Oklahoma residents are being urged to stay alert tonight as severe storms move through central and western Oklahoma, triggering a tornado watch. This watch, issued at 10:05 p.m. Friday, will remain active until 6 a.m. Saturday. The watch covers 35 counties, including Oklahoma, Cleveland, Canadian, Payne, and Comanche counties. Experts are warning that the conditions are favorable for tornadoes, along with damaging winds and large hail.
What Does the Tornado Watch Mean?
Tornado Watch 381 is in effect for a wide area stretching from the Texas border to northern Oklahoma. This includes Blaine, Custer, Garfield, Grady, Kiowa, Lincoln, Logan, McClain, Seminole, and Woodward counties. The storm system is expected to bring wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail larger than golf balls. A tornado is also possible due to the favorable atmospheric conditions.
How to Stay Safe During the Storms
Emergency managers are particularly concerned about the risk of nighttime tornadoes, which can be harder to detect and more dangerous. These storms may develop when many people are asleep, and the delayed response time can increase the risks. If a tornado warning is issued, it’s important to seek shelter immediately. The safest place is an interior room on the lowest floor, ideally in a storm shelter or basement.
Residents in the affected counties should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, like a weather radio or smartphone app. Staying aware and being prepared is critical during such events, especially when severe weather strikes overnight.
What’s Next for Oklahoma’s Weather?
The storms affecting Oklahoma are part of a broader severe weather pattern across the Southern Plains. Additional warnings and watches are possible as the system continues moving eastward. The threat remains significant through the early morning hours, and warnings may continue through sunrise. It’s essential to keep track of real-time updates and take action quickly if warnings are issued.
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