Potent storms unleashed tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings across the state Thursday evening and continued into Friday morning.>> Visit the KOCO weather page | Get KOCO on the Go | Subscribe to KOCO 5’s YouTube channel | Sign up for KOCO 5’s Morning NewsletterKOCO 5’s Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane anticipates additional rounds of storms throughout Friday.Below is a live blog detailing updates from Thursday night and Friday morning:12:25 a.m. Friday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern Woods County, Alfalfa County, and Major County.The primary danger from these storms is 60 mph wind gusts.Areas potentially affected include Fairview, Cherokee, Helena, Ringwood, Carmen, Cleo Springs, Goltry, Meno, Jet, Aline, Dacoma, Byron, Lambert, Orion, Orienta, Ingersoll, Great Salt Plains Lake, and Bouse Junction.This warning is valid until 1 a.m.12:15 a.m. Friday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northern Dewey County, southwestern Major County, and southeastern Woodward County.The main threats from these storms are two-inch hail and 60 mph wind gusts.Communities that could be impacted include Taloga, Seiling, Camargo, Chester, Cestos, and Hucmac.The warning is set to expire at 1 a.m.11:45 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northwestern Custer County and southwestern Dewey County.The primary hazards with these storms are 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail.Locations that could be affected include Leedey and Moorewood.The warning is scheduled to end at 12:30 a.m. Friday.11:30 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern Roger Mills County.The principal threats with these storms are 60 mph wind gusts and hail the size of quarters.Areas that might see impacts include Hammon, Strong City, and Angora.This warning will expire at 12:15 a.m. Friday.10:50 p.m. Thursday Update:A tornado warning remains in effect for central Grant County until 11:15 p.m.The storms are expected to primarily affect rural areas situated east and northeast of Wakita.Residents in these areas should take immediate safety measures.10:45 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for south-central Roger Mills County and northwestern Beckham County, valid until 11:15 p.m.A tornado touchdown is possible, along with ping pong ball-sized hail.Affected areas may include Berlin and Dempsey.Residents in these regions should seek shelter now.The National Weather Service has also issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southern Roger Mills County and northern Beckham County.The main dangers from these storms are 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail.Areas possibly affected include Cheyenne, Sweetwater, Strong City, Berlin, and Dempsey.This warning is set to expire at 11:30 p.m.10:30 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for north-central Grant County, effective until 11:15 p.m.Wakita and Renfrow are among the areas that could be impacted.Residents in these zones are advised to take precautions immediately.10:25 p.m. Thursday Update:A tornado warning for northwestern Grant County continues until 10:45 p.m.There is a potential for a tornado to form and for hail up to half-dollar size.Wakita is an area that could be affected.Take safety measures now.10:15 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for west-central Beckham County, expiring at 10:45 p.m.There is a possibility of a tornado and golf ball-sized hail.Erick and Texola are areas that could experience these impacts.Take precautions now.10:10 p.m. Thursday Update:A tornado warning for northwestern Grant County remains active until 10:45 p.m.There is a chance of a tornado developing and golf ball-sized hail.Wakita could be affected.Take precautions now. WATCH: KOCO 5 Storm Chaser Jason Hill records tornado damage near Jet10:05 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for south-central Roger Mills County and central Beckham County.The primary threats from these storms are half-dollar-sized hail and wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph.Sayre, Erick, Texola, Delhi, and Berlin are among the areas that might be affected.The warning is set to expire at 10:45 p.m.10 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for northwestern Grant County, valid until 10:45 p.m.Wakita is a location that could be impacted.Residents in the area should take safety precautions now.9:55 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern Alfalfa County and western Grant County.The main threats with these storms are ping pong ball-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.Pond Creek, Wakita, Jet, Nash, and Great Salt Plains Lake are areas that could be affected.This warning is set to expire at 10:30 p.m.9:50 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for southwestern Grant County until 10:30 p.m.Threats include