Lone Grove, Oklahoma February Tornado: Response, Impacts and Lessons Learned

On February 10, 2009, the city of Lone Grove, Oklahoma, was struck by an EF-4 tornado. Although there was an NWS warning issued in advance and sirens were sounded, many did not seek appropriate shelter. Factors such as an “out of season tornado”, lack of suitable shelter, or conversion to digital television may have been factors. A survey was conducted in the city to determine actions taken by the community and their knowledge level, accessibility to shelter, and other challenges they faced.