Showers and thunderstorms continue to move across central Oklahoma Friday morning, some of which brought heavy rainfall and quite a bit of lightning before sunrise. A Flood Advisory is in effect until 8 a.m.
Nearly 3,800 OG&E customers are without power, and most of those are in Norman.
There should be a pause in action during the middle of the day before more storms form in the Texas panhandle and move into Western Oklahoma.
National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Rick Smith says some of those storms could be severe.
“There will be some tornado potential with storms on Friday, but still in the very low category, and up to quarter to half dollar-sized hail and some 60-70 mile-per-hour winds.”
The severe weather threat increases substantially Saturday, but there are still quite a few questions. Forecasters expect a dry line to form over western Oklahoma Saturday afternoon as a strong, upper-level storm system approaches.
Flash Flood Watch in effect until Sunday morning. It won't take a lot of rain to flood some areas. (Noon 5/15) pic.twitter.com/R3FXgbywcj
— NWS Norman (@NWSNorman) May 15, 2015
Smith says that usually sets the stage for significant severe weather in Oklahoma during the month of May.
“However, just like we saw last weekend, we could see some showers and thunderstorms earlier in the day,” Smith said. “And the longer those clouds and showers and storms hang around during the morning and early afternoon on Saturday, that will hopefully reduce our chances for severe weather.”
Smith said it's important to know that not everybody in the risk area for severe weather will even see a thunderstorm. It also depends on what website you check or which television station you watch.
“Do not let the differences in words, colors, numbers, categories – don’t let those confuse you or prevent you from being ready for severe weather,” Smith said.
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