The Oklahoma Storms of April 2, 1994

Event Summary  On April 2, 1994, severe storms began to form along a dryline in Central Oklahoma. These storms produced two tornadoes, one near Ada and the other near Oilton. Along with the tornadoes, baseball size hail was reported. Although this particular case was not a not large severe weather outbreak, it provides a classic setup for severe weather. This case is also one of the first severe weather outbreaks observed by the Oklahoma Mesonet.

Objectives  To understand the key ingredients that produce severe weather. To properly recognize a dryline and cold front from surface and radar data. To understand the relationship between surface temperatures and dewpoints and where storms initiate.

Vocabulary  Clear Air Mode  Cold Front  Dew Point  Dryline  Equivalent Potential Temperature Left Mover  Moisture Tongue Precipitation Mode  Propagation Right Mover  Thermal Ridge Thin Line  Triple Point

Exercise  Updated Version : Event Exercise Self Study Version: Event Exercise Archived Data    Reference Material  Thunderstorms & Tornadoes Weather Fronts Map of Oklahoma Counties

OK-FIRST Project, Oklahoma Climatological Survey, 100 East Boyd, Suite 1210, Norman, OK 73019. Copyright © 1996-2005 Oklahoma Climatological Survey. All Rights Reserved. Send comments or questions concerning OK-FIRST to okfirst@mesonet.org.