Oklahoma City is one of the windiest cities in the US: See where it falls in the ranking

Yahoo! News - Mar 25th, 2025

Oklahoma City has been highlighted as the 7th windiest city in the United States, according to a report by Redfin, a real-estate brokerage. This ranking is based on the annual average wind speed, which for Oklahoma City is 11.3 miles per hour. The city is not only known for its perpetual breezy conditions but also for holding the world's unofficial highest wind speed during the 1999 EF-5 Bridge Creek tornado, with winds clocked at an estimated 301 miles per hour. However, the official record highest wind speed in Oklahoma City is documented at 151 miles per hour in 2011. These high wind conditions have recently contributed to fire weather and widespread wildfires, impacting the region significantly over the past two weeks.

The significance of Oklahoma City's ranking as one of the windiest cities in the U.S. is underscored by recent weather events that have posed challenges for residents and emergency services. The city's geographical location on the plains makes it particularly susceptible to high wind conditions, which can exacerbate weather-related emergencies such as wildfires. Understanding the wind patterns in Oklahoma City is crucial not only for residents but also for urban planning and emergency preparedness. The broader implications highlight the need for efficient disaster management strategies and the role of weather patterns in influencing city life and safety measures in wind-prone regions.

Redfin Wildfires Oklahoma City Wind Speed Bridge Creek Tornado Weather Patterns

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a clear and timely overview of Oklahoma City's windiness, highlighting its ranking among U.S. cities according to Redfin. While the information is generally accurate, the reliance on a single source without corroboration from authoritative meteorological organizations limits its reliability. The article's readability and clarity are strengths, but it could benefit from greater transparency regarding data sources and methodology. Additionally, the story lacks balance and depth, as it does not explore broader implications or alternative perspectives. To enhance its impact and public interest, the article could delve into how wind patterns affect urban planning and daily life in Oklahoma City. Overall, the article serves as an informative piece on a specific aspect of Oklahoma City's weather, but it could be strengthened by incorporating more diverse sources and perspectives.

Accuracy

The article claims that Oklahoma City is the 7th windiest city in the U.S. according to Redfin, with an average wind speed of 11.3 miles per hour. It also mentions the unofficial highest wind speed recorded during the 1999 EF-5 Bridge Creek tornado and the official record of 151 mph in 2011. These claims are largely accurate but require verification against official sources like NOAA for precision. The story is truthful in its reporting of Redfin's ranking and the tornado wind speed estimates, although it should clarify the unofficial nature of the 301 mph estimate. The article could improve by providing direct links or citations to Redfin's methodology and data sources to enhance verifiability.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on Oklahoma City's windiness in the context of Redfin's rankings, without offering a broader perspective on how wind speed affects the city or comparisons with other cities beyond the rankings. While it mentions other cities in the rankings, it does not explore the implications of these findings or present alternative viewpoints. The story could benefit from a more balanced approach by including expert opinions on the impact of wind in urban planning or climate considerations, providing a more comprehensive view.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and straightforward in its presentation of Oklahoma City's windiness and its ranking among U.S. cities. The language is accessible, and the structure is logical, moving from a general introduction to specific claims. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more context for the rankings and the significance of wind speeds, which would help readers understand the implications of the data presented.

Source quality

The primary source for the article is Redfin, a real estate brokerage company, which may not be the most authoritative source for meteorological data. The lack of additional sources, such as meteorologists or weather organizations, limits the depth of the reporting. While Redfin's data might be credible for its intended purpose, the reliance on a single source without corroboration from more authoritative weather data sources like NOAA reduces the reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article does not provide detailed information on how Redfin calculated the rankings or the specific data sources used, which affects transparency. It mentions the average wind speed and rankings but lacks an explanation of the methodology behind these figures. Greater transparency could be achieved by including details about the data collection process and any potential limitations or biases in the data used by Redfin.