Murray County, Oklahoma

County storm and disaster record · FIPS 40099 · population 13,860 · 416 sq mi

NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 711 records for Murray County, Oklahoma from 1950 through June 30, 2026, on 484 days; the most frequent are hail reports (224 records). The deadliest single record is the April 27, 2024 tornado: 1 death, 30 injuries and $9.4 million in damage in 2025 dollars. FEMA has issued 26 declarations naming the county since 1970, 24 of them for natural hazards; the latest for a natural hazard was “Buck Horn Fire” on March 19, 2026.

The record, 1950 to 2026

Storm records filed for the county each year (2026 to June 30, 2026). Before 1996 NOAA recorded only tornadoes (from 1950), thunderstorm wind and hail (from 1955).

  • recorded, no damage figure
  • under $100,000
  • $100,000 or more
  • $1 million or more
  • $10 million or more, or a death
  • $100 million or more, or 10 deaths
  • a year's colour: its recorded damage or deaths
  • a year with a death
  • 1955: wind and hail recorded from 1955
  • 1996: all 48 event types from 1996
Storm records
711on 484 days, 1950 to June 30, 2026
Deaths recorded
442 injuries
Damage, 2025 dollars
$47Mas filed (scale steps before 1993)
Tornadoes
46strongest F4
FEMA declarations
26latest 2026

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records through June 30, 2026 (file revision 20260918); damage converted to 2025 dollars with the BLS CPI-U. Search the record at NCEI. BLS consumer price index.

What hazards hit Murray County most?

The most frequent records are hail reports: 224 since 1956. 54% of its hail reports since 1956 fell in April and May. The rank column places the county among Oklahoma's counties by days with a record per 1,000 square miles of land over each hazard's complete period.

Murray County: records by hazard, 1950 to June 30, 2026
HazardRecordsDaysFirst, lastKilledInjuredDamageRank in state
Hail 224 131 1956-2026 0 0 $21K 11 of 77
Severe thunderstorm wind 140 91 1958-2026 0 1 $4.2M 33 of 77
Drought 86 86 2000-2026 0 0 $14M 4 of 77
Heat 80 80 1996-2025 0 0 – 2 of 77
Floods 59 38 1996-2026 0 0 $159K 11 of 77
Tornadoes 46 34 1953-2026 3 38 $24M 9 of 77
Winter storms 38 38 1996-2026 1 1 $2.8M 7 of 77
Extreme cold 11 11 1996-2025 0 0 – 1 of 77
Fog, smoke and funnel clouds 9 9 1998-2004 0 0 – 3 of 77
High wind and dust storms 8 8 1996-2007 0 0 $43K 40 of 77
Wildfires 6 6 2000-2026 0 0 $1.5M 14 of 77
Lightning 4 4 1998-2017 0 2 $42K 15 of 77

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database (county and forecast-zone records attributed to the county; a zone record shows its own totals on each county it covers). Days: dates with at least one record of the hazard in the county. Ranks: days with a record per 1,000 square miles of land (Census Bureau 2024 Gazetteer), since 1950 for tornadoes, 1955 for hail and thunderstorm wind, 1996 for the rest.

How many tornadoes has Murray County had?

NOAA records 46 tornadoes in Murray County from 1953 to 2026, the strongest rated F4, with 3 deaths and 38 injuries recorded in the county. That is 9th of 77 Oklahoma counties and 102nd of 3,080 U.S. counties by days with tornadoes per 1,000 square miles since 1950. A tornado that crossed a county line is counted in each county it touched, with the length of its path inside the county.

Counted as whole tornadoes rather than county records, the Storm Prediction Center's database holds 46 tornadoes whose track touched Murray County since 1950 (NOAA's county records number 46, the same count); along their whole tracks they killed 8 people, 3 of them in Murray County.

The deadliest and strongest tornadoes that touched Murray County, whole tracks
DateTornadoRatingPathKilled
1972-04-19 17:00, as SPC files itUnnamedF428.2 mi5
2024-04-27 21:23, as SPC files itSulphurEF39.91 mi1
1957-04-02 16:55, as SPC files itDavisF22 mi1
1955-07-15 14:20, as SPC files itSulphurF11.5 mi1
2016-05-09 15:34, as SPC files itRoffEF316.6 mi0
1953-06-05 21:15, as SPC files itSulphurF316.9 mi0

Map of the strongest tornado tracks in Oklahoma.