the potential for a tornado to touch down and golf ball-sized hail.Pond Creek and Nash are areas that could be impacted.Take precautions now.9:35 p.m. Thursday Update:A tornado warning persists for southeastern Alfalfa County until 10:15 p.m., following a report by the National Weather Service of a large and dangerous tornado located 4 miles northeast of Helena at 9:32 p.m.Areas that could be impacted as the storms move across the state include Jet and the Great Salt Plains Lake. The warning is set to expire at 10:15 p.m.Take precautions now.9:25 p.m. Thursday Updates:The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for southeastern Alfalfa County, valid until 10:15 p.m.A confirmed “large and extremely dangerous” tornado was reported near Helena by the National Weather Service.Helena, Jet, and Great Salt Plains Lake are among the areas that could be affected.Take precautions now.9:20 p.m. Thursday Update:A tornado warning remains in effect for southeastern Alfalfa County until 9:30 p.m.The National Weather Service has stated that a radar-confirmed tornado has touched down in the area.Helena is an area that could be impacted, with the potential for a tornado to touch down and ping pong ball-sized hail.Take precautions now.9:15 p.m. Thursday Update:A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect for Alfalfa County until 9:45 p.m.The main threats with these storms are golf ball-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts.Cherokee, Helena, Carmen, Goltry, Jet, Aline, Burlington, Amorita, Byron, Lambert, Ingersoll, Great Salt Plains Lake, Driftwood, and Waldron are areas that could be impacted.9:10 p.m. Thursday Update: A tornado warning remains in effect for southeastern Alfalfa County and northeastern Major County until 9:30 p.m.Helena, Cleo Springs, Goltry, and Aline are among the areas that could be impacted.Take precautions now.WATCH: KOCO 5 Storm Chaser Jason Hill captures tornado in northwest Oklahoma8:50 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern Roger Mills County, western Custer County, and northeastern Beckham County.The main threats from these storms are ping pong ball-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts.Elk City, Hammon, Butler, Foss Reservoir, Moorewood, and Berlin are areas that could be affected.The warning is set to expire at 9:30 p.m.8:45 p.m. Thursday Update: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for southeastern Alfalfa County and northeastern Major County until 9:30 p.m.Helena, Cleo Springs, Goltry, Aline, and Orienta are among the areas that could be impacted.Take precautions now.8:40 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern Woods County, Alfalfa County, and central Major County.The main threats with these storms are ping pong ball-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.Fairview, Cherokee, Helena, Carmen, Cleo Springs, Goltry, Jet, Aline, Burlington, Dacoma, Amorita, Byron, Lambert, Orienta, Ingersoll, Great Salt Plains Lake, Driftwood, Capron, and Waldron are areas that could be impacted.The warning is set to expire at 9:45 p.m.8:35 p.m. Thursday Update:A tornado warning remains in effect for southeastern Woods and central Major counties until 8:45 p.m.A potential tornado and golf ball-sized hail are threats with the storm.Those in and around Cleo Springs and Orienta should take precautions now.8:20 p.m. Thursday Update:A tornado warning remains in effect for southeastern Woods and Central Major counties until 8:45 p.m. Areas that could be impacted include Cleo Springs and Orienta.Take precautions now.The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern Roger Mills County and northeastern Beckham County.The main threats with storms are half-dollar-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts.Elk City, Sayre, Hammon, and Berlin are areas that could be impacted.The warning is set to expire at 9 p.m.8:10 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for southeastern Major Woods County and central Major County until 8:45 p.m. Thursday.Cleo Springs, Orion, and Orienta are areas that could be impacted.Those in the affected areas should take emergency precautions now.8 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for eastern Woods County and northwestern Alfalfa County.The main threats with the storms are half-dollar-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts.Alva, Burlington, Dacoma, Amorita, Byron, Avard, Ingersoll, Driftwood, Capron, and Hopeton are areas that could be impacted.The warning is set to expire at 8:30 p.m.7:50 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northeastern Dewey County and western Major County.The main threats with the storms include half-dollar-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.Taloga, Seiling, Chester, Orion, northwestern Canton Lake, Hucmac, and Bouse Junction are areas that could be impacted.The warning is set to expire at 