Strong Tornadoes Possible In Oklahoma This Weekend

Heads up, Oklahoma! There's a huge risk for severe thunderstorms in Oklahoma this weekend. Meteorologists all across Oklahoma are urging Oklahomans to prepare for tornadoes and to stay weather aware.

The eastern half of Oklahoma are at a risk for severe storms and tornadoes on Friday, April 26, while a majority of Oklahoma will have a strong risk of severe storms and especially tornadoes.

Hail and tornadoes possible on Friday for eastern Oklahoma.

According to the National Weather Service in Norman, the eastern half of Oklahoma could see severe thunderstorms Friday. Storms are expected to develop anywhere from 2-9 p.m. Friday and could see hail up to baseball size and winds anywhere from 60 to 80 miles per hour. The tornado potential for Friday is low, but not zero.

National Weather Service in Norman

KFOR Chief Meteorologist Mike Morgan stated that Oklahomans near HWY 75 and eastward could see severe storms from 3-8 p.m. Friday produce hail up to four inches and tornadoes. This also includes the Tulsa metro area.

Strong tornadoes possible Saturday, April 27.

Saturday is when all of Oklahoma will need to be weather aware the entire day. A majority of Oklahoma is at an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms Saturday. The tornado potential is medium. There is also a a risk for damaging wind gusts and large to very large hail.

National Weather Service in Norman

According to the National Weather Service in Norman, the primary time of severe weather potential is expected from noon through the overnight hours until sunrise Sunday.

National Weather Service in Norman

Heavy rainfall is also expected Saturday with various areas across Oklahoma at risk for flash flooding.

National Weather Service in Norman

When and where are tornadoes expected in Oklahoma on Saturday?

Tornadoes will be one of the biggest threats Saturday for all of Oklahoma, but especially those in southwest Oklahoma and up I-44 to Ponca City. According to Morgan, the severe storm and tornado risk Saturday will be from 1-11 p.m. Saturday and is predicting a classic outbreak of scattered supercells.

Morgan expects storms to begin forming around 2 p.m. west of HWY 81 and will move east, north east through Oklahoma.

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