Lola Jarvis
Tornadoes Slam Oklahoma Overnight: Dangerous Storms Knock Out Power and Trigger Multiple Warnings Across State
Major tornadoes strike Oklahoma, sparking power outages, new warnings, and urgent safety alerts. Here’s the latest and what you can do.
- 6,300+ Oklahomans lost power in OKC metro alone overnight
- 74 mph wind gusts clocked in Guthrie, damaging property
- Quarter-sized hail and multiple tornadoes reported before sunrise
- Over a dozen counties issued tornado warnings early Friday
Oklahoma residents woke Friday morning to blaring tornado sirens, flickering lights, and relentless thunder as a severe weather outbreak hammered the state with damaging winds, large hail, and several confirmed tornado touchdowns.
Starting after midnight and intensifying before dawn, powerful storms swept through central and eastern Oklahoma, triggering tornado warnings and leaving thousands without electricity—many in the heart of Oklahoma City.
Storm chasers described vivid scenes of power flashes, lowering clouds with rapid rotation, and tornadoes touching down near towns like Lexington and Slaughterville. As daylight broke, the full scope of the damage became clearer.
Related: Stay up-to-date with the latest severe weather alerts at the National Weather Service and get live storm tracking from KOCO 5.
Q: Where Were the Strongest Tornadoes Reported?
The most significant tornado activity was tracked through Cleveland, Garvin, McClain, and Pottawatomie counties. Early Friday, a tornado was confirmed on the ground near Lexington, with another vortex spotted near Highway 77 south of Slaughterville.
Meteorologists described blinding rain, fast-moving clouds, and winds powerful enough to snap trees and tear apart rooftops.
Q: What Counties Are Still Under Threat?
While the initial tornado warnings expired for some areas by sunrise, fresh warnings continued cycling into mid-morning for parts of Oklahoma, including large swaths around OKC. Severe thunderstorm warnings, with embedded tornado risks, remained active for Cleveland, McClain, Pottawatomie, Seminole, Lincoln, Payne, and more.
Residents from Guthrie to Ponca City and Goldsby were urged to stay weather aware, as conditions could create new tornadoes with little warning.
How to Stay Safe When Tornadoes Strike in 2025
Experts from the American Red Cross emphasize that tornado preparedness can save lives:
– Always have a NOAA Weather Radio on and charged.
– Know your local shelter locations—basements or interior rooms are safest.
– Charge devices and have flashlights ready.
– Avoid windows and outside walls.
– If driving, never try to outrun a tornado; seek shelter.
With 2025 bringing above-average severe weather across the Midwest, officials stress reviewing tornado plans with your household—even before warnings are issued.
Q: How Widespread Are Power Outages and Damage?
More than 6,000 households lost power in OKC before sunrise, with outages spreading to surrounding towns as lines were damaged by trees and wind. OG&E’s System Watch reported more than 3,300 customers without electricity in central Oklahoma and neighboring counties.
Hail, measuring up to the size of quarters, smashed vehicles and windows, while 70+ mph wind gusts uprooted trees and tore apart sheds. Emergency crews worked rapidly to restore power and assess storm damage at daybreak.
See the updated power outage map at OG&E.
What’s Next: When Will the Storms Clear?
Meteorologists say severe weather will move east by afternoon, but unstable conditions could spark additional thunderstorms throughout the morning hours. Residents should keep mobile devices charged, monitor local forecasts, and expect further weather alerts.
Act Now: Prepare for More Severe Weather—Don’t Wait for Tornado Sirens!
Checklist for Oklahoma Residents:
- Monitor NOAA and local weather apps for live alerts
- Review and practice your severe weather safety plan
- Stock up on emergency supplies (water, flashlight, power banks)
- Know the fastest route to your closest storm shelter
- Help neighbors, especially the elderly, stay informed and prepared
Stay vigilant, Oklahoma—the 2025 storm season is just beginning. For real-time updates, head to the Weather Channel and make sure you’re subscribed to local news alerts. Your safety comes first.
References
