Wed Apr 02 08:40:00 UTC 2025: **Oklahoma Faces High Risk of Tornadoes and Severe Storms Wednesday**
**Oklahoma City, OK [Date]** – A tornado watch is in effect for much of Oklahoma as a significant severe weather event is expected to impact the state Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a level 3 enhanced risk (out of 5) for much of the state, with a rare level 5 high risk issued for parts of the Mississippi River Valley.
Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane and the KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team are providing live coverage of the developing situation. Early Wednesday morning, fast-moving storms brought 80 mph winds and quarter-sized hail to Enid, with nickel-sized hail reported on the city’s west side. Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for multiple counties.
Meteorologist Jonathan Conder warned of the possibility of strong tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. The storms initially impacted areas near El Reno and Enid around 3 a.m., and were expected to reach the Oklahoma City metro area around 4 a.m., moving east of Interstate 35 by 6 a.m. The highest risk of severe weather is projected for southeastern Oklahoma between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
The threat extends beyond Wednesday morning. A second wave of severe storms is anticipated overnight Tuesday into early Wednesday, with potential for tornadoes, strong winds, and large hail. Earlier Tuesday, several severe thunderstorm warnings were issued across the state for high winds and hail up to baseball size. Oklahoma City Public Schools cancelled all after-school and evening activities as a precaution.
Residents are urged to monitor weather reports closely, heed all warnings issued by the National Weather Service, and have a plan in place to seek shelter if necessary. The KOCO 5 app provides customized weather alerts and live coverage.
First Piper 