Oklahoma weather: Unconfirmed tornadoes touch down in central, eastern Oklahoma

Jessie Christopher Smith, Oklahoman
·2 min read

Tornado warnings were issued for multiple counties in central Oklahoma Monday evening as possible tornadoes struck the towns of Loyal, Poteau and Ripley.

The tornadic activity developed after heavy rain fell on the Oklahoma City metro and northwestern Oklahoma early Monday. Around noon, a warm front extending from Woodward to Norman threatened to bring tornadoes north into Stillwater, Enid and Ponca City.

By late afternoon, thunderstorms manifested along a cold front moving into central Oklahoma from the northwest. Meteorologists feared some of the storms were severe enough to turn into tornadoes as the night deepened, and warnings were issued for Kingfisher, Grady and Cleveland counties.

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Tornado potential was highest for central Oklahoma between 4 p.m. and midnight Monday, with northern cities like Stillwater, Enid and Ponca City forecasted as areas with "enhanced potential."
Tornado potential was highest for central Oklahoma between 4 p.m. and midnight Monday, with northern cities like Stillwater, Enid and Ponca City forecasted as areas with "enhanced potential."

Just before 4:30 p.m., an unconfirmed tornado was seen touching down near Loyal, a small town in Kingfisher County.

Around 5:30 p.m., another possible tornado was reported just southeast of Poteau in Le Flore County, bordering Arkansas, and moving northeast. Preliminary data showed trees down across roads and houses damaged in nearby Monroe.

By 6:30 p.m., storm-tracking radar had also picked up potential tornado damage about one mile south of Ripley, in southeastern Payne County.

More: Three OU meteorology students die in car crash Friday on way home from storm chasing

Shortly before 8 p.m., another possible funnel cloud was seen touching down 4 miles west of Seminole. Around 8:45 p.m., severe storm damage was also reported in nearby Holdenville, with flames burning on the roof of a correctional facility and multiple power lines downed by strong winds.

By 9:30 p.m., more than 16,000 customers were without power, according to Oklahoma Gas & Electric.

Meteorologists were still observing a line of intense storms pushing across Oklahoma late Monday. Large hail and damaging winds were expected to accompany the storms, and flood advisories had been issued for several counties in central Oklahoma.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma weather: Unconfirmed tornadoes, heavy rainfall, hail hit state