Oklahoma Nearly Breaks January Tornado Record In One Day

In the early hours Thursday morning, Oklahoma was struck by the state's first bout of severe weather for 2026. So far, preliminary reports are estimating that four tornadoes were produced across the state.

Investigations are still underway for the four preliminary tornadoes that impacted Oklahoma on Thursday, Jan. 8. As of Friday, the National Weather Service in Norman has officially recorded two of the tornadoes, both of which impacted McClain and Cleveland Counties.

Purcell and Shawnee showed significant damage after Thursday's storms.

The tornadoes already confirmed impacted the towns of Purcell and Shawnee, which displayed significant damage after the storms. Both towns saw damage to buildings and businesses, plus downed powerlines and trees.

The tornado that impacted both McClain and Cleveland County has been rated an EF1, while the one that only struck Cleveland County has been rated an EF0. The National Weather Service in Norman is still investigating these areas and other areas that received damage.

Oklahoma is close to breaking the January tornado record.

Just four preliminary tornadoes on Thursday, Jan. 8 brings Oklahoma very close to breaking the state's January tornado record. The current record is set at five for the month of January in 2023.

Currently, January 2026 is tied for the second spot with three other years. Oklahoma recorded four tornadoes during the month of January in 2021, 2008 and 1967.

READ MORE: Oklahoma Experienced Five Strong Tornadoes In 2025

Oklahoma saw seven tornado warnings on Thursday, Jan. 8.

Last year, Oklahoma had the most tornado warnings in the nation with 276. Now with the state having recorded the first confirmed tornado in America for 2026, the state is also starting to rack in tornado warnings.

On Thursday, Jan. 8, Oklahoma recorded seven tornado warnings across the state. The majority of the tornado warnings were in east central Oklahoma where the four preliminary tornadoes were recorded. And two of the tornado warnings were in northeast Oklahoma.