Its one of those days in Oklahoma, according to State Climatologist Gary McManus, “EVERYBODY should be aware of the enhanced severe weather risk today, with large hail being a very likely hazard today, as well as the above-mentioned.
(in the graphic) tornadoes and severe winds. Sure, tornadic winds are also severe, but remember not all severe winds are tornadic. Also, remember tornadic winds suck, but so do severe winds.”
Right now, the timing is unsure of when/if these storms will make their way across the State, but McManus said most likely it will be later this afternoon and into this evening, “Basically, a mid-afternoon start, with storms rapidly going severe. The threat for severe hail will start almost immediately, and then we’ll see that tornado threat ramp up later in the evening. That hail outlook is concerning. I mean, the Storm Prediction Center keeps mentioning “occasional significant to gigantic hailstones” for crying out loud, which is a danger to property AND life.”
McManus reminds everyone to be weather aware today, ” These storms will be hauling along at over 50 mph in some cases, so you won’t have as long to prepare when storms do fire, so go ahead and prepare early. Rainfall could be better, and there might be some flooding, but if you’re in SW OK behind the dryline, wildfires will be a concern. So be on the lookout for smoke and report anything you see.”
To read more from State Climatologist, Gary McManus on his daily ticker, click here:
