Friday's Forecast: Strong Tornadoes And Big Hail In Oklahoma

As we get closer to Friday, the forecast continues to increase the severe weather potential for Oklahoma. Portions of Oklahoma are currently at an Enhanced or Slight risk for severe weather this Friday, and there's now a potential for strong EF2 tornadoes, particularly for those in the Enhanced risk areas.

On Tuesday, the NOAA NWS Storm Prediction Center upgraded Friday's severe weather potential to Enhanced risk for areas of Oklahoma along and east of I-44 and I-35. This area is expected to have the greatest potential for tornadoes on Friday, which could result in EF2 tornadoes or stronger.

Oklahoma could also see large hail and damaging wind gusts on Friday.

The severe weather potential on Friday includes all modes of severe weather, including tornadoes. There is a chance that Oklahoma could see tennis ball sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour or more.

All of these modes of severe weather could happen within any risk area on Friday, not just those in the Enhanced risk areas.

Storms are expected to start up in Oklahoma late Friday afternoon.

Timing for the storms Friday in Oklahoma are not concrete, but storms are expected to start popping up in the late afternoon and continue in the evening and overnight hours. Oklahoma residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive alerts, especially during the overnight hours.

National Weather Service

Oklahoma saw three EF2 tornadoes last year.

Oklahoma had a total of five strong tornadoes in 2025, including three EF2 tornadoes and two EF3. Two of the EFs occurred on April 19, 2025, in southeast Oklahoma, which is currently in the Enhanced risk area on Friday. This area has also already been hit by five tornadoes this year, all in the month of January.

The third EF2 tornado last year struck western Oklahoma on June 17. This area is barely outside the risk areas for severe weather this Friday.

Things You'll Need in Your Oklahoma Tornado Prep Kit

Even though the odds of your life being affected by a tornado are extremely thin, there's no harm in being prepared with basic necessities. Even if the storm misses your home you could still find yourself without power or water for days to weeks. Here's a quick rundown on the basics every home should have for tornado season in Oklahoma.

Gallery Credit: Kelso