8:30 p.m.7:35 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southwestern Roger Mills County and western Beckham County.The main threats with the storms are half-dollar-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts.Cheyenne, Erick, Sweetwater, Texola, and Dempsey are areas that could be impacted.The warning is set to expire at 8:15 p.m.7:25 p.m. Thursday Update:A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect for central Dewey County until 7:45 p.m.The main threats with storms are quarter-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.Taloga, Seiling, Putnam, northwestern Canton Lake, and Hucmac are areas that could be impacted.7:05 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for north-central Custer County and central Dewey County.The main threats with storms include quarter-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.Taloga, Seiling, Putnam, northwestern Canton Lake, and Hucmac are areas that could be impacted.The warning is set to expire at 7:45 p.m.5:50 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for multiple Oklahoma counties until midnight.Counties included in the watch are Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Major, Roger Mills, Washita, and Woodward.Below is what you need to know before the severe storms hit.Thursday Severe Weather Risk A Level 3 Enhanced Risk has been designated for western Oklahoma. This risk zone encompasses Hollis, Altus, Hobart, Hinton, Seiling, Woodward, Cheyenne, and Elk City. The surrounding regions, extending into the OKC metro, northern Oklahoma, and the Panhandle, are under a Level 2 Slight Risk. A band stretching from Lawton and Duncan to Chickasha, Norman, Shawnee, Stillwater, Tulsa, and Bartlesville has been assigned a Level 1 Marginal Risk. Thursday Tornado Risk The highest risk for tornadoes is concentrated in western, west-central, central, and north-central Oklahoma. The tornado index for these areas—including Altus, Hobart, Woodward, Clinton, Enid, Alva, southwest of Ponca City, and west of OKC—is rated at 4 out of 10. The index for adjacent areas, including the OKC metro, decreases to 2. Jonathan anticipates that tornado warnings will be issued Thursday night. Thursday Severe Weather Timeline Storms are expected to emerge in western and northwestern Oklahoma around 6 p.m., then progress northeastward. These storm systems will move into west-central Oklahoma and the western side of the OKC metro between 9 p.m. and midnight. Jonathan indicates they will then cross into north-central Oklahoma from midnight to 3 a.m. Friday. Radar predictions show supercells entering Oklahoma from the Texas Panhandle near Hollis and Elk City around 6 p.m., before heading northeast. These supercells are projected to coalesce into a complex system by 9-10 p.m. near Cheyenne, Woodward, and Seiling. By midnight, this complex will be situated near Enid, Cherokee, and Ponca City in northern Oklahoma. They will continue to advance towards Ponca City and Perry by 2 a.m. Friday before exiting Oklahoma. Friday Severe Weather Risk Following the departure of the initial storm wave from Oklahoma, there will be a brief respite, but the state will face further severe weather threats on Friday. Jonathan notes that the morning will largely be calm until the late afternoon and evening. There is a Level 3 Enhanced Risk in central and eastern Oklahoma, which includes the OKC metro. Jonathan also mentions a Level 2 Slight Risk in southeastern and west-central Oklahoma, and a Level 1 Marginal Risk in far western Oklahoma. These impending storms also carry the potential for large hail and tornadoes. Once the storms clear out Friday night, Oklahoma is expected to be free from severe weather until Tuesday. Friday Tornado Risk The tornado index for Friday has also escalated, reaching 6 out of 10 in eastern Oklahoma, encompassing areas near Seminole, Stillwater, Ponca City, Bartlesville, and Tulsa. Central Oklahoma, including the OKC metro, along with southern, southeastern, and far eastern Oklahoma, has a tornado index of 4 out of 10. The tornado index is weaker in west-central and far western Oklahoma. The KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team, spearheaded by Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane, has been certified by WeatheRate for delivering the Most Accurate Forecast in Oklahoma City for 14 consecutive years. This remarkable achievement highlights KOCO 5’s steadfast commitment to providing reliable weather forecasts to its viewers.
Potent storms unleashed tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings across the state Thursday evening and continued into Friday morning.
>> Visit the KOCO weather page | Get KOCO on the Go | Subscribe to KOCO 5’s YouTube channel | Sign up for KOCO 5’s Morning Newsletter
KOCO 5’s Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane anticipates additional rounds of storms throughout Friday.
