridger.com/story/news/2009/02/12/tornado-hits-oklahoma-with-deadly/48196229007/ 2026-01-09 Oak Ridger en-US The eighth and final fatality was a truck driver whose vehicle was struck and toppled by the tornado while driving on Interstate 35. It was reported that a majority of the deaths were due to blunt-force trauma to the head.2009-02-11 Tornadoes kill 8, injure others in Okla. https://www.ems1.com/ems-products/incident-management/articles/tornadoes-kill-8-injure-others-in-okla-2TAxh3t1I4uQSF0G/ 2025-12-14 EMS1 en-US +List of tornado victimsNews9 Staff Victims of Lone Grove tornado identified https://www.news9.com/story/5e3505bce0c96e774b36dc43/victims-of-lone-grove-tornado-identified 2025-12-14 KWTV-DTNameAgeLocationSusan "Gail" Fambrough54Lone Grove, OklahomaWilliam Fambrough48Tim Nevill36Molly Hutchinson53Trevor Morgan30Donna McGarvey54William Wheat78Gary Boyd Jr.39Interstate 35 In popular culture On May 24, 2009, the tornado was highlighted in Season 2, Episode 19 of The Weather Channel's Storm Stories series, which featured footage of the aftermath and first-hand accounts from meteorologists, survivors, and emergency personnel.Lone Grove Tornado 2009-05-24 Storm Stories https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1904039/?ref_=ttep_ep 2026-01-04https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWjeCTN5RuQ Storm Stories: Lone Grove, OK Tornado 2019-07-02 The Weather Channel 2026-01-04 YouTube See also List of F4 and EF4 tornadoes (2000–2009) List of F4, EF4, and IF4 tornadoes 2008 Atkins–Clinton tornado, another violent and deadly EF4 tornado in Arkansas that occurred one year and five days earlier Notes note References 2009-02-10 02-10 Category:2009 in Oklahoma Category:2009 natural disasters in the United States 2009-02-10 Category:February 2009 in the United States