Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak Forecast Update 5-6-24 — It’s Not Good

The National Weather Service has been warning Oklahoma about the possibility of severe weather today for the last week. They even went live on Facebook last night to talk out some of the details. While the call was mostly geared toward Northern and Northwestern Oklahoma for the highest odds of a limited number of supercell thunderstorms, the odds of a wider outbreak have increased overnight.

Less than 24 hours later, the higher-risk areas have been expanded, and the ultra-rare purple graphic storm risk designation has been issued for a large portion of Oklahoma.

The tornado threat is as dire as it can be.

It just feels like storm weather outside, and I'm not the only one who noticed. My personal social media feed is full of people talking about how warm and super-humid it felt like stepping out of the house this morning. It's shaping up to be a long day for storm-chasers and meteorologists alike.

While tornadoes are the norm across the Sooner State, the Weather Service is specifically warning about long-track, really powerful, and violent tornadoes. The kind that stands out the most in our collective memories... May 3rd '99, May 13th '13, Terrible Tuesday, etc...

Like most outbreaks, the forecast is still predicting only a handful of particularly dangerous storms that could potentially spawn our first EF5 in over a decade. These events aren't expected widespread.

As the National Weather Service spoke about last night, it will likely be two or three thunderstorms that manage to grow into monster supercells. All the same, bad weather with lots of rain and big hail is expected across the portions of Oklahoma.

What can you do?

I can tell you first hand, the best way to combat weather anxiety and nervousness is to learn about the weather. The better you understand it, the less you worry about it.

Also, double-check your safe space and tornado spot plans in your home. As these storms are most likely going to happen in the evening and overnight hours, you still have time to make a plan and ensure everyone knows about it.

Lowest floor of the home, as central as you can get. The idea is to put as many walls between you and the weather as possible.

While most municipalities have gotten rid of public shelters, there are those that still offer a public option for the worst of weather. Keep in mind that most shelters fill up fast and they will turn you away when maximum occupancy is reached.

If that is your plan, try to execute it early.

Keep your digital devices charged. Watch your local radar. Follow the National Weather Service on social media--this is who provides the weather channels with new information when storms develop.