Severe Thunderstorms Possible On Friday In Oklahoma

Peak storm season is getting ready to ramp up in Oklahoma. Tornado potential is expected to see an uptick at the end of April into early May, and it's looking like Friday, April 18 could kick off Oklahoma's busiest time for storms.

According to the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma has the potential for severe Thunderstorms on Friday, April 18 in the afternoon and evening. The severe storms are possible across southeast and portions of central and southwest Oklahoma.

The potential for severe storms Friday is at a slight risk as of Monday, April 14. Locations and risk factor are expected to change as we get closer to Friday.

News 9 Meteorologist Lacey Swope indicated that Friday will have all the ingredients favorable for large hail, damaging winds and low tornado threat. As of Monday, it's still too early for specifics of Friday's thunderstorms.

More rain and thunderstorms expected Saturday and Easter Sunday.

After Friday, Oklahoma is expected to see more rain and thunderstorms on Saturday and Easter Sunday. Saturday could see episodes of rain off and on throughout the day. Rain is expected all day on Easter Sunday along with the potential for a few strong to severe thunderstorms.

It's still to early for specifics on Easter Sunday, so Oklahomans are encouraged to remain weather aware as they make their Easter plans.

Peak tornado season on the verge of kicking off for the Great Plains.

According to Extreme Meteorologist Reed Timmer, the long-range forecast models are showing a "significant ramp in the severe weather and tornado threat across the Great Plains by late April." Oklahoma can see severe weather and tornadoes anytime of the year, but April and May are the months when Oklahoma typically sees the most tornadoes and some the most violent tornadoes.

Timmer is expecting "significant severe weather episodes" to peak in late April and early May for areas of the Great Plains, including Oklahoma.