Oklahoma Severe Weather Threat Upgraded Across State

Oklahoma Severe Weather Threat Upgraded Across State

A dangerous Oklahoma severe weather threat is rapidly developing today as forecasters warn multiple rounds of severe storms could bring tornadoes, giant hail, and destructive winds across much of the state through Tuesday morning.

The National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center have upgraded parts of northern Oklahoma to a Level 3 out of 5 “Enhanced Risk.”

Meteorologists say the escalating Oklahoma severe weather threat is being fueled by a powerful cold front colliding with extremely warm, humid air moving northward across the Plains.

Storms are expected to develop in multiple waves beginning late this afternoon and continuing overnight.

Oklahoma Severe Weather Threat Highest In Northern Oklahoma

The highest Oklahoma severe weather threat currently stretches across north-central Oklahoma, including areas near Alva, Enid, and Ponca City.

Forecasters say those regions contain the strongest atmospheric instability and greatest tornado potential.

Meanwhile, a Level 2 “Slight Risk” covers much of central and western Oklahoma, including the entire Oklahoma City metro area.

According to the Storm Prediction Center, southeastern Oklahoma remains under a lower Level 1 “Marginal Risk” for now.

Meteorologists continue closely monitoring whether a strong atmospheric “cap” will hold or break during the late afternoon hours.

Tornadoes, Giant Hail And Damaging Winds Possible

The developing Oklahoma severe weather threat carries multiple dangerous hazards.

Forecasters warn that if isolated supercells form this afternoon, storms could rapidly rotate and produce tornadoes.

North-central Oklahoma currently carries an elevated tornado index while the Oklahoma City metro also faces tornado potential.

According to the National Weather Service, storms may also generate tennis ball to baseball-sized hail exceeding 2.5 inches in diameter.

Destructive straight-line wind gusts between 70 and 80 mph are also possible statewide.

Those winds could knock down trees, damage roofs, and create scattered power outages.

Two Rounds Of Storms Expected

Meteorologists say the Oklahoma severe weather threat will likely unfold in two separate waves.

The first wave is expected between roughly 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. as isolated supercells attempt to develop along the dryline in western Oklahoma.

That phase carries the greatest tornado and giant hail threat.

The second wave is expected overnight as a powerful cold front pushes a large line of storms southeast across the state.

According to the Storm Prediction Center, the overnight line may bring widespread damaging winds and heavy rainfall into the Oklahoma City metro between roughly 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Residents are strongly encouraged to remain weather aware and ensure they have multiple methods of receiving emergency warnings overnight.

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