A rare and particularly dangerous situation tornado watch has been issued by the Storm Prediction Center for parts of south-central Kansas and central Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City. This watch is in effect until 11 p.m. CDT and signifies an unusually high confidence in the potential for multiple long-lived and strong tornadoes in the area.
The Storm Prediction Center has warned that numerous tornadoes are expected, with a few intense tornadoes likely. The atmosphere is becoming very favorable for tornadoes late this afternoon and continuing through the evening, increasing the probability of intense tornadoes.
In addition to the tornado threat, the watch also calls for explosive thunderstorm development, with damaging wind gusts of up to 75 mph and very large softball-sized hail likely.
Tornado watches are issued to alert residents in a given area to prepare for possible tornadoes in the coming hours. It is important for individuals in the affected regions to stay informed and follow any instructions or warnings issued by local authorities. A tornado warning will be issued if a tornado is imminent or in progress.
