Relentless Tornado Threat Keeps Oklahoma on High Alert as Powerful Storms Sweep Through State Overnight
Severe storms spawned multiple tornadoes and widespread damage across Oklahoma, leaving thousands without power and warnings still in effect.
- 6,300+ customers without power in Oklahoma City alone
- 74 mph peak wind gusts clocked in Guthrie
- 10+ counties under tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings overnight
- Multiple tornadoes witnessed near Lexington, Slaughterville, and other towns
Oklahoma residents woke to the sound of rumbling thunder, shrieking sirens, and wall-to-wall live coverage as a violent line of storms battered the state in the early hours of Friday. The atmosphere, already primed by a week of unstable weather, delivered a punishing round of tornadoes, damaging winds, and power outages for thousands.
Electricity flickered and failed for more than 6,300 OG&E customers in the Oklahoma City metro as dawn broke on a battered landscape. National Weather Service meteorologists watched tornadoes touch down south of Lexington and near Slaughterville—with storm chasers catching powerful power flashes lighting up otherwise pitch-black roads.
As the minutes ticked by, a conveyor belt of tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings rolled across central Oklahoma, stretching from Kay County in the north down to Cleveland, McClain, and Pottawatomie counties in the heart of the state. The storms were relentless, packing winds up to 74 mph in Guthrie, dropping hail as big as quarters, and spawning tornadoes that threatened both rural communities and major metro areas.
Between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., meteorologists tracked dangerous rotations near Goldsby, Guthrie, and Newcastle. Sirens wailed; emergency alerts buzzed on phones; first responders scrambled to clear roads and check on residents as the storms tracked eastward.
Q: Which Areas Were Hardest Hit?
- Oklahoma City experienced the largest number of power outages, hitting more than 3,300 homes and businesses.
- Lexington and Slaughterville saw confirmed tornado touchdowns, while Guthrie and Yukon recorded wind gusts up to 74 mph and 60 mph, respectively.
- Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Pottawatomie, and Kay counties faced repeated tornado warnings, leaving families sheltering in place for hours.
Q: What Were the Main Dangers of These Storms?
- Rapidly developing tornadoes capable of causing severe structural damage.
- Destructive straight-line winds, toppling trees and power lines.
- Hail up to the size of half dollars, denting vehicles and roofs.
- Localized flooding from intense, heavy rainfall.
How to Stay Safe During Tornado Season
Oklahoma sits squarely in Tornado Alley, and experts increasingly warn that climate change and shifting weather patterns could mean more frequent and severe storms in the coming years. Here’s how to be ready:
- Sign up for weather alerts and keep your phone charged.
- Identify your nearest storm shelter or safe room.
- Have a kit ready: flashlight, water, non-perishable food, and crucial documents.
- Download trusted weather apps—consider following outlets like The Weather Channel and NOAA.
- Always heed local warnings and take cover immediately if a tornado is spotted in your area.
Q: What’s Next for Oklahoma Weather?
Meteorologists warn the state isn’t out of the woods yet. The National Weather Service forecasts the risk of isolated storms to linger, with a renewed threat possible through the weekend as storm systems sweep from the Rockies into the Plains.
Residents are urged to stay vigilant, monitor forecasts, and ensure backup plans are in place if severe weather strikes again.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe! Tornado Season Is Far From Over
Actionable Checklist:
- Monitor reliable weather sources and local news for real-time updates.
- Prepare your emergency tornado kit today—don’t wait until storms are overhead.
- Know the fastest route to your nearest safe shelter.
- Check with neighbors and family to ensure everyone has a plan.
- Bookmark trusted authorities like Ready.gov and the American Red Cross for safety tips and resources.
The 2025 severe weather season has begun with a roar—make sure your family’s safety plan is as ready as the skies are fierce.
