Oklahoma City, OK – A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for much of central and southern Oklahoma until 11 p.m. Saturday, with the possibility of damaging winds and large hail. The National Weather Service has issued the watch for 25 counties, including Oklahoma, Cleveland, Grady, and Canadian, as strong storms are expected to develop across the region.
Threats from the Storms
The greatest threats from these storms include wind gusts up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail, particularly along the I-35 and Highway 81 corridors. Areas such as Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Lawton are likely to experience rapid storm intensification, which could lead to power outages and tree damage in stronger storm cells.
Safety Precautions
Emergency managers urge residents to take precautions ahead of the storms:
- Secure outdoor items that could be blown away by strong winds.
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas where storms are expected to intensify.
- Stay near shelter as the storms approach, and be ready for any emergency alerts.
While no tornado warnings are currently in effect, conditions remain favorable for severe weather development into the late evening. Local emergency alerts will be issued if storms strengthen or rotate.
Moving Eastward
The storm system is expected to move eastward overnight, with isolated storms lingering into early Sunday morning. Residents are advised to stay informed of the latest updates and warnings as conditions could change rapidly.
