Shawnee church captures images of tornado

St. Gregory's Abbey shares photos of severe storm that hit on Friday night.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:07pm

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A church in Shawnee, Oklahoma, captured dramatic images of a tornado that touched down in the area on Friday evening after severe storms moved through the region. St. Gregory's Abbey shared the photos on their Facebook page, providing a firsthand account of the powerful weather event.

Why it matters

Tornadoes are a common occurrence in Oklahoma, but capturing clear visual evidence of one can help raise awareness of the dangers of severe storms in the region and the importance of preparedness. The photos from St. Gregory's Abbey offer a unique perspective on the tornado's scale and intensity.

The details

The tornado was spotted near St. Gregory's Abbey, a Benedictine monastery located just outside of Shawnee. The abbey shared several photos on Facebook showing the large, swirling funnel cloud against a dark, ominous sky. No injuries or major damage were reported from the tornado, but the images illustrate the power of the storm system that moved through the area.

  • The tornado was spotted on Friday, April 4, 2026 around 8:30 PM local time.

The players

St. Gregory's Abbey

A Benedictine monastery located just outside of Shawnee, Oklahoma that captured dramatic photos of the tornado.

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What they’re saying

“We're grateful that the tornado did not cause any harm, but these images show just how powerful and dangerous these storms can be.”

— Abbot Michael, Abbot, St. Gregory's Abbey

What’s next

The National Weather Service will likely conduct a survey of the tornado's path and strength in the coming days.

The takeaway

The photos from St. Gregory's Abbey serve as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness when severe weather threatens Oklahoma communities.