A slight risk for severe weather had been forecast by the NWS for far western counties in Oklahoma, but I think the fact that a tornado was actually produced caught everyone off guard. Usually, this time of year, the chance of a damaging tornado hitting is very slim. The tornado that swiped through Roger Mills and Custer counties has been estimated at an EF1-EF2.
From storm reports relayed to the NWS by the county emergency manager, the tornado touched down near Hammon at about 5:20 PM and over the next hour, it moved into Custer county. A few homes were damaged and power lines and poles were taken down. There’s not been any reports of injuries.
More severe weather is expected to come close to our area on Wednesday, although it’s still not certain what the next system will bring. At this point, like yesterday, we’re expecting severe thunderstorms with hail, rain and some wind. Nothing much more than that. But, like yesterday, we can’t always count on what is normal for this time of year. The season is getting off to an active start.