A significant severe storm outbreak is forecast for the Central United States, including parts of Oklahoma and Kansas, starting on Monday, May 6. According to multiple sources,
At least one tornado has occurred in the US every day for the past 10 consecutive days. Over 550 tornado reports have been logged so far this year. Intense storms are expected across Oklahoma and southern Kansas by late afternoon, with potential for multiple intense, long-track tornadoes, very large to giant hail, and damaging wind gusts starting Monday afternoon. First High Risk severe weather threat in Oklahoma since May 2019, and in Kansas since May 18, 2017. The timeframe of greatest concern for strong (at least EF2 strength) tornadoes that could stay on the ground for miles is Monday evening into early Monday night.
Multiple sources warn that millions of people are at risk in these states. The cities specifically mentioned include Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Midwest City and Moore in Oklahoma; Wellington and South Haven in Kansas. Additionally, 2 million people in Tulsa and Lawton in Oklahoma, and Wichita and Hutchinson in Kansas are included in a Level 4 risk of severe weather. 6 million people from Texas to Ohio are also at risk on Wednesday.
Strong, long-track tornadoes are possible starting around 4 p.m. Tornado risk increases after sunset for areas between Alva, Clinton, OKC metro, Seminole, Stillwater and Ponca City. Level-five high risk areas have a tornado index of 10 out of 10 and highest ingredients for tornadoes. Softball sized hail is expected in much of central Oklahoma including the OKC metro to west-central Oklahoma ranging from Altus to Alva.
Storms will develop in western Oklahoma and the Panhandle before 5 p.m., move across western Oklahoma from 5-8 p.m., reach the OKC metro and central Oklahoma after 8 p.m., then move out to the east after 11 pm.
The Storm Prediction Center upgraded today's severe weather threat to a high risk, placing millions of people in these states at risk of intense thunderstorms capable of producing long-track tornadoes, giant hail and hurricane-force wind gusts starting Monday afternoon and lasting well into the evening and overnight hours.
Sources: CNN, foxweather.com, akoco.com, weather.com