Oklahoma Storms: Tornadoes Sweep through the State
Severe Weather Disrupts Festivals and Proms
A wide swath of Oklahoma experienced numerous thunderstorms Saturday, including several tornado-producing storms that moved through the Oklahoma City metro area after dark. Organizers with the Norman Music Festival and Festival of the Arts canceled the respective events well before the storms arrived. Many of the area’s high school proms were also canceled in advance of the weather.
Tornado Warnings and Damage Reports
As of 10 p.m., the National Weather Service had issued at least six separate tornado warnings for storms stretching from Ardmore to northeast Oklahoma and Lincoln County. Damage has been reported in Ardmore and near Riverwind Casino near Norman.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service and News9 reported a tornado passed through Norman Saturday evening. There were no immediate reports of damage beyond downed trees.
The tornado threat for some parts of Oklahoma will remain through the evening, along with the danger of flooding.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Cleveland and Oklahoma Counties until 10:30 p.m. The warning includes areas east of Midwest City, along with Choctaw and Harrah.
A tornado warning has also been issued for McClain and Cleveland Counties, which includes Norman, Newcastle, and Moore.
An additional tornado warning was issued for McClain and Grady Counties in southwestern Oklahoma. The affected area includes Dibble, Blanchard, and Washington.
News9 Chief Meteorologist David Payne reported radar evidence of debris in the air in this area.
A severe thunderstorm has left more than 1,000 utility customers without power in Lawton, according to Public Service Company of Oklahoma’s outage map. Approximately 158 OG&E customers across the state were also experiencing an outage.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management reported damage in several counties:
- In Garfield County, two homes near Hillsdale were damaged.
- Numerous trees were damaged or downed in Grant County.
- Kay County Emergency Management reported three or four structures were damaged, with power poles and trees downed. The storm also reportedly caused two vehicle accidents.
- Damage to trees and outbuildings near Lone Chimney was reported by Payne County Emergency Management.
Weather Alerts and Precautions
The National Weather Service has extended a tornado watch for central and parts of eastern Oklahoma until 3 a.m. Tornado watch means tornadoes are possible and favor thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.
Residents are advised to be prepared and ready to act. Once a tornado warning is issued, immediate action should be taken to seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
Impacts on Entertainment and Events
The Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts, as well as several prom ceremonies, have been canceled due to the severe weather. Efforts are being made to reschedule the affected events.
Conclusion
The severe thunderstorms and tornado activity have caused significant disruptions in Oklahoma, with reports of damage and power outages throughout the region. The National Weather Service continues to issue alerts and warnings, urging residents to take precautions and remain vigilant as the storms move through the area. It is important for individuals to stay updated with the latest weather information and follow the guidance provided by local authorities.