Every tornado record filed for Murray County (46)
Every tornado recorded in Murray County, newest first
DatePlaceCharacterKilledInjuredDamage
2026-04-28 Dougherty, Murray County EFU 0.5 mi x 100 yd 0 0 –
2025-04-19 Dougherty, Murray County EFU 0.5 mi x 100 yd 0 0 –
2024-11-04 Joy, Murray County EF0 0.2 mi x 10 yd 0 0 –
2024-04-27 Sulphur, Murray County EF3 9.63 mi x 440 yd 1 30 $9.4M
2024-04-27 Dougherty, Murray County EF1 3.5 mi x 100 yd 0 0 $2K
2024-04-27 Dougherty, Murray County EF1 5.9 mi x 250 yd 0 0 $188K
2020-04-22 Dougherty, Murray County EF1 0.13 mi x 150 yd 0 0 –
2019-04-30 Scullin, Murray County EF1 1.75 mi x 30 yd 0 0 –
2019-04-30 Dougherty, Murray County EFU 0.3 mi x 50 yd 0 0 –
2018-10-07 Davis, Murray County EF0 0.65 mi x 20 yd 0 0 –
2017-05-27 Dougherty, Murray County EFU 2.7 mi x 50 yd 0 0 –
2016-05-09 Joy, Murray County EF3 15.1 mi x 1,500 yd 0 0 $4.9M
2015-05-23 Joy, Murray County EF0 0.5 mi x 50 yd 0 0 –
2015-05-23 Sulphur, Murray County EF0 3 mi x 40 yd 0 0 –
2011-05-21 Sulphur, Murray County EF0 0.2 mi x 30 yd 0 0 –
2011-05-21 Hickory, Murray County EF0 0.5 mi x 500 yd 0 0 –
2010-05-19 Joy, Murray County EF1 12 mi x 375 yd 0 0 –
1997-05-25 Joy, Murray County F0 0.1 mi x 25 yd 0 0 –
1996-04-21 Hickory, Murray County F0 0.5 mi x 50 yd 0 0 $941
1996-04-21 Hickory, Murray County F0 0.5 mi x 50 yd 0 0 $941
1996-04-21 Sulphur, Murray County F1 3 mi x 150 yd 0 0 $527K
1996-04-21 Davis, Murray County F0 1 mi x 100 yd 0 0 –
1996-04-21 Sulphur, Murray County F0 0.1 mi x 25 yd 0 0 –
1995-05-07 N Sulphur, Murray County F1 0.1 mi x 20 yd 0 0 $97K
1995-05-07 Nr Gene Autry, Murray County F1 3 mi x 200 yd 0 0 $968K
1995-05-07 Davis, Murray County F1 2 mi x 100 yd 0 0 $968K
1995-04-17 Joy (1.5 Se Wynnewood, Murray County F0 0.1 mi x 20 yd 0 0 –
1992-05-11 Murray County F2 2 mi x 150 yd 0 0 $25K step
1984-09-08 Murray County F0 0.1 mi x 3 yd 0 0 –
1983-05-13 Murray County F2 7 mi x 200 yd 0 1 $250K step
1981-05-23 Murray County F1 0 0 –
1979-10-21 Murray County F2 1 mi x 60 yd 0 0 $25K step
1976-05-26 Murray County F0 0.1 mi x 10 yd 0 0 $30 step
1974-05-01 Murray County F1 1 mi x 100 yd 0 0 $3K step
1972-04-19 Murray County F4 4.3 mi x 33 yd 0 0 $25K step
1971-04-22 Murray County F1 2 mi x 100 yd 0 1 $250K step
1970-06-11 Murray County F2 2 mi x 100 yd 0 0 $25K step
1963-11-19 Murray County F2 1 mi x 440 yd 0 0 –
1958-11-17 Murray County F2 3.6 mi x 300 yd 0 0 $25K step
1957-04-02 Murray County F2 2 mi x 600 yd 1 2 $250K step
1957-04-02 Murray County F2 5.7 mi x 400 yd 0 0 $25K step
1955-07-15 Murray County F1 1.5 mi x 300 yd 1 2 $25K step
1954-06-07 Murray County F1 13 mi x 880 yd 0 0 $250 step
1953-12-02 Murray County F1 16.2 mi x 880 yd 0 2 $3K step
1953-11-19 Murray County F1 2 mi x 33 yd 0 0 $25K step
1953-02-19 Murray County F1 4.7 mi x 67 yd 0 0 $3K step

A damage figure marked "step" is a record from before 1993: NOAA then filed damage by category, and the figure is the category as entered, in the dollars of that year, not an estimate of the loss.

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, tornado records by county (path length in the county, maximum width); ratings as published: F scale before February 1, 2007, EF scale after. Whole-track figures: NOAA Storm Prediction Center tornado database (1950-2025). SPC severe weather database.

When was the last damaging storm in Murray County?

The most recent record with damage, injuries or deaths is the June 23, 2026 flash flood ($50,000 in damage in 2025 dollars).

