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.

NWS-Norman
NWS-Norman
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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.

NWS-Norman
NWS-Norman
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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.

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

The Ten Most Tornado-Prone Counties in America

When it comes to the topic of tornadoes, Oklahoma is universally known around the world for producing some of the biggest, including the last F6 ever measured... but it'd probably surprise most Okies that the Sooner State doesn't even crack the top five of the most tornado-prone counties in America.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

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