A Decade Later, Oklahoma Reflects On A Transformative 2016

It's been 10 years since 2016. Let that sink in, millennials. Nostalgia tends to feel comforting, so millennials and older gen z have been reminiscing about the good ole days and the nostalgia of 2016, and now the year is currently trending on social media. So grab your infinity scarfs and skinny jeans, we're looking back at the top events that happened in Oklahoma in 2016.

Of course, just like any other year, Oklahoma had some historical natural disasters, from giant earth quakes to tornado outbreaks. There was also a man-made disaster and local protests. There were also some good things that happened in Oklahoma in 2016, like economic growth and the opening of a new concert venue.

Oklahoma's Top Weather and Natural Disaster Events In 2016

Although Oklahoma's tornado count was low for 2016 with just 58 tornadoes, Oklahoma did record one of the state's most recent EF4 tornadoes. On May 9 during a large tornado outbreak, an EF4 struck near Katie, Oklahoma. Before then, Oklahoma hadn't seen an EF4 since 2013. Since then, Oklahoma saw two EF4 tornadoes in 2024.

Oklahoma's Department of Emergency Management also recorded three wildfire events, three severe weather events, one flooding event and an earthquake event in 2016.

Oklahoma actually recorded its strongest earthquake on Sept. 3, 2016. It was a 5.8 magnitude earthquake that struck near Pawnee, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State University in Stillwater reported damage. Residents in surrounding areas also reported damage, including Catoosa, Grove, Hominy, Morrison, Owasso, Pawnee, Stillwater, Tulsa and Yukon.

Other big events in Oklahoma that happened in 2016.

Besides the usual weather and natural disasters Oklahoma sees from year to year, in 2016, Oklahoma had a few other notable events.

• Plans were announced for the renovation of the First National Building in Oklahoma City. Today, people can stay in The National Hotel, enjoy fine dining at Tellers and Stock & Bond, plus more places to eat and shop. The building renovation also included upscale apartments.
• On Jan. 6, 2016, a home in Oklahoma City exploded due to a gas leak and caused damage to other homes in the neighborhood.
• The Criterion in Oklahoma City opened as the state's newest music venue and hosted acts like Sturgill Simpson and Glass Animals. Today, The Criterion is considered one of the most popular venues in the state.
• On July 4, 2016, Kevin Durant officially announced that he would be leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder and signed with the Golden State Warriors.
• On August 4, 2016, Russell Westbrook announced that he would extend his contract with the Thunder. Westbrook also won the NBA MVP award for 2016-2017 season while with the Thunder.