April 1 Severe Weather Timeline: What to Expect and How to Prepare

We often talk about preparing for severe weather, but today, your biggest concern should be your vehicle and personal safety. If you’re out this afternoon and evening, make a plan to protect your car from hail and ensure you and your family have a safe location to shelter if storms intensify.

Storm Timing and Potential Impact

Afternoon to Evening (4 PM - 10 PM):

1. Isolated supercells could develop as early as 4 PM, peaking between 5-7 PM.
2. These storms may form west, east, or directly along I-35.
3. Not all areas will see storms, but where they do form, they could be high-impact.
4. Possible hazards: Large hail (tennis ball to baseball size), damaging winds (70-80 mph), and potential tornadoes.

Overnight (1 AM - 6 AM):

1. A line of storms may develop along the cold front, moving eastward.
2. Central and eastern Oklahoma have a 60-80% chance of storms, while western Oklahoma will likely stay dry.

Thursday Morning:

1. Another round of severe weather with heavy rainfall is likely.
2. Flooding concerns increase, especially in southeast Oklahoma, with potential for 4-7 inches of rain.

Key Safety Reminders

1. Avoid Overpasses: Parking under an overpass during a storm is illegal and dangerous. It blocks traffic and leaves others exposed to severe weather.
2. Stay Informed: Check weather updates before heading out to errands or evening events. Conditions can change quickly.
3. Prepare for Hail: If storms are approaching, move your vehicle to a garage or covered area.
4. Know Your Safe Spot: Have a designated shelter area ready in case of tornado warnings.

Looking Ahead

The active weather pattern continues into the weekend:

1. Wednesday: Dry but windy conditions.
2. Thursday Morning: Another round of severe storms.
3. Friday - Sunday: Continued rain chances, with some potential for light snow in certain areas.

This is a dynamic situation, and meteorologists will be monitoring conditions closely. Stay weather-aware and make rational decisions as we navigate this severe weather threat. More updates to come throughout the day—stay tuned!