Severe weather risks from an outbreak of storms late Monday resulted in at least four tornadoes touching down in Oklahoma. Additionally, tornado warnings were issued in Kansas, Nebraska, and Tennessee, putting millions at risk.
Tornadoes were seen in northeastern and central Oklahoma, with one being spotted in Barnsdall, a city located approximately 40 miles north of Tulsa. Damages and injuries were reported in the communities of Barnsdall and Bartlesville, making it the second time in about a month that the area was hit by a tornado.
Related posts
This Article Includes
- 0.1 Related posts
- 0.2 Officials: Building Is Unsafe To Occupy After The Floor Collapsed During The Maryland Fire
- 0.3 Tattooed Shooter Involved In Tag-team Assault For Shooting Victim In The Face In Jackson: Prosecutor
- 1 Tornado warnings, severe weather in Nebraska
- 2 Hail, tornado reports in Kansas
- 3 Tornado confirmed in Oklahoma
- 4 What is a ‘high risk’?
- 5 A ‘significant’ outbreak
- 6 How to be safe during a tornado warning
- 7 On this date in history
In the eastern part of the state, the Craig County Emergency Department took to social media to share that the Welch Fire Department had reported the old gymnasium’s roof being blown off at Welch School. This destructive weather event occurred just a week after a tornado outbreak claimed the lives of four individuals in Oklahoma.
Severe weather will persist in posing a threat to the region overnight as storms make their way eastward. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center have issued alarming alerts for a substantial eruption of tornadoes in the central U.S. This outbreak has the potential to affect millions of individuals spanning from Texas to the Dakotas.
By 9 p.m., a line of thunderstorm activity extended from just west of Oklahoma City, running north through Iowa and into South Dakota. The weather service maintained its warning of an escalating tornado risk. Tornado warnings were issued in South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
The National Weather Center issued a warning stating that intense tornadoes are likely to occur, particularly as the atmospheric conditions become highly conducive for tornado formation later today and into the evening. This warning applies to a wide area spanning Kansas and Oklahoma, covering approximately 250 miles by 300 miles. However, the risk of severe weather extends further, reaching the Dakotas in the north and stretching eastwards to Kentucky and Tennessee.
According to a report by CNN, aircraft at McConnell Air Force Base, located near Wichita, Kansas, are being relocated to ensure their safety during the approaching storms. Additionally, schools within the affected area are adjusting their schedules in preparation for the severe weather conditions.
According to the Associated Press, Oklahoma City Public Schools and several other school districts in the metro area have started canceling all after-school and evening activities.
Tornado warnings, severe weather in Nebraska
On April 26, a total of 18 tornadoes tore through Nebraska and Iowa, with five of them classified as EF-3 tornadoes. Tragically, one person lost their life, and numerous homes and businesses were completely destroyed. According to the weather service, these tornadoes were the most powerful to hit the region in almost a decade.
Hail, tornado reports in Kansas
Two funnel clouds have been reported in Kansas, one north of Chapman in Dickinson County and one northwest of Moonlight in Geary County. The weather service office in Topeka, Kansas, has received these reports. Additionally, radar has confirmed a tornado near Riley in Ogden County.
Hailstones as large as 4 inches were reported in Moonlight, with a size of 2.75 inches in Riley.
Tornado confirmed in Oklahoma
In Garfield County, Oklahoma, a tornado has been confirmed near Covington, and it is currently moving east. Additionally, there have been reports of flash flooding in the county, and at least one water rescue has taken place near Covington.
According to the weather service, the county’s emergency management office has confirmed the destruction of buildings and the presence of fallen trees near the county line separating Garfield and Kingfisher counties.
At 9:40 p.m. Central Time, the Tulsa weather service office stated that it had received numerous reports of structural damage caused by a tornado in and around Barnsdall. Storm chasers in the area provided multiple photos and videos showcasing the aftermath. Additionally, reports of damage also came in from Bartlesville.
At around 8 p.m. Central Time, meteorologists from the weather service in Norman, Oklahoma, observed an escalation in the intensity of the storms and a higher likelihood of tornadoes. Prior to this, spotters and broadcast media had already confirmed the presence of a rope tornado approximately one mile south of Bison, Oklahoma.
In Kingfisher County, an observer reported that trees were uprooted, power lines were snapped, and there was damage to a house that might have been caused by a tornado, according to the weather service. The county’s emergency management also reported a power pole and line that were knocked down when the tornado passed through Lacey. Additionally, hail stones as large as 2.5 inches were reported in the vicinity.
The weather service reported a tornado being spotted 4 miles southeast of Okeene at 6:43 p.m. Trained spotters also reported a brief tornado about five miles south of Helena just after 6 p.m. in the northern part of the state.
What is a ‘high risk’?
The Storm Prediction Center offers a high risk forecast, which is the greatest level of severe weather.
Matthew Elliott, the center’s warning coordination meteorologist, stated that this is the first “high risk” forecast since two were issued on March 31, 2023.
“We typically average only one or two per year,” Elliott added.
A ‘significant’ outbreak
“We’re really expecting this to be a significant outbreak of severe weather,” Elliott stated, “with some long track, intense tornadoes certainly possible.”
High winds over parts of Colorado and the High Plains Monday morning are also linked to a strong and strengthening low-pressure system that is expected to produce tornadoes and hail later in the day.
“It’s very similar to what’s helping create the moisture across the Southern Plains that will lead to the severe weather this afternoon and evening,” Elliott stated. “That’s why we see this potential for large hail, tornadoes and damaging winds.”
How to be safe during a tornado warning
Although it is impossible to guarantee safety during a tornado, the weather service suggests several measures that individuals can take to enhance their chances of survival in the face of this deadly natural disaster.
-
- Protect yourself from flying or falling debris, the single biggest life-threatening hazard.
-
- Seek shelter in the closest, safest interior or underground room.
-
- Always avoid windows. Don’t go to the windows or doors to look outside.
-
- Cover yourself with thick protective coverings, such as a mattress, sleeping bags, and thick blankets or other protective coverings.
-
- Wear a helmet if you have one to protect your head from debris.
On this date in history
On May 6, 1975, a powerful F-4 tornado ripped through Omaha, Nebraska, resulting in the unfortunate loss of three lives and the complete destruction of 287 homes. This tornado stands out as the most destructive among the 36 tornadoes that ravaged the area during a two-day outbreak.