The 12 most recent records kept for Murray County
DateRecordCharacterKilledInjuredDamage
2026-06-23 Flash FloodJoy, Murray County 0 0 $50K
2026-04-28 Thunderstorm WindDougherty, Murray County 56 kt wind 0 0 –
2026-04-28 HailSulphur, Murray County 1.75 in hail 0 0 –
2026-04-28 HailDavis, Murray County 1.00 in hail 0 0 –
2026-04-28 Thunderstorm WindDavis, Murray County 52 kt wind 0 0 $5K
2026-04-28 HailDavis, Murray County 0.75 in hail 0 0 –
2026-04-28 TornadoDougherty, Murray County EFU 0.5 mi x 100 yd 0 0 –
2026-04-24 HailSulphur, Murray County 2.50 in hail 0 0 –
2026-04-24 HailScullin, Murray County 1.00 in hail 0 0 –
2026-04-24 HailScullin, Murray County 1.00 in hail 0 0 –
2026-04-24 HailSulphur, Murray County 2.50 in hail 0 0 –
2026-04-01 DroughtMurray County · forecast zone Murray 0 0 –

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database; every record of 2025-2026 is listed, earlier ones when they caused deaths, injuries or $250,000 of damage (2025 dollars), and every tornado.

The deadliest and costliest records

Records with deaths or injuries in Murray County, most deaths first
DateRecordCharacterKilledInjuredDamage
2024-04-27 TornadoSulphur, Murray County The Sulphur tornado initially developed in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area to the southwest of Sulphur and produced tree damage as well as damage to one building in the northeast section of the park as the tornado approached Sulphur. The tornado moved into the southern part of Sulphur causing significant damage ... EF3 9.63 mi x 440 yd 1 30 $9.4M
1957-04-02 TornadoMurray County F2 2 mi x 600 yd 1 2 $250K step
1955-07-15 TornadoMurray County F1 1.5 mi x 300 yd 1 2 $25K step
2008-01-03 Winter WeatherMurray County · forecast zone Murray A light coating of ice caused a one vehicle accident near mile marker 47 on Interstate 35. One injury was reported, as well as one fatality. Monetary damages were estimated. 1 1 $21K
1953-12-02 TornadoMurray County F1 16.2 mi x 880 yd 0 2 $3K step
2025-04-05 Thunderstorm WindSulphur, Murray County Multiple reports and images of extensive thunderstorm wind damage in areas along U.S. Highway 177, approximately seven miles north of Sulphur. This included a mobile home that was blown off its blocks and destroyed, outbuildings significantly damaged, a travel trailer rolled, and numerous trees and large tree limbs ... 78 kt wind 0 1 $250K
2017-05-27 LightningTurner Falls, Murray County A man was struck by lightning near Turner Falls. His clothes were blown from his body and he suffered severe burns, temporary paralysis, and hearing loss. 0 1 –
1998-09-10 LightningSulphur, Murray County A wildfire started by lightning burned 5000 acres. More than 12 fire departments were needed to contain the fire. One man was injured when he burned his hand on an equipment motor. 0 1 –

A damage figure marked "step" is a record from before 1993: NOAA then filed damage by category, and the figure is the category as entered, in the dollars of that year, not an estimate of the loss.

The costliest records in Murray County since 1993, damage in 2025 dollars
DateRecordCharacterKilledInjuredDamage
2024-04-27 TornadoSulphur, Murray County EF3 9.63 mi x 440 yd 1 30 $9.4M
2016-05-09 TornadoJoy, Murray County EF3 15.1 mi x 1,500 yd 0 0 $4.9M
2000-12-26 Ice StormMurray County · forecast zone Murray 0 0 $2.7M
2001-05-27 Thunderstorm WindDougherty, Murray County 0 0 $2.5M
2000-09-08 WildfireWest Portion, Murray County 0 0 $1.4M
1995-05-07 TornadoDavis, Murray County F1 2 mi x 100 yd 0 0 $968K
1999-02-06 Thunderstorm WindSulphur, Murray County 0 0 $531K
1996-04-21 TornadoSulphur, Murray County F1 3 mi x 150 yd 0 0 $527K

Before 1993 NOAA filed damage by category, not amount, so the list above starts in 1993. The highest category filed here before then (entered as $250K, in the dollars of the day) holds: April 2, 1957 (tornado, Murray County, 1 killed); April 22, 1971 (tornado, Murray County); May 13, 1983 (tornado, Murray County).

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: deaths and injuries direct and indirect; damage is property plus crops as estimated by the National Weather Service, converted to 2025 dollars.

Is it getting more frequent?

Records per decade for Murray County's most frequent hazards. Counts rose everywhere after 1996, when NOAA began recording every event type, so compare decades within a hazard's complete period only (the shaded cells come before it).

Murray County: records per decade (the 2020s to June 30, 2026)
Hazard1950s1960s1970s1980s1990s2000s2010s2020-26
Hail5742767273552
Severe thunderstorm wind1251434313122
Drought––––0194027
Heat––––13076
Floods––––818285
Tornadoes8163110107

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records per calendar decade; zone records from the CZ_TYPE field (Z).

