Watch tornado touch down in Arnett, Oklahoma on May 18
A tornado was caught on camera touching down near Arnett, Oklahoma, on the evening of May 18. The video shows the twister forming in open countryside.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Norman at 08:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 22. This warning applies to Cleveland, Grady and McClain counties.
Meteorologists warn of winds as strong as 60 mph.
Use caution, officials warn of hail as large as 1 inch.
The NWS warns: “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”
See weather radar for Oklahoma City area
What are NWS meteorologists saying?
At 8:45 a.m., the NWS issued a statement:
“SVROUN The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for: Central Grady County in central Oklahoma, Northwestern Cleveland County in central Oklahoma, Northwestern McClain County in central Oklahoma, until 9:30 a.m. CDT. At 8:45 a.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Tabler, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD: 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE: Radar indicated.
IMPACT: Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include: Southern Oklahoma City, western Norman, Chickasha, Newcastle, Blanchard, Tuttle, Goldsby, Dibble, Washington, Cole, Amber, Bridge Creek, Pocasset, Norge, Middleberg, Tabler, and Ninnekah.”
What is a severe thunderstorm warning?
A severe thunderstorm warning means the area is experiencing or is about to experience a storm with winds of 58 mph or higher or hail an inch in diameter or larger.
Tips for staying safe during thunderstorms
- Once in a shelter, stay away from windows and avoid electrical equipment and plumbing.
- Keep a battery-powered weather radio nearby in case of loss of power.
- Remember to bring pets inside.
- If there is time, secure loose objects outside as these objects often become dangerous flying debris in high winds.
- Postpone outdoor activities until the storms have passed.
Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
