As Oklahomans prepare for the Memorial Day weekend, they are bracing for another bout of severe weather. The National Weather Service in Norman has issued alerts predicting the possibility of significant storms starting Saturday afternoon, May 24, and continuing into the nighttime hours.
Residents should be on alert as storms are expected to develop as early as 2 p.m. and could persist until 7 a.m. on Sunday, May 25. The most critical timeframe for severe weather is projected to be from 4 p.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Sunday.
The storms may bring large hail—some exceeding the size of golf balls—and damaging winds that could reach up to 70 miles per hour. Additionally, there is a moderate risk for tornadoes, particularly in regions of north central, central, and southwestern Oklahoma. The window for potential tornado activity is estimated to be between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and monitor local weather updates to ensure their safety. Preparing a safety plan ahead of time can help mitigate the risks associated with severe weather. It’s always better to be safe and proactive in the face of changing weather conditions.
The community can come together to support those in need during this time, reinforcing a spirit of resilience and preparedness that is vital in the face of nature’s unpredictability.