Tornado-warned storms continue to move across Oklahoma on Monday after multiple warnings were issued earlier in the morning, following the state’s experience with several tornadoes the previous day. Below is a live update blog as the severe weather event progresses. Check back throughout the day for the latest details.
Severe Weather Updates
Noon Update: Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane confirmed a weak tornado near Wynnewood.
11:52 a.m. Update: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Creek, Osage, Pawnee, and Tulsa counties until 12:30 p.m.
11:42 a.m. Update: The National Weather Service plans to issue a small tornado warning for parts of northern Murray County.
11:37 a.m. Update: A tornado warning is now in effect for Garvin and McClain counties until 12:15 p.m.
11:25 a.m. Update: The tornado warning for Pottawatomie County has been lifted, but severe thunderstorms persist. Tornado warnings remain near Emore City, Katie, and Hoover, southwest of Wynnewood.
A severe thunderstorm warning has also been issued for Creek and Okfuskee counties until noon.
11:21 a.m. Update: A severe thunderstorm warning is active for Lincoln County until 11:45 a.m.
11:16 a.m. Update: A flood advisory is in effect for Cleveland, McClain, and Pottawatomie counties until 2:15 p.m.
11:11 a.m. Update: A tornado warning covers Carter, Garvin, Murray, and Stephens counties until 11:45 a.m.
11:05 a.m. Update: A tornado warning extends to Lincoln, Pottawatomie, and Seminole counties until noon.
10:59 a.m. Update: A tornado warning for Carter, Garvin, Jefferson, Murray, and Stephens counties continues until 11:45 a.m.
10:55 a.m. Update: A tornado watch is now in effect for multiple counties across Oklahoma until 6 p.m. The counties include Adair, Cherokee, Choctaw, Craig, Creek, Delaware, Haskell, Latimer, Le Flore, McIntosh, Mayes, Muskogee, Nowata, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pittsburg, Pushmataha, Rogers, Sequoyah, Tulsa, Wagoner, Washington, Atoka, Bryan, Carter, Coal, Garvin, Hughes, Johnston, Lincoln, Love, Marshall, Murray, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, McCurtain, and Seminole.
10:53 a.m. Update: Storm Chaser Nick Smith reported rotation south of Tecumseh.
10:50 a.m. Update: A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for Cleveland and Pottawatomie counties until 11:15 a.m.
10:48 a.m. Update: The tornado warning for Carter, Jefferson, and Stephens counties has been extended. A tornado warning also remains for Pottawatomie County until 11 a.m.
10:39 a.m. Update: A tornado warning is active for Carter, Jefferson, and Stephens counties until 11:15 a.m.
10:36 a.m. Update: The tornado sirens are sounding in Tribbey, and storms are moving toward Macomb.
10:33 a.m. Update: A tornado warning has been issued for Cleveland and Pottawatomie counties until 11 a.m.
10:28 a.m. Update: The tornado warning for Cleveland and Pottawatomie counties continues with fast-moving storms.
10:14 a.m. Update: Another tornado warning has been issued for Cleveland, McClain, and Pottawatomie counties until
10:04 a.m. Update: Meteorologist Damon Lane reports a potential tornado threat near Maysville, awaiting an official warning.
9:53 a.m. Update: Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters advises schools impacted by severe storms to reach out to the Oklahoma State Department of Education for assistance.
9:30 a.m. Update: Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane anticipates a tornado watch for the area near I-44, extending from Lawton to Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Storms expected to begin rotating around 11 a.m.
9:02 a.m. Update: Oklahoma State University has canceled classes and closed its offices due to inclement weather threats.
9:00 a.m. Update: A flood advisory has been issued for Logan and Oklahoma counties until noon.
8:55 a.m. Update: Mid-Del Schools are collecting tornado disaster donations; a drop-off station will open Tuesday at the Mid-Del Administration Building.
8:45 a.m. Update: Flood watches are in effect for several counties until 6 p.m.
8:13 a.m. Update: Meteorologist Jonathan Conder reports that surface wind direction is critical to tornado risk today.
8:00 a.m. Update: A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for Caddo, Comanche, and Kiowa counties until 8:30 a.m.
7:39 a.m. Update: A flood warning is in effect for Pottawatomie and Seminole counties until Tuesday morning.
7:25 a.m. Update: Mustang Public Schools are closed today due to severe weather risk.
7:16 a.m. Update: OG&E reports over 8,000 customers are without power, with widespread outages in Oklahoma City, Harrah, Choctaw, and Norman.
7:00 a.m. Update: Morning tornado warnings have expired, but more are expected.
6:57 a.m. Update: Perry Public Schools are halting bus routes and relocating students to the safe room at the junior high school.
