Oklahoma Severe Weather Timeline: Hail And Strong Winds Wednesday

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on Apr 25, 2025

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Early Morning Warnings and Initial Reports (Oklahoma Weather Alerts)

The National Weather Service (NWS) began issuing Oklahoma weather alerts early Wednesday morning, with the first severe thunderstorm warnings appearing around 6:00 AM CST. Initial reports focused on the potential for large hail and damaging winds, primarily targeting the central and western regions of the state. Counties such as Canadian, Grady, and Beckham were among the first to be placed under warnings. The NWS also issued a tornado watch for parts of western Oklahoma, urging residents to remain vigilant.

• 6:00 AM CST: First severe thunderstorm warnings issued.
• 6:30 AM CST: Reports of pea-sized hail begin coming in from El Reno.
• 7:15 AM CST: Tornado watch issued for western Oklahoma counties.
• 7:45 AM CST: Reports of strong winds and quarter-sized hail emerge from near Clinton.

Mid-Day Intensification: Hail and Wind Damage (Oklahoma Hail Storms)

The severe weather intensified significantly during the midday hours. Between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM CST, the storm system unleashed a barrage of damaging hail and ferocious winds across a wide swath of the state. Reports poured in of golf ball-sized hail, and in some areas, hail stones the size of baseballs were reported, causing substantial damage to vehicles, homes, and businesses. Strong winds, estimated to have reached speeds of over 60 mph in some locations, brought down numerous trees, power lines, and even caused structural damage to several buildings. While no tornadoes touched down, the intense wind gusts caused significant damage akin to a small tornado's effect.

• 11:30 AM CST: Reports of golf ball-sized hail in Oklahoma City metro area.
• 12:45 PM CST: Significant tree damage reported in Norman due to high winds.
• 1:15 PM CST: Baseball-sized hail reported near Chickasha, causing extensive damage to vehicles.
• 1:45 PM CST: Power outages reported affecting thousands of homes across the state.

Afternoon Diminishment and Cleanup (Oklahoma Storm Damage)

By late afternoon, the severe weather system began to weaken and move out of the state. Cleanup efforts immediately commenced, with emergency response teams dispatched across the affected areas to assess the damage and assist those in need. The full extent of the Oklahoma storm damage is still being evaluated, but initial reports indicate thousands of homes and businesses experienced some level of damage. Power outages remained widespread, with utility companies working diligently to restore electricity to affected areas. While thankfully no fatalities were reported, numerous injuries were reported, mainly due to flying debris.

• 3:00 PM CST: Severe thunderstorm warnings expire for most of the state.
• 4:00 PM CST: Emergency response teams begin assessing damage and assisting residents.
• 5:00 PM CST: Power outages estimated to affect over 20,000 homes and businesses.
• Resources for affected individuals: [Link to relevant state or local government resources]

Safety Tips for Future Oklahoma Severe Weather (Oklahoma Severe Weather Safety)

Oklahoma is prone to severe weather, so preparedness is vital. It's crucial to stay informed about Oklahoma severe weather forecasts and warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Having an emergency preparedness kit, including food, water, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio, is highly recommended. Remember to seek shelter immediately when a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.

• Develop an emergency plan: Know where to go in your home or neighborhood for shelter during a severe storm.
• Monitor weather alerts: Use NOAA Weather Radio or reliable weather apps for real-time updates.
• Create a go-bag: Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies in case of evacuation.

Conclusion

Wednesday's Oklahoma severe weather event demonstrated the destructive power of large hail and damaging winds. The widespread damage underscores the importance of being prepared for these types of storms. The detailed timeline highlights the rapid escalation and widespread impact of this weather system, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive safety measures. Stay informed about future Oklahoma severe weather by following the National Weather Service and your local news sources. Share this article to help others prepare for severe weather in Oklahoma and encourage your network to take the necessary precautions.