Oklahoma severe weather threat Saturday afternoon, evening
Meteorologists say a large portion of Oklahoma will experience numerous thunderstorms today through this evening.
The National Weather Service predicts the possibility of strong tornadoes. Residents should also expect strong winds and hail accompanied by thunderstorms. Today’s weather has a chance to impact two major outdoor events happening in the Oklahoma City metro area, the Arts Festival near OKC City Hall and the Norman Music Festival.
Check here for live weather updates and to check for real-time power outages and closures. This page will be updated throughout the day and as weather updates.
Thunderstorm forms west of OKC
News9 meteorologists report that severe thunderstorms have formed near the Yukon, moving north. The Oklahoma City area remains under a tornado watch, while this particular storm has triggered a severe thunderstorm warning.
Rain in Oklahoma City caused Festival of the Arts vendors to seek shelter, according to Oklahoma reporter Brandy McDonnell.
–Dale Denwalt
Activities of the Norman Music Festival canceled on Saturday
In a message shared online by the Norman Police Department, Norman Music Festival organizers announced they would cancel all outdoor events as well as the Sooner Theater on Saturday.
–Dale Denwalt
Tornado confirmed north of Enid
News9 Chief Meteorologist David Payne said on air that a tornado was on the ground northeast of Hillsdale, a small community north of Enid. The storm is moving northeast toward Pond Creek.
A tornado warning continues for this storm until at least 1:45 p.m.
–Dale Denwalt
Updated Oklahoma Severe Storm Schedule
The National Weather Service released an update on when residents should expect severe storms in their area. Storms will reach Oklahoma City after 3 p.m.
A new round of storms will move through the area this evening after 9 p.m.
–Dale Denwalt
“Large crowd” at the Arts Festival on a bad weather day
Oklahoma writer Brandy McDonnell is at the Oklahoma City Arts Festival today, where she reports the weather is cooperating (so far). Severe storms are not expected to hit the OKC area until this afternoon.
–Dale Denwalt
Tornado warning for storm near Medford
A severe thunderstorm near Medford has intensified and could produce a tornado imminently. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning until 12:15 p.m.
–Dale Denwalt
Active tornado warnings have expired
Active tornado warnings in western Oklahoma have expired. Storms remain violent and could strengthen again.
–Dale Denwalt
Tornado Warning for Enid, Garfield County
A significant storm moving into northwest Oklahoma near Enid could potentially develop a tornado imminently.
This tornado warning and the alert for the other storm to the south will continue until at least 11:15 a.m.
–Dale Denwalt
The US Air Force repositions its planes in preparation for storms
Planes from military bases in the Midwest are now temporarily saying goodbye to their home bases. This is a common practice that often occurs as severe weather approaches.
–Dale Denwalt
First tornado warning of the day in western Oklahoma
A severe thunderstorm near Leedey, Oklahoma, has triggered a tornado warning. This advisory lasts until 10:45 a.m.
–Dale Denwalt
OU Baseball cancels Saturday game
The University of Oklahoma baseball team announced it will cancel today’s game against Texas.
The Sooners were scheduled to play the Longhorns at 4 p.m. today. The game will now be played as the first part of a doubleheader on Sunday. The replacement match will begin on Sunday at 1 p.m. and the second match will take place 45 minutes after its conclusion.
Supporters who purchased tickets for Sunday’s match (initially scheduled for 2 p.m.) will be able to use them for the second DH match. The stadium will be vacated after the end of the first match and a new entrance will be required for the final.
–Brandy McDonnell
Weekly tornado siren testing canceled
The tornado siren test which takes place every Saturday at noon is canceled today. Sirens are not tested on days when there is a threat of severe weather.
As of 9:15 a.m., western Oklahoma counties stretching from Enid to Altus are under a tornado watch until 1 p.m. Eastern and central Oklahoma are under a flood watch, according to the National Weather Service.
–Dale Denwalt
In OKC, storms likely after noon
NWS Norman expects severe storms to reach the Oklahoma City area as early as 10 a.m. The greatest threat of storms occurs in the afternoon and evening.
–Dale Denwalt
Weather alerts: map of current watches and warnings
Click on a shaded area to learn more or view the full-size map here.
What to do in case of a tornado warning
Be prepared: tornadoes are possible in and around the area mentioned in the watch. Be prepared to act quickly.
National Weather Service: How to Prepare for a Tornado
What to do if there is a tornado warning
Act now. A warning means someone saw a tornado or a tornado was reported by weather radar. During a tornado warning, there is imminent danger to life and property. Everyone should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows.
Weather Radar for Oklahoma Live
Oklahoma Live Power Outage Map
See live updates on how the weather is impacting OG&E customers.
PSO Power Outage Map
View live updates on how weather is impacting PSO utility customers.
Closures due to weather
Keep up to date with school, church and event closures using the link below.
Oklahoma City Weather Closures: Schools, Churches and Other Services
News Source : www.oklahoman.com
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