Oklahoma Weather Timeline: Severe Storms, Hail, And Strong Winds Wednesday

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on Apr 25, 2025

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Morning Weather Conditions in Oklahoma

The morning began with a relatively calm weather pattern across much of Oklahoma. However, meteorologists were closely monitoring a developing low-pressure system moving in from the west, showing signs of significant instability. Keywords: Oklahoma morning weather, early warning, storm development.

• Tulsa: Partly cloudy skies and moderate winds were reported, creating an environment conducive to storm development later in the day.
• Oklahoma City: High winds, gusting up to 30 mph, were already being reported, hinting at the stronger weather to come.
• Western Oklahoma: The first signs of storm development were observed in western counties, with radar indicating increased reflectivity and potential for heavy rainfall.

These early warning signs served as a crucial indicator for the severe weather that was to follow.

Midday Severe Weather Outbreak

By midday, the severe weather outbreak began in earnest. Between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, a line of intense thunderstorms moved rapidly across central and western Oklahoma. Keywords: severe weather outbreak, hail reports, high wind gusts, tornado warnings.

• 1:00 PM: Reports of golf ball-sized hail (1.75 inches in diameter) started coming in from El Reno.
• 1:45 PM: Strong wind gusts exceeding 60 mph were recorded in Yukon, causing significant damage to trees and power lines.
• 2:30 PM: A tornado warning was issued for parts of Canadian County as a supercell thunderstorm showed signs of rotation on radar.

This period marked the peak intensity of the severe weather, highlighting the unpredictable and dangerous nature of these storms.

Afternoon and Evening Weather Developments

As the afternoon progressed, the severe weather shifted eastward. While the intensity of the storms lessened somewhat, the threat of damaging winds and heavy rain continued. Keywords: afternoon storms, evening weather, storm tracking, weather updates.

• 4:00 PM: The line of thunderstorms weakened as it moved into eastern Oklahoma, though heavy rain and localized flooding became a concern.
• 6:00 PM: Most tornado warnings had expired, and the severe thunderstorm watch was downgraded. However, strong wind gusts continued in several areas.
• 8:00 PM: The threat of severe weather diminished significantly across the state, leaving behind lingering showers and cloudy skies.

The evening brought a gradual decrease in the storm's intensity, although the impact of the afternoon's events continued to be felt.

Damage Assessment and Cleanup

While a full damage assessment is still underway, preliminary reports indicate significant impacts from Wednesday's severe weather. Keywords: storm damage, power outages, property damage, severe weather aftermath.

• Power Outages: Thousands of homes and businesses across central Oklahoma experienced power outages due to downed power lines. Utility companies are working to restore power as quickly as possible. Estimated restoration times vary by location.
• Property Damage: Reports of damaged roofs, fallen trees, and damaged vehicles are emerging from several affected areas.
• Injuries: Thankfully, reports of serious injuries or fatalities appear to be limited at this time. However, emergency services continue their assessment.

Conclusion: Staying Safe During Oklahoma Severe Weather

Wednesday’s severe weather event served as a stark reminder of the power of Oklahoma storms. The rapid development of severe thunderstorms, coupled with large hail and strong winds, highlighted the need for vigilance and preparedness. The timeline above illustrates the dynamic nature of the storms and their impact across various regions of the state.

It’s crucial to stay informed about Oklahoma weather forecasts and warnings. Monitor the Oklahoma weather closely by following reputable sources like the National Weather Service ([link to NWS website]). Remember to stay updated on Oklahoma storm predictions and prepare for severe weather in Oklahoma by having an emergency plan in place. By taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your risk during future severe weather events. Prepare for severe weather; monitor the Oklahoma weather; and stay updated on Oklahoma storm predictions.