Residents across parts of central Oklahoma are being urged to take shelter as a tornado was photographed by a local storm chaser and a severe thunderstorm warning was issued Tuesday afternoon, threatening powerful winds and dangerous hail.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Norman released the alert at 3:19 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, putting both Logan and Oklahoma counties on high alert.
Meteorologists are warning of wind gusts reaching up to 60mph, enough to cause significant damage. Officials are also cautioning the public about hail as large as one inch – posing a risk to vehicles, windows, and rooftops.
Storm chaser Cameron Nixon said via his X account alongside the image “Tornado right now 9 and 35 Norman”
In a stark advisory, the NWS urged:
“For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”
According to the official statement from the National Weather Service, issued at 3:19 p.m. according to The Oaklahoman, the storm was already underway: “The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for: Northwestern Oklahoma County in central Oklahoma, Southern Logan County in central Oklahoma, Until 4 p.m. CDT. At 3:19 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 8 miles northwest of Edmond, moving northeast at 25 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 in or near the path include: Navina, Guthrie, Meridian, Seward, Edmond,”
Locals are being advised to monitor weather radars closely and stay indoors where possible, as the storm moves rapidly through the area.
This is a developing story, and more updates are expected as forecasters track the system.
