Oklahoma Tornado Risk Highest Of The Year Today

A week ago, meteorologists were really worried about what might happen over the weekend in Oklahoma, primarily across Northern and NWOK, but things were generally quiet aside from high winds and a pop-up shower here and there. Our most severe risks held off until today, and the tornado potential is elevated to our highest point so far this year.

Every weather outlet from the National Weather Service to the local news, YouTube weather personalities, and even those few on TikTok are really eyeing Oklahoma today for what could be a very long overnight.

Warm air, plenty of moisture, and a cool system working into our area makes for wild weather.

What to expect.

Hail and wind are the primary threats in storm systems that do develop. And with so much energy in the atmosphere today, the storms that do pop up will likely quickly ramp up and become very active.

No threats are off the table this time around.

https://www.weather.gov/oun/

Oklahoma has had such a chill May up to this point, we're due for this time of year.

High winds, Braum's bag of burgers-sized hail, and ideal conditions for large, long-track tornadoes.

Does that mean storms will be widespread and you need to panic? No... But I would keep an eye on your weather apps throughout the evening, or better yet, turn up the alarm on your NOAA weather radio.

If you don't have one, they're cheap, reliable, and can wake even the deepest sleepers from their slumber the instant they need to be.

As Tuesday gets underway, the area of focus shifts to the Southeast to a lesser extent.

https://www.weather.gov/tsa/

Most of Oklahoma hasn't had much wild weather for a few weeks now, so it's a prime to time to go over the family storm plan again. Trust me when I recommend to grab some board games and an easy meal and make the family tornado drill a game later this afternoon.

So long as everyone knows what they need to do, and the kids see it as fun, nobody will panic.

If you're new to Oklahoma or fresh out of the nest and into your own place for the first time, try not to worry. Big tornadoes are very rare, and most homes can withstand even a direct hit from the 95% of twisters Oklahoma produces. If you don't have a storm cellar or safe room, an interior room on the lowest floor is better protection than you'd think.

Things You'll Need in Your Oklahoma Tornado Prep Kit

Even though the odds of your life being affected by a tornado are extremely thin, there's no harm in being prepared with basic necessities. Even if the storm misses your home you could still find yourself without power or water for days to weeks. Here's a quick rundown on the basics every home should have for tornado season in Oklahoma.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Odd and Unbelievable Tornado Facts

As far as we've come in the technology surrounding severe weather and tornadoes, there's still a massive amount science still doesn't understand. Yes, there is a generally agreed idea of how they begin, the conditions needed, and the usual atmospheric conditions, but twisters are still wildly unpredictable. Even more fascinating are the strange and almost terrifying facts about these powerful displays of nature.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Tornado Records from Around the Country

With tornadoes on our minds the last few days, I started to wonder about many of the tornado records. How many in one day, biggest outbreak, strongest tornado in history, etc... While we all feel Oklahoma is the home of terrible tornadoes, the stats are somewhat surprising.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

SEE MORE FROM KELSO

10 Costliest Tornadoes in US History

When it comes to natural disasters in the United States, tornadoes are pretty spectacular. They're absolutely terrifying, deadlier than hurricanes and wildfires, and completely unpredictable. They're also some of the most awe-inspiring things to see in person. While they don't cost nearly as much as hurricanes and wildfires, they do get expensive in greatly localized areas. Here are the most expensive in US history.

Gallery Credit: Kelso