June 8, 2025

Storm Prediction Center Tornado Watch 279

7 min read


WW0279 Radar

Note: 
The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is
replaced, cancelled or extended.

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   SEL9

   URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
   Tornado Watch Number 279
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   240 PM CDT Sat May 17 2025

   The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

   * Tornado Watch for portions of 
     Western and Southern Oklahoma
     Northwest Texas

   * Effective this Saturday afternoon and evening from 240 PM until
     1000 PM CDT.

   * Primary threats include...
     A couple tornadoes possible
     Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3
       inches in diameter likely
     Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely

   SUMMARY...Widely scattered supercell thunderstorms are expected to
   develop this afternoon in a very moist and unstable air mass.  Very
   large hail and damaging winds may occur in these storms.  A warm
   front draped across Oklahoma may provide sufficient low-level shear
   for a few tornadoes as well.

   The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles
   north and south of a line from 45 miles west northwest of Altus OK
   to 35 miles east southeast of Mcalester OK. For a complete depiction
   of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
   WOU9).

   PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

   REMEMBER...A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
   tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
   area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
   threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
   and possible warnings.

   &&

   OTHER WATCH INFORMATION...CONTINUE...WW 277...WW 278...

   AVIATION...Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
   surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
   gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 550. Mean
   storm motion vector 25030.

   ...Hart

2025-05-18 00:42:04