Oklahoma occupies a distinct position in the hail data: smaller in total event count than Texas or Kansas, but with a trajectory that points decisively upward. The state recorded 5,337 hail events across 77 counties from 2014 through 2024, and its peak year was not 2016 or 2023 like its neighbors — it was 2024, with 765 events. That recency matters for contractors and homeowners assessing where storm risk is currently concentrated.
Year-by-Year Oklahoma Hail Events
| Year | Hail Events (OK) |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 279 |
| 2015 | 485 |
| 2016 | 434 |
| 2017 | 653 |
| 2018 | 278 |
| 2019 | 486 |
| 2020 | 622 |
| 2021 | 259 |
| 2022 | 334 |
| 2023 | 742 |
| 2024 | 765 |
| Total (11 yrs) | 5,337 |
An Unusual Pattern: The Peak Is Now
Most states in our dataset peaked during 2016–2017 and then declined. Oklahoma's pattern is different. The state had a relatively low 2014 entry point (279 events), saw a strong 2017 (653 events), then fell back sharply in 2018 (278 events) — its second-lowest year. What followed was a gradual climb: 2020 reached 622, 2023 reached 742, and 2024 topped both at 765. The maximum recorded hail size was 6.00 inches, placing Oklahoma among the high-severity states in our dataset.
Oklahoma County, home to Oklahoma City, appears in our national top-10 hail-heaviest counties list at 309 recorded events and a max of 2.75 inches. That max size is notably smaller than some rural counties in the state, but the event frequency in a dense urban area creates concentrated demand that rural storms cannot match on a per-household basis.
Oklahoma Contractor Licensing
Unlike Kansas or Texas, Oklahoma has clear statewide licensing requirements. Roofing contractors must hold a license through the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB). The CIB license requirement is meaningful for homeowners: it provides a searchable public record of licensed contractors and a formal complaint channel if problems arise after a storm repair. Any contractor claiming to work in Oklahoma who cannot produce a CIB license number should be treated with caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hail events has Oklahoma had over 11 years?
Oklahoma recorded 5,337 hail events across 77 counties from 2014 through 2024, based on our NOAA-sourced database.
What year had the most hail in Oklahoma?
2024 was the peak year for Oklahoma with 765 events — higher than 2023's 742 and the highest in the 11-year record.
Does Oklahoma require a roofing contractor license?
Yes. Roofing contractors in Oklahoma must be licensed through the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB). This is a statewide requirement, unlike Kansas or Texas, which have no equivalent mandate.
What is the largest hail recorded in Oklahoma?
The maximum hail stone in our Oklahoma record measured 6.00 inches. Hail at this size causes severe damage to roofing, siding, windows, and vehicles.
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