Tornadoes possible in OKC Thursday with severe thunderstorms in Oklahoma's forecast
Central Oklahomans need to have a plan of safety for Thursday evening as meteorologists predict severe thunderstorms that could turn tornadic.
The strongest storms could produce "destructive hail, damaging winds and tornadoes," the National Weather Service in Norman said.
"It’s May. It’s Oklahoma. But (Thursday) is one of those days that deserves a little extra attention," said Norman's Warning Coordination Meteorologist Rick Smith on Twitter. "Look at the timing graphic and think about where you will be during the times storms are expected near you. Plan now how you’ll stay safe - just in case."
US weather forecast Intense rain headed for Texas, Central US; near record-breaking heat could hit Pacific Northwest
After storms this morning, we will focus our attention to this afternoon. Thunderstorms late today will have the potential to produce damaging hail and wind along with a risk of tornadoes. Storms will likely form out west first then move east. #okwx #texomawx pic.twitter.com/ytlpqMiwCr
— NWS Norman (@NWSNorman) May 11, 2023
When will Oklahoma see severe weather Thursday?
Meteorologists in Norman said severe thunderstorm timing is between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday, with storms most likely entering the western part of the state around 3 p.m. and central Oklahoma around 5 p.m.
What parts of Oklahoma are most at-risk for severe weather Thursday?
There's an "enhanced" risk for severe thunderstorms over the Oklahoma City metro area, and a "medium" risk for tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service in Norman.
Those risks are lower in the western and southern parts of the state, but still exist.
Should I be concerned about the morning storms in Oklahoma?
Some showers and a few thunderstorms were moving east Thursday morning, expected to reach central Oklahoma at 9 or 10 a.m.
The worst they were expected to produce was small hail and heavy downpours.
Radar at 8:30 am... showers and a few thunderstorms are moving across western north Texas and southwestern Oklahoma. Some of this activity may reach central and south central Oklahoma after 9-10 am. Some of the storms may produce small hail and heavy downpours. #okwx #texomawx pic.twitter.com/nM3lralJzY
— NWS Norman (@NWSNorman) May 11, 2023
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma City could see tornadoes Thursday amid severe storms