Tornadoes threaten Shawnee, Bethel Acres; severe storms, hail persist across Oklahoma

Josh Dulaney and Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman
·6 min read
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Numerous severe storms are moving across Oklahoma Wednesday evening with tornadoes developing, and ongoing large hail and damaging winds.

Tornado confirmed; Shawnee, Bethel Acres residents advised to take shelter

9:45 p.m.

The storm threatening Shawnee and the storm previously over Cole both exhibited unusual, erratic behavior, according to the National Weather Service.

-Cheyenne Derksen

Tornado warning for Shawnee, Bethel Acres, Dale

9:30 p.m.

A tornado warning is in effect for Shawnee, Bethel Acres and Dale until 10:15 p.m.

-Josh Dulaney

Tornado reported north of Pink, Oklahoma

9:29 p.m.

The National Weather Service reports a second tornado north of Pink. The tornado is moving rapidly to the northwest. Those near Stella or south of Newalla are urged to take precautions immediately.

-Josh Dulaney

Storm near Lake Thunderbird could produce tornado

9:17 p.m.

The National Weather Service reports a storm with the potential of producing a tornado is near Lake Thunderbird. Those in the path are urged to take precautions immediately.

-Josh Dulaney

Tornado reported west of Etowah

8:48 p.m.

The National Weather Service reports a tornado west of Etowah. Those in the path are urged to take shelter immediately.

-Josh Dulaney

Tornado near Cole dissipated, but hail continues

8:13 p.m.

The National Weather Service reported the tornado near Cole dissipated but large hail is still ongoing.

The “large and extremely dangerous” tornado rolled through southeastern Cleveland and west-central McClain counties, according to the National Weather Service.

The tornado tore down power lines and apparently pulled roofs off structures near Cole, a town of more 600 people, video shows. Fewer than 5,000 homes and businesses were without power, according to the tracking site PowerOutage.us.

-Josh Dulaney

Golfball, baseball size hail batters Oklahoma in several storms

8:12 p.m.

-Cheyenne Derksen

Tornado near Cole behaving erratically

8:05 p.m.

The National Weather reports a significant tornado northeast of Cole is moving in an erratic manner. People are urged to take shelter immediately.

-Josh Dulaney

Wide tornado confirmed near Blanchard, Cole, Dibble

7:40 p.m.

The National Weather Service has confirmed a large and extremely dangerous tornado was located over Cole, Oklahoma, moving east at 20 mph. NWS advises people to take shelter immediately.

A tornado warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. for southeastern Cleaveland and west central McClain counties.

-Josh Dulaney

Tornado moving near Tinker Air Force Base

7:11 p.m.

Just after 7 p.m., the National Weather Service reported a storm with a reported tornado near Tinker Air Force Base.

-Josh Dulaney

Severe thunderstorm warning for Kingfisher County, Caddo County, Blaine County and Canadian County

6:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service in Norman issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Kingfisher County, Caddo County, Blaine County and Canadian County. Storms could bring up to 60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.

In addition, the NWS issued a tornado warning for Moore, Newcastle, and Hall Park.

-Cheyenne Derksen

Hail pelts northwestern Oklahoma City

Earlier in the afternoon, northwestern Oklahoma City and Edmond residents saw golfball-size hail.

Large hail fell in northwestern Oklahoma Wednesday afternoon, April 19. More severe thunderstorms are expected through the evening.
Large hail fell in northwestern Oklahoma Wednesday afternoon, April 19. More severe thunderstorms are expected through the evening.

-Cheyenne Derksen

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Tornado warning for Shawnee, Bethel Acres; tornado touches down near Cole