Below is a live blog detailing updates from Thursday night and Friday morning:
This content is imported from Facebook.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
12:25 a.m. Friday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern Woods County, Alfalfa County, and Major County.
The primary danger from these storms is 60 mph wind gusts.
Areas potentially affected include Fairview, Cherokee, Helena, Ringwood, Carmen, Cleo Springs, Goltry, Meno, Jet, Aline, Dacoma, Byron, Lambert, Orion, Orienta, Ingersoll, Great Salt Plains Lake, and Bouse Junction.
This warning is valid until 1 a.m.
12:15 a.m. Friday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northern Dewey County, southwestern Major County, and southeastern Woodward County.
The main threats from these storms are two-inch hail and 60 mph wind gusts.
Communities that could be impacted include Taloga, Seiling, Camargo, Chester, Cestos, and Hucmac.
The warning is set to expire at 1 a.m.
11:45 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northwestern Custer County and southwestern Dewey County.
The primary hazards with these storms are 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail.
Locations that could be affected include Leedey and Moorewood.
The warning is scheduled to end at 12:30 a.m. Friday.
11:30 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern Roger Mills County.
The principal threats with these storms are 60 mph wind gusts and hail the size of quarters.
Areas that might see impacts include Hammon, Strong City, and Angora.
This warning will expire at 12:15 a.m. Friday.
10:50 p.m. Thursday Update:
A tornado warning remains in effect for central Grant County until 11:15 p.m.
The storms are expected to primarily affect rural areas situated east and northeast of Wakita.
Residents in these areas should take immediate safety measures.
10:45 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for south-central Roger Mills County and northwestern Beckham County, valid until 11:15 p.m.
A tornado touchdown is possible, along with ping pong ball-sized hail.
Affected areas may include Berlin and Dempsey.
Residents in these regions should seek shelter now.
The National Weather Service has also issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southern Roger Mills County and northern Beckham County.
The main dangers from these storms are 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail.
Areas possibly affected include Cheyenne, Sweetwater, Strong City, Berlin, and Dempsey.
This warning is set to expire at 11:30 p.m.
10:30 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for north-central Grant County, effective until 11:15 p.m.
Wakita and Renfrow are among the areas that could be impacted.
Residents in these zones are advised to take precautions immediately.
10:25 p.m. Thursday Update:
A tornado warning for northwestern Grant County continues until 10:45 p.m.
There is a potential for a tornado to form and for hail up to half-dollar size.
Wakita is an area that could be affected.
Take safety measures now.
10:15 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for west-central Beckham County, expiring at 10:45 p.m.
There is a possibility of a tornado and golf ball-sized hail.
Erick and Texola are areas that could experience these impacts.
Take precautions now.
10:10 p.m. Thursday Update:
A tornado warning for northwestern Grant County remains active until 10:45 p.m.
There is a chance of a tornado developing and golf ball-sized hail.
Wakita could be affected.
Take precautions now.
WATCH: KOCO 5 Storm Chaser Jason Hill records tornado damage near Jet
10:05 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for south-central Roger Mills County and central Beckham County.
The primary threats from these storms are half-dollar-sized hail and wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph.
Sayre, Erick, Texola, Delhi, and Berlin are among the areas that might be affected.
The warning is set to expire at 10:45 p.m.
10 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for northwestern Grant County, valid until 10:45 p.m.
Wakita is a location that could be impacted.
Residents in the area should take safety precautions now.
9:55 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern Alfalfa County and western Grant County.
The main threats with these storms are ping pong ball-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Pond Creek, Wakita, Jet, Nash, and Great Salt Plains Lake are areas that could be affected.
This warning is set to expire at 10:30 p.m.
9:50 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for southwestern Grant County until 10:30 p.m.
Threats include the potential for a tornado to touch down and golf ball-sized hail.
Pond Creek and Nash are areas that could be impacted.
Take precautions now.
