Weather Service Ramps Up Monday Warnings for Oklahoma

This time of year is always iffy across Oklahoma. Generally speaking, we never know what the weather is going to do.

Take last weekend for instance. It was predicted that my part of the state would experience harsh storms full of sizeable hail throughout Saturday, but it was little more than sprinkles and a little rain in the overnight hours.

Don't get me wrong, there's no complaint here. Anytime the weatherman is wrong and the weather behaves is a good day this time of year.

Dire warnings are coming out today about Monday. (5-6-24)

This marks the first time in 2024 the National Weather Service is painting red on the forecast map, usually only reserved for when serious weather is headed our way.

Sidebar: if you're wondering, the "high-risk" purple doesn't get used hardly at all.

Timing.

On the plus side for Western Oklahoma, storm potential should come and go during the daylight hours. Central Oklahoma is looking at nocturnal storms, which can elevate blood pressure in the home.

Tornadoes.

While the tornado potential is still categorized "mid," the last outbreak pushed through the state, devastating a handful of communities with forecasted low odds.

How to prepare.

Since you have a good 24-hour notice of this potential outbreak, you have time to put your severe weather plan together.

Designate a safe space--your tornado spot--in your home. Lowest level and in the center of your home. The idea is to put as many walls between you and the storm as possible. The smaller the better.

Make sure this space is uncluttered, cleaned out, and ready to go. Go ahead and stock it with a few essentials, here's a quick list of things you should consider.