Deadly Fairview tornado rated as EF-2, Oklahoma
The tornado that struck Fairview, Oklahoma on March 5, 2026, was rated as an EF-2 after damage surveys were conducted by National Weather Service (NWS) in Norman. At least one other EF-2 and two EF-1 tornadoes were also identified in the region.
Tornado damage near Tulsa, Oklahoma on March 6, 2026
Two fatalities were reported after an EF-2 tornado struck west of Fairview, Oklahoma on March 5, claiming the lives of a mother and daughter who were thrown out of their vehicle by the twister near US Highway 60.
The tornado was first detected at 20:08 CST about 9.7 km (6 miles) east-southeast of Orion in Major County and tracked for 11.3 km (7 miles) before dissipating 11.3 km (7 miles) west of Fairview at 20:26 CST, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The storm produced peak winds estimated between 185 to 193 km/h (115 to 120 mph), with the most intense damage occurring near US Highway 60 where the vehicle carrying the victims was struck.
Another EF-2 tornado struck southwest of Helena in Alfalfa County at 21:10 CST, tracking northeast for about 30.6 km (19 miles) before ending 5 km (3 miles) northwest of Nash in Grant County at 21:50 CST.
The tornado produced peak winds of 177 to 185 km/h (110 to 115 mph). Despite the relatively long track, no fatalities or injuries were reported along its path.
Earlier in the evening, an EF-1 tornado with estimated peak winds of 153 to 161 km/h (95 to 100 mph) touched down around 20:41 CST approximately 3 km (2 miles) west of Orienta in Major County.
The tornado traveled about 10 km (6 miles) before dissipating near Cleo Springs at 20:55 CST, causing damage consistent with EF-0 to EF-1 intensity.
Later, another EF-1 tornado developed south of Wakita in Grant County at 22:22 CST. The tornado remained on the ground for about 6 km (4 miles) before dissipating at 22:29 CST roughly 8 km (5 miles) south-southeast of Wakita. Peak winds were estimated between 153 to 161 km/h (95 to 100 mph), with no reported injuries or fatalities.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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