9:35 p.m. Thursday Update:
A tornado warning persists for southeastern Alfalfa County until 10:15 p.m., following a report by the National Weather Service of a large and dangerous tornado located 4 miles northeast of Helena at 9:32 p.m.
Areas that could be impacted as the storms move across the state include Jet and the Great Salt Plains Lake. The warning is set to expire at 10:15 p.m.
Take precautions now.
9:25 p.m. Thursday Updates:
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for southeastern Alfalfa County, valid until 10:15 p.m.
A confirmed “large and extremely dangerous” tornado was reported near Helena by the National Weather Service.
Helena, Jet, and Great Salt Plains Lake are among the areas that could be affected.
Take precautions now.
9:20 p.m. Thursday Update:
A tornado warning remains in effect for southeastern Alfalfa County until 9:30 p.m.
The National Weather Service has stated that a radar-confirmed tornado has touched down in the area.
Helena is an area that could be impacted, with the potential for a tornado to touch down and ping pong ball-sized hail.
Take precautions now.
9:15 p.m. Thursday Update:
A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect for Alfalfa County until 9:45 p.m.
The main threats with these storms are golf ball-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts.
Cherokee, Helena, Carmen, Goltry, Jet, Aline, Burlington, Amorita, Byron, Lambert, Ingersoll, Great Salt Plains Lake, Driftwood, and Waldron are areas that could be impacted.
9:10 p.m. Thursday Update:
A tornado warning remains in effect for southeastern Alfalfa County and northeastern Major County until 9:30 p.m.
Helena, Cleo Springs, Goltry, and Aline are among the areas that could be impacted.
Take precautions now.
WATCH: KOCO 5 Storm Chaser Jason Hill captures tornado in northwest Oklahoma
8:50 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern Roger Mills County, western Custer County, and northeastern Beckham County.
The main threats from these storms are ping pong ball-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts.
Elk City, Hammon, Butler, Foss Reservoir, Moorewood, and Berlin are areas that could be affected.
The warning is set to expire at 9:30 p.m.
8:45 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for southeastern Alfalfa County and northeastern Major County until 9:30 p.m.
Helena, Cleo Springs, Goltry, Aline, and Orienta are among the areas that could be impacted.
Take precautions now.
8:40 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern Woods County, Alfalfa County, and central Major County.
The main threats with these storms are ping pong ball-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Fairview, Cherokee, Helena, Carmen, Cleo Springs, Goltry, Jet, Aline, Burlington, Dacoma, Amorita, Byron, Lambert, Orienta, Ingersoll, Great Salt Plains Lake, Driftwood, Capron, and Waldron are areas that could be impacted.
The warning is set to expire at 9:45 p.m.
8:35 p.m. Thursday Update:
A tornado warning remains in effect for southeastern Woods and central Major counties until 8:45 p.m.
A potential tornado and golf ball-sized hail are threats with the storm.
Those in and around Cleo Springs and Orienta should take precautions now.
8:20 p.m. Thursday Update:
A tornado warning remains in effect for southeastern Woods and Central Major counties until 8:45 p.m.
Areas that could be impacted include Cleo Springs and Orienta.
Take precautions now.
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern Roger Mills County and northeastern Beckham County.
The main threats with storms are half-dollar-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts.
Elk City, Sayre, Hammon, and Berlin are areas that could be impacted.
The warning is set to expire at 9 p.m.
8:10 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for southeastern Major Woods County and central Major County until 8:45 p.m. Thursday.
Cleo Springs, Orion, and Orienta are areas that could be impacted.
Those in the affected areas should take emergency precautions now.
8 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for eastern Woods County and northwestern Alfalfa County.
The main threats with the storms are half-dollar-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts.
Alva, Burlington, Dacoma, Amorita, Byron, Avard, Ingersoll, Driftwood, Capron, and Hopeton are areas that could be impacted.
The warning is set to expire at 8:30 p.m.
7:50 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northeastern Dewey County and western Major County.
The main threats with the storms include half-dollar-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Taloga, Seiling, Chester, Orion, northwestern Canton Lake, Hucmac, and Bouse Junction are areas that could be impacted.
