Guide
Porta Potty Placement in Oklahoma Wind and Tornado Season
Oklahoma's main tornado season runs from March through June and peaks in May. A porta potty weighs only about 200 pounds empty, so strong straight-line wind can tip one on an open lot. Good placement and staking prevent nearly all wind problems.
| Months | Risk | Porta potty setup |
|---|---|---|
| March–April | Rising wind, early storms | Downwind side of a building |
| May | Peak tornadoes, ~5 in of rain | Staked units on high, firm ground |
| June | Severe storms continue | Straps on open lots; call before forecast storms |
| Mid-Sept–Oct | Second, smaller storm season | Same staking on bare lots |
When is wind season in central Oklahoma?
Central Oklahoma's windiest, stormiest stretch runs from March through June. May is the peak month: it averages about 24 tornadoes statewide, roughly 41% of Oklahoma's yearly total, according to the National Weather Service Norman. A smaller second season shows up from mid-September to late October.
Most tipped units are not tornado damage. They are caught by 50 to 70 mph gusts from a passing thunderstorm, which happen many times each spring. The risk is highest on new subdivision lots with no houses or trees to block the wind.
How do you keep a porta potty from blowing over?
Keep a porta potty from blowing over by placing it beside a solid structure on the downwind side, staking it to the ground on open lots, and keeping the door facing away from the usual south wind. A full tank adds weight, but an empty unit on bare ground is easy to tip.
- Use a wall. Set the unit next to a house frame, garage or block wall.
- Stake it. On bare lots, we drive stakes and strap the unit from March to June when you ask.
- Avoid low spots. May is also the wettest month, about 5 inches of rain on average. Low ground floods and softens.
- Keep clear of trees and lines. Broken limbs do more damage than wind alone.
What should you do when severe storms are forecast?
When severe storms are forecast, move nothing yourself. Full units are heavy and can spill. Call us a day ahead if you want a unit moved or strapped. After a storm, report any tipped unit right away so we can clean the site and swap the unit on the next route.
Do you supply units after storms?
We supply porta potties, hand washing stations and restroom trailers for storm cleanup crews, shelters and families whose plumbing is out after a storm. Metro orders placed before noon can usually go out the same day. Agencies should call with headcounts so we can size the order.
See same-day porta potty delivery and construction rentals for crews.