6:50 a.m. Update: Oklahoma City Public Schools has canceled its professional development day, and administrative offices are closed until weather permits.
6:47 a.m. Update: Due to severe weather, “Good Morning America” will be broadcast on MeTV.
6:45 a.m. Update: The tornado warning in Oklahoma City has expired, but it remains active for Logan and Payne counties.
6:42 a.m. Update: Tornado warnings were issued for Garfield, Logan, Noble, and Payne counties until 7 a.m.
6:40 a.m. Update: Various school districts in the Oklahoma City area are transitioning to virtual learning or closing due to weather threats.
6:28 a.m. Update: The Deer Creek School District is closed for today due to inclement weather.
6:22 a.m. Update: Edmond Public Schools has delayed the school start time due to tornado conditions.
6:15 a.m. Update: A tornado warning is in effect for Canadian, Cleveland, Grady, McClain, and Oklahoma counties until 6:45 a.m.
6:00 a.m. Update: Resources for tornado victims include support through the Red Cross at Choctaw Middle School.
5:20 a.m. Update: The tornado index in regions from Lawton to the OKC metro is assessed at 6 out of 10, with significant tornado threat expected.
5:00 a.m. Update: Storm systems are predicted to start in southwestern Oklahoma before 6 a.m., intensifying in the afternoon.
Stay Alert & Prepared
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Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to our special segment on the severe weather unfolding in Oklahoma. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Emily Roberts, a meteorology expert with over 15 years of experience studying tornado systems. Thank you for being here, Dr. Roberts.
Dr. Emily Roberts: Thank you for having me. It’s definitely a critical time for Oklahoma.
Time.news Editor: Indeed. As we speak, tornado-warned storms continue to sweep across the state. Could you start by detailing what typically characterizes a tornado and the conditions that lead to their formation?
Dr. Emily Roberts: Absolutely. A tornado is essentially a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. They generally form in severe thunderstorms called supercells, which have a specific wind pattern that allows for the development of rotating air. Factors like warm, moist air near the surface, cooler air aloft, and wind shear—meaning the winds change speed and direction with height—are critical for tornado formation.
Time.news Editor: And how prevalent are tornado watches and warnings in such weather events?
Dr. Emily Roberts: Tornado watches are issued when conditions are favorable for tornado formation in an area, while warnings are issued when a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. As we’ve seen this morning, multiple counties in Oklahoma have been under numerous tornado warnings and watches, such as those for Garvin, McClain, and Carter counties. The problem with these situations is they can escalate quickly, and it’s paramount for residents to stay vigilant.
Time.news Editor: It seems like the storm systems today have brought a wide range of severe weather warnings. For example, there have been multiple severe thunderstorm warnings and even flood advisories. How do these different weather phenomena interact?
Dr. Emily Roberts: That’s a great question. Severe thunderstorms can produce very heavy rain, which is often where the flooding warnings come from. The combination of strong winds, hail, and tornadoes can lead to dangerous conditions. When thunderstorms are severe, they can also develop rapidly and become organized enough to cause tornadoes. This potentially leads to both tornado and flood warnings being issued in proximity to each other, which can be confusing for the public.
Time.news Editor: As updates roll in, meteorologists like Damon Lane have been providing real-time coverage. How important is timely communication in these situations?
Dr. Emily Roberts: Extremely important! Timely communication can save lives. When meteorologists issue warnings, they are providing communities with critical information needed to seek shelter or notify their families. The advances in technology, such as Doppler radar, allow for more precise and timely updates compared to what was available in the past. The public also needs to be engaged and aware of local alerts, as these situations can change rapidly.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of engagement, we saw reports of schools canceling classes and closing due to the weather risks. How should schools and communities prepare for such severe weather events?
Dr. Emily Roberts: Schools and communities need to have robust emergency plans in place. This includes designated safe areas, communication protocols for parents, and regular drills for students and staff. Collaboration with local emergency management agencies is also crucial. They should provide training and resources to residents about what to do during severe weather, including the importance of having emergency kits and knowing their evacuation routes.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Roberts. Before we conclude, what advice would you give to Oklahoma residents in light of today’s severe weather?
Dr. Emily Roberts: My advice is to stay informed. Follow local news sources, heed warnings from the National Weather Service, and have a plan in place if you’re in an area that is under a watch or warning. Don’t wait for a warning to prepare; being proactive can make all the difference. Also, remember that sharing reliable information with your neighbors can help everyone stay safe.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Roberts. As conditions continue to evolve in Oklahoma, we hope everyone remains safe and vigilant.
Dr. Emily Roberts: Thank you for having me. Stay safe, everyone!