OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Residents across Central and Eastern Oklahoma are being urged to stay weather-aware as a potent storm system moves into the region. According to the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS) and AccuWeather, a combination of high winds and significant hail is expected to sweep through the state starting Sunday afternoon, with the threat lingering well into Monday evening.
The primary concerns for this weather event are damaging wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph and large hail, some of which could reach 2 inches in diameter—roughly the size of a golf ball or larger. While the NWS has noted that the overall likelihood of a major tornado outbreak remains low, meteorologists warn that “isolated spin-ups” cannot be entirely ruled out, particularly around the Oklahoma City metro area.
Timing the Storm: What to Expect Sunday
Weather experts predict the first signs of activity could begin as early as 4:00 PM, though the most intense conditions are expected to develop between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM over parts of Eastern Oklahoma.
For those in the corridor stretching from Lawton to the OKC Metro, the timeline looks slightly different:
- 6:00 PM: Initial rain clouds and darkening skies.
- 8:00 PM: Isolated severe thunderstorms and heavy downpours likely.
- 11:00 PM: Storms are expected to taper off, leaving behind a risk of localized flooding.
In addition to the local threat, a national AccuWeather forecast highlights a massive rain system stretching from South Texas all the way to Toronto, Canada, which could trigger flash flooding in saturated areas of Oklahoma.
Monday Forecast: Round Two of Severe Weather
The danger doesn’t end Sunday night. The NWS Norman office warns that severe thunderstorms are back on the horizon for Monday, specifically targeting the south-central corridor.
Storms are predicted to re-fire around 5:00 PM on Monday. These cells may produce similar conditions to Sunday, including golf ball-sized hail and winds just under the 70 mph mark. While the concentration of severe weather remains focused between Lawton and Oklahoma City, the risk zone extends as far north as Ponca City.
Safety First: Know the Difference
With severe weather looming, local authorities are reminding residents to understand the critical difference between weather alerts:
- Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for a tornado. Be prepared. Check your emergency kit and stay tuned to local news.
- Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. Take action now. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building immediately.
Community Impact & Preparedness
With winds of 70 mph, residents should secure outdoor furniture and trash cans, as these can become dangerous projectiles. Drivers are also cautioned against traveling during the peak hours of 6 PM to 9 PM, as visibility will be significantly reduced and large hail can shatter windshields.
OKC Community, we want to hear from you: Are you prepared for the storms? Do you have a storm shelter or a safe room ready? Share your weather updates and photos in the comments below to help keep your neighbors informed!
