Oklahoma is bracing for a night of severe weather as tornado-warned storms move across the state. The KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team is providing live coverage and continuous updates as the storms progress, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions. This article will provide a detailed timeline of the storm’s movement, potential hazards, and safety measures to help residents stay safe.
With the severe weather risk increasing, it is crucial for Oklahomans to remain vigilant and prepared. Damaging winds, large hail, and the threat of tornadoes pose significant risks, making real-time updates and expert advice essential. Stay tuned for the latest developments and heed the warnings from the KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team.
This article will cover the timeline of storm updates, providing specific details on tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, and reported damage. Additionally, it will highlight key information from KOCO 5 meteorologists and storm chasers, offering a comprehensive overview of the severe weather event unfolding across Oklahoma.
KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team Tracking Storms
The KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team is diligently tracking fast-moving, tornado-warned storms moving into the OKC metro area. With live coverage and constant updates, the team ensures that residents across Oklahoma stay informed about the evolving weather conditions.
As of Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the team is following storms moving into Oklahoma, providing updates throughout the day. The focus remains on delivering timely and accurate information to help residents prepare and stay safe. The severity of the weather necessitates continuous monitoring and immediate dissemination of warnings.
Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane and Special Projects Producer/Digital Editor Addison Kliewer are among the key figures providing updates and insights. Their expertise helps to break down complex weather patterns and potential threats into understandable and actionable information. The team’s dedication is crucial in keeping the community informed.
“The KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team is committed to providing the most accurate and timely weather updates to keep our community safe,” says Damon Lane.
Tornado Warnings and Storm Updates
Throughout Tuesday, a series of tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued across various counties in Oklahoma. These warnings prompted immediate safety measures and highlighted the dynamic nature of the severe weather event. Regular updates from the KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team kept residents informed of the changing conditions.
At 10:55 p.m., a tornado warning was issued for Noble and Payne counties, indicating the urgent need for residents to take cover. Similarly, at 10:48 p.m., Oklahoma and Logan counties were placed under a tornado warning as a storm moved east at 60 mph. These alerts underscore the rapid pace and potential danger of the storms.
Additional updates included reports of power outages in Kingfisher and traffic backups on Interstate 40 near Meridian, further complicating the situation. The KOCO 5 team emphasized the importance of avoiding travel and seeking shelter as the storms progressed. Each update provided critical information to help residents make informed decisions.
“Take cover now! A tornado warning has been issued for your area. Seek shelter immediately,” urged Addison Kliewer.
Confirmed Tornado and Storm Chaser Reports
On Tuesday night, a confirmed tornado was spotted in Major County, highlighting the real and present danger posed by the severe weather. KOCO 5 First Alert Storm Chaser Shane Helton captured video of the tornado, providing visual confirmation of the event and reinforcing the urgency of safety precautions.
The tornado was located just east of Fairview, near the towns of Ringwood and Ames. The National Weather Service issued a warning for a confirmed tornado in the area, prompting immediate action from residents. The video footage served as a stark reminder of the potential impact of these storms.
Additional reports confirmed a tornado four miles north of Hunter, moving quickly to the east at 55 mph. The tornado warning was issued for Kay, Noble, Grant, and Garfield counties, further expanding the area under immediate threat. These reports underscored the widespread nature of the severe weather and the need for vigilance.
“The tornado is on the ground! Take shelter immediately and stay informed,” warned Shane Helton, KOCO 5 First Alert Storm Chaser.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Potential Hazards
In addition to tornado warnings, numerous severe thunderstorm warnings were issued across Oklahoma, indicating the potential for damaging winds and large hail. These warnings covered a wide range of counties, emphasizing the widespread nature of the severe weather event. Residents were advised to take precautions to protect themselves and their property.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Blaine, Canadian, Garfield, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, Major, Noble, Oklahoma, and Payne counties until 11 p.m. The storms were located along a line extending from 3 miles south of Kremlin to 3 miles northeast of Dover to 3 miles northeast of Calumet, moving east at 60 mph. The primary hazards included 70 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.
Another severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Noble, Grant, Kay, and Garfield counties, with thunderstorms located along a line extending from 4 miles north of Deer Creek to near Garber, moving east at 40 mph. These storms also posed a threat of 70 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail. The combination of high winds and hail created dangerous conditions for those in the affected areas.
“Stay indoors and away from windows during severe thunderstorm warnings. Secure loose objects and be prepared for strong winds and hail,” advised Jonathan Conder, KOCO 5 Meteorologist.
Early Warnings and Forecasts
Prior to the onset of severe weather, KOCO 5 meteorologists provided early warnings and forecasts to help residents prepare. These forecasts included risk levels, potential hazards, and timelines for storm arrival, offering valuable information for decision-making. The proactive approach aimed to minimize the impact of the storms and ensure public safety.
KOCO 5 Meteorologist Jonathan Conder highlighted that northern Oklahoma was under a Level 4 risk for severe storms, indicating a high likelihood of storm reports in the area near Alva. The risk decreased further south, with the northern parts of the Oklahoma City metro under a Level 2 threat and the southern parts under a Level 1 threat. This detailed risk assessment allowed residents to understand their specific level of vulnerability.
The tornado threat was also emphasized, with northern Oklahoma having a tornado index of four on a one to 10 scale. Areas like Stillwater and the northern parts of the OKC metro had a tornado index of two, while the southern parts of the OKC metro down to Lawton had a tornado index of one. These indices provided a clear indication of the potential for tornado activity across the state.
“Our goal is to give Oklahomans as much advance notice as possible so they can take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families,” said Jonathan Conder.
The severe weather event that swept across Oklahoma on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, underscored the importance of timely and accurate weather updates. The KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team provided continuous coverage, delivering critical information to help residents stay safe and informed. From tornado warnings to severe thunderstorm warnings, the team’s expertise and dedication were invaluable.
Key takeaways from the event include the rapid and unpredictable nature of severe weather, the importance of heeding warnings from local meteorologists, and the need to have a plan in place for seeking shelter. The confirmed tornado in Major County served as a stark reminder of the potential impact of these storms, reinforcing the urgency of preparedness.
As Oklahoma continues to face severe weather threats, staying connected with trusted news sources like FYM News and the KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team remains essential. Download the KOCO 5 App to receive customized weather alerts and stay informed about the latest developments. By working together and staying vigilant, Oklahomans can better navigate these challenging weather events and protect their communities.
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