Wed Nov 20 22:00:00 UTC 2024: **Oklahoma Hit by Record-Breaking November Tornado Outbreak**

**Oklahoma City, OK –** A severe weather system ripped through Oklahoma on Monday, leaving a trail of destruction and setting a new record for the most tornadoes in November. The storm, which began in the early hours of the morning, spawned at least 22 confirmed tornadoes, exceeding any previous November total in the state’s history.

The day unfolded with a series of rapidly developing severe thunderstorms, triggering numerous tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings across the state. The storms brought damaging winds gusting up to 80 mph, large hail, and torrential rainfall leading to flash flooding. Several school districts, including Oklahoma City Public Schools, Edmond Public Schools, Norman Public Schools, Moore Public Schools, Mustang Public Schools, and Mid-Del Schools, cancelled classes or shifted to virtual learning due to the dangerous conditions. Yukon Public Schools canceled classes entirely.

The Oklahoma City metro area experienced the brunt of the severe weather between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., with the storms moving east of I-35 from 9 a.m. to noon. A jackknifed semi-trailer blocked southbound lanes of Interstate 35 in northeast Oklahoma City, causing significant traffic delays. KOCO 5 reported flooding in Norman and Stillwater, with the Stillwater Police Department reporting numerous flooded roads and assisting stranded vehicles. Will Rogers World Airport also experienced flight delays.

Meteorologists from KOCO 5 provided continuous updates throughout the day, tracking the storms and warning of the significant dangers. They emphasized the exceptionally high winds, the risk of tornadoes, and the potential for flash flooding. The National Weather Service issued numerous warnings throughout the morning, urging residents to take shelter. While the threat subsided by the afternoon, the record-breaking number of tornadoes and widespread damage underscored the severity of the weather event. The state is currently assessing the full extent of the damage.

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