The warning is set to expire at 8:30 p.m.
7:35 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southwestern Roger Mills County and western Beckham County.
The main threats with the storms are half-dollar-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts.
Cheyenne, Erick, Sweetwater, Texola, and Dempsey are areas that could be impacted.
The warning is set to expire at 8:15 p.m.
7:25 p.m. Thursday Update:
A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect for central Dewey County until 7:45 p.m.
The main threats with storms are quarter-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Taloga, Seiling, Putnam, northwestern Canton Lake, and Hucmac are areas that could be impacted.
7:05 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for north-central Custer County and central Dewey County.
The main threats with storms include quarter-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Taloga, Seiling, Putnam, northwestern Canton Lake, and Hucmac are areas that could be impacted.
The warning is set to expire at 7:45 p.m.
5:50 p.m. Thursday Update:
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for multiple Oklahoma counties until midnight.
Counties included in the watch are Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Major, Roger Mills, Washita, and Woodward.
This content is imported from Facebook.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Below is what you need to know before the severe storms hit.
Thursday Severe Weather Risk
A Level 3 Enhanced Risk has been designated for western Oklahoma. This risk zone encompasses Hollis, Altus, Hobart, Hinton, Seiling, Woodward, Cheyenne, and Elk City.
The surrounding regions, extending into the OKC metro, northern Oklahoma, and the Panhandle, are under a Level 2 Slight Risk. A band stretching from Lawton and Duncan to Chickasha, Norman, Shawnee, Stillwater, Tulsa, and Bartlesville has been assigned a Level 1 Marginal Risk.
Thursday Tornado Risk
The highest risk for tornadoes is concentrated in western, west-central, central, and north-central Oklahoma. The tornado index for these areas—including Altus, Hobart, Woodward, Clinton, Enid, Alva, southwest of Ponca City, and west of OKC—is rated at 4 out of 10.
The index for adjacent areas, including the OKC metro, decreases to 2.
Jonathan anticipates that tornado warnings will be issued Thursday night.
Thursday Severe Weather Timeline
Storms are expected to emerge in western and northwestern Oklahoma around 6 p.m., then progress northeastward.
These storm systems will move into west-central Oklahoma and the western side of the OKC metro between 9 p.m. and midnight. Jonathan indicates they will then cross into north-central Oklahoma from midnight to 3 a.m. Friday.
Radar predictions show supercells entering Oklahoma from the Texas Panhandle near Hollis and Elk City around 6 p.m., before heading northeast. These supercells are projected to coalesce into a complex system by 9-10 p.m. near Cheyenne, Woodward, and Seiling.
By midnight, this complex will be situated near Enid, Cherokee, and Ponca City in northern Oklahoma. They will continue to advance towards Ponca City and Perry by 2 a.m. Friday before exiting Oklahoma.
Friday Severe Weather Risk
Following the departure of the initial storm wave from Oklahoma, there will be a brief respite, but the state will face further severe weather threats on Friday. Jonathan notes that the morning will largely be calm until the late afternoon and evening.
There is a Level 3 Enhanced Risk in central and eastern Oklahoma, which includes the OKC metro. Jonathan also mentions a Level 2 Slight Risk in southeastern and west-central Oklahoma, and a Level 1 Marginal Risk in far western Oklahoma.
These impending storms also carry the potential for large hail and tornadoes. Once the storms clear out Friday night, Oklahoma is expected to be free from severe weather until Tuesday.
Friday Tornado Risk
The tornado index for Friday has also escalated, reaching 6 out of 10 in eastern Oklahoma, encompassing areas near Seminole, Stillwater, Ponca City, Bartlesville, and Tulsa.
Central Oklahoma, including the OKC metro, along with southern, southeastern, and far eastern Oklahoma, has a tornado index of 4 out of 10. The tornado index is weaker in west-central and far western Oklahoma.
The KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team, spearheaded by Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane, has earned WeatheRate’s certification for providing the Most Accurate Forecast in Oklahoma City for 14 consecutive years. This remarkable achievement underscores KOCO 5’s steadfast commitment to delivering dependable weather forecasts to its audience.