Water Damage Restoration in Tulsa, OK
Tulsa by the numbers: 74 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 72 freezing nights a year, 26 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Oklahoma insurance help and costs.
Updated October 31, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Tulsa
- Burst pipe: shut the main water valve, then open the lowest faucet to drain the lines (burst pipe steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
How Often Tulsa Floods
The 7 counties of the Tulsa metro area logged flooding on 74 days from 2016 to 2025 (257 NOAA reports), May most often.
At the Tulsa 1.4 S gauge, May is the wettest month with 5.7 inches on average.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 2.1 |
| February | 0 | 1.8 |
| March | 4 | 3.6 |
| April | 11 | 4.4 |
| May | 24 | 5.7 |
| June | 9 | 4.8 |
| July | 8 | 4.2 |
| August | 8 | 4.3 |
| September | 4 | 4 |
| October | 2 | 3.8 |
| November | 3 | 3 |
| December | 0 | 2.7 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Tulsa County | 46 | 123 |
| Okmulgee County | 27 | 44 |
| Rogers County | 13 | 26 |
| Osage County | 11 | 22 |
| Pawnee County | 9 | 15 |
| Wagoner County | 9 | 16 |
| Creek County | 8 | 11 |
Freezing Nights in Tulsa
Tulsa averages 72 nights a year at or below 32°F (Tulsa International Airport station). About 16 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 17 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in the 7 counties of the Tulsa metro area from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in Tulsa
The 7 counties of the Tulsa metro area were named in 26 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- May 25, 2024: Tornado, EF3 (Rogers County)This is the first segment of a two-segment tornado. This tornado developed northeast of Owasso near Limestone, and moved east-southeast through Keetonville.
- May 15, 2024: Hail, 3.5 inch hail (Osage County)Giant hail measured up to 3.5 inches in diameter damaged homes, businesses, and vehicles.
- May 6, 2024: Tornado, EF4 (Osage County)This is the first segment of a two-segment tornado. This tornado developed just north of County Road 1701 southeast of Hominy, where trees were uprooted and snapped.
- June 17, 2023: Thunderstorm wind, 100 mph gust (Rogers County)Thunderstorm wind, likely gusting to at least 100 mph at times, resulted in at least $657,000 in debris removal and damage to the utility infrastructure across the county during this severe thunderstorm.
- May 5, 2022: Flash flood (Tulsa County)Flooding in Bixby damaged at least 37 homes and four businesses, and flooded roads. Much of the damage was in a neighborhood south of Highway 64 and west of S Mingo Road.
Federal disaster declarations
- October 7, 2026: Severe Storm And Straight-Line WindsSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4950
- February 19, 2026: Rattlesnake FireFire, FEMA FM-5621
- May 21, 2025: Wildfires And Straight-Line WindsFire, FEMA DR-4866
- March 19, 2025: 328 FireFire, FEMA FM-5572
- March 15, 2025: Barn FireFire, FEMA FM-5568
- March 15, 2025: Keystone FireFire, FEMA FM-5567
- March 15, 2025: Underwood FireFire, FEMA FM-5566
- March 14, 2025: Little Salt Creek FireFire, FEMA FM-5560
Tulsa Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Tulsa (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 192,797 housing units, a median build year of 1973, 65% built before 1980, 45% before 1970, 52% owner occupied.
Oklahoma Insurance Help for Water Claims
Claim problems in Oklahoma go to the Oklahoma Insurance Department.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Tulsa flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Tulsa
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
Areas Served Around Tulsa
The same 24/7 line covers the Tulsa metro area, including:
- Tulsa
- Broken Arrow
- Owasso
- Bixby
- Jenks
- Sapulpa
- Claremore
- Sand Springs
Other Oklahoma city guides
Questions
When is the first freeze in Tulsa?
The median first night at or below 32°F is November 4 and the median last is March 31 at the Tulsa International Airport station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, EPA mold guide.