What time of year?

54% of its hail reports since 1956 fell in April and May. The two busiest months are in violet.

The values, month by month

Jan 36 · Feb 36 · Mar 71 · Apr 105 · May 136 · Jun 65 · Jul 68 · Aug 78 · Sep 34 · Oct 32 · Nov 33 · Dec 17 (records).

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records by the month they began.

Federal disaster declarations for Murray County

FEMA's register lists 26 declarations that include Murray County: 15 major disasters, 8 emergencies and 3 fire management assistance declarations. Most were for severe ice storm (7) and severe storm (6).

Declarations including Murray County, newest first
DeclaredNumberTypeTitle
2026-03-19FM-5626FireBuck Horn Fire
2024-04-30DR-4776TornadoSevere Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding
2021-02-24DR-4587Severe Ice StormSevere Winter Storms
2021-02-17EM-3555Severe Ice StormSevere Winter Storm
2020-04-05DR-4530BiologicalCovid-19 Pandemic
2020-03-13EM-3462BiologicalCovid-19
2017-07-25DR-4324TornadoSevere Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding
2015-05-26DR-4222Severe StormSevere Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding
2011-07-15FM-2939FireFalls Creek Fire
2011-02-02EM-3316Severe StormSevere Winter Storm
2010-03-05DR-1883Severe Ice StormSevere Winter Storm
2010-01-30EM-3308Severe StormSevere Winter Storm
2009-06-19DR-1846FireWildfires
2007-12-10EM-3280Severe Ice StormSevere Winter Storms
2007-01-14EM-3272Severe Ice StormSevere Winter Storms and Flooding
2006-01-10DR-1623FireExtreme Wildfire Threat
2005-09-05EM-3219HurricaneHurricane Katrina Evacuation
2001-06-29DR-1384Severe StormSevere Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
2001-01-05DR-1355Severe Ice StormSevere Winter Ice Storm
2000-12-28EM-3158Severe Ice StormSevere Winter and Ice Storm
2000-09-19FM-2341FireOk-Arbuckle Fire Complex-9/18/00
1995-06-26DR-1058TornadoTornadoes, Severe Storms and Flooding
1990-05-18DR-866Severe StormSevere Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding
1987-07-09DR-794FloodSevere Storms & Flooding
1973-12-10DR-409FloodSevere Storms & Flooding
1970-10-14DR-297Severe StormHeavy Rains, Tornadoes & Flooding

Source: FEMA OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (v2), declarations through October 2, 2026; one declaration is counted once however many areas it names. OpenFEMA dataset page.

How many floods has Murray County had?

NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 59 flood or flash flood records for Murray County from 1996 to 2026, on 38 days, with 0 deaths. By flood insurance claims since 1978 (OpenFEMA, as of September 8, 2026), Murray County ranks 2477th of 2,942 U.S. counties.

The National Flood Insurance Program has paid $132,000 on 7 claims filed in Murray County; the most in one year was 2 in 1990. Claims count insured losses only: uninsured flood damage is not in this file.

The values, year by year

1990: 2 · 1995: 2 · 1998: 1 · 1999: 1 · 2025: 1; the other years: 0.

Source: FEMA OpenFEMA NFIP Redacted Claims, as of September 8, 2026; claims by year of loss, payments in the dollars of the year paid. OpenFEMA dataset page.

FEMA's modeled risk for Murray County

FEMA's National Risk Index rates Murray County Very Low overall, with an expected annual loss of $7.9 million. These are FEMA's model estimates of future loss from 18 hazards, not a count of what happened; they can differ from the record above.

National Risk Index ratings for Murray County (December 2025 release), by FEMA's rating, then score
HazardRisk ratingExpected annual lossModeled frequency
LandslideRelatively Moderate$98Konce in about 7 years (modeled)
Ice StormRelatively Moderate$327K1.5 a year (modeled)
HailRelatively Moderate$502K9 a year (modeled)
TornadoRelatively Moderate$1.8Monce in about 2 years (modeled)
DroughtRelatively Moderate$344K39 modeled event-days a year
Strong WindRelatively Moderate$461K3.8 a year (modeled)
WildfireRelatively Low$400Konce in about 149 years (modeled)
Heat WaveRelatively Low$548K19 modeled event-days a year

Source: FEMA National Risk Index, county table, December 2025 release. FEMA's National Risk Index map.

Counties that share a border with Murray County

  1. Carter County 1,166
  2. Pontotoc County 1,043
  3. Garvin County 1,024
  4. Johnston County 728
  5. Murray County 711

Source: U.S. Census Bureau county adjacency file; NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records since 1950. The Census Bureau's adjacency file.

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