Even on his day off, State Climatologist Gary McManus checked in to provide readers with a possible weather scenario in light of today’s severe weather threats.
“We are expecting multiple rounds of severe storms to form today in this moisture-
rich environment. The atmosphere will be extremely unstable, with hot, humid air
and strong winds at different levels of the atmosphere helping fuel the storms,” he said.
He described how thunderstorms could begin as early as midday, especially in eastern Oklahoma, with the potential to produce large hail, damaging winds, and strong tornadoes.
Later this afternoon, another wave of powerful storms is expected to form along the dryline in western Oklahoma and Texas, bringing additional threats of very large hail and tornadoes. With so many storms in such an unstable environment, damaging winds are also a major concern, particularly in northeast Oklahoma and nearby regions.
He advised Oklahomans to stay very weather aware, today. “Yesterday was actually fairly quiet across all but NW OK, but even then we had 3-4 tornadoes and DVD-sized (yes, DVD) hail up to 5 inches (yes, 5 inches) near Arnett,” he said. “NE OK got hit pretty hard too by wind and giant hail. And Saturday was no picnic with more possible twisters and softball-sized hail.”
He said to keep your eyes on the warm sector across eastern OK in the early afternoon for
supercells, and then later watch along the dryline for a more classic setup for western/central Oklahoma, which he described as “the dreaded Highway 81 Powderkeg scenario.”
He provided the following outlooks with counties clearly marked saying that if you are in a colored area, you are at risk.
He advised having a plan in place, recalling the numbers of storm related deaths in other states over the past few days. He pointed out, “More significant severe weather is now aimed directly at Oklahoma. We’ll hope for a more benign day, but we don’t want to add to those numbers.”
He provided the following list of things to stay safe and protect loved ones:
1. Stay Weather Aware All Day
Monitor reliable sources like your local National Weather Service office, TV meteorologists, NOAA Weather Radio, or weather apps.
Don’t rely solely on outdoor sirens — they’re not designed to be heard indoors.
2. Know Your Risk Areas
Stay especially alert if you live in central, eastern, or northeastern Oklahoma, where the highest threat exists today.
Check if your county is under a Tornado Watch or Severe Thunderstorm Watch — these may be issued before storms begin.
3. Have Multiple Ways to Get Alerts
Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled on your phone.
Have a NOAA Weather Radio as a backup.
Follow your local emergency management on social media for real-time updates.
4. Review Your Tornado Safety Plan
Know where your safe place is: a storm shelter, basement, or small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure, have a plan to get to a sturdier building quickly.
5. Prepare Your Emergency Kit
Flashlight, batteries, phone charger (and backup battery), water, snacks, shoes, weather radio, medications, ID, and important documents.
Include helmets (bike or sports helmets) for everyone in the household if tornadoes are expected.
6. Keep Vehicles Fueled and Phones Charged
Power outages are possible from damaging winds or tornadoes.
7. Stay Off the Roads During Warnings
Don’t try to “outrun” a tornado. Shelter in place unless you’re evacuating a mobile home to a safer location.
If caught outside or in a car with no other options, try to get to a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head, but this is a last resort.
8 Check In With Family and Neighbors
Especially those who are elderly or have mobility issues — make sure they know the forecast and have a plan.
9. Stay Calm, Take Action
Don’t panic — if you’ve prepared ahead of time, you’ll be in the best position to protect yourself and your loved ones.
