Tornado Watch Issued: Storm Timeline Updated
A Tornado Watch was issued until 9:00 p.m. for northern and western Oklahoma. Additional severe thunderstorm watches will follow for the metro area, south and east.
Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane provided a storm timeline updated tonight. Filmogaz.com reports the highest tornado index is across northern Oklahoma.
Watches and primary threats
Storms are expected to form along the dry line and near a dropping cold front. Forecasters warn of spin-ups along the leading edge of the line.
- Possible tornadoes, with the greatest risk north of the metro.
- Large hail is likely in extreme northern Oklahoma, up to softball size in the strongest storms.
- Damaging straight-line winds, locally reaching 80 mph.
- Periods of intense rainfall with localized flooding.
How the event will evolve
At 4:00 p.m., storms east of Woodward were moving toward Enid, Medford and Ponca City. These cells will favor northern Oklahoma first.
As sunset approaches, the cold front will push south. Tornado risk should decrease as that frontal line consolidates.
The front is forecast to move into the metro by about 10:00 p.m. Storms will continue to form behind the front.
Hail sizes are expected to shrink as the line deepens and progresses south. Wind and heavy rain remain concerns into the night.
Nighttime timeline for the metro
The metro timeline indicates storms near Piedmont and Okarche around 10:00 p.m. By 11:00 p.m., activity may extend from Edmond toward I-40.
- Intense cores are possible from Newcastle to Chickasha.
- Storms should progress toward Shawnee and Seminole later in the night.
- Overall intensity is expected to diminish between midnight and 2:00 a.m.
The Tornado Watch issued earlier remains active while conditions evolve. Residents should follow local alerts and take shelter if warned.
Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor updates from Damon Lane and post any changes to the storm timeline. Stay tuned for further guidance.
