At least three tornadoes struck communities south of Oklahoma City Thursday night, the National Weather Service said, as tornado warnings remain in place for parts of the region.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service’s Norman office encouraged people to take cover immediately.
A tornado warning was in effect for central Cleveland County and west central Pottawatomi County as of 11 p.m. Central Time.
Forecasters said ping-pong-sized hail was possible, as the winds could damage homes or down trees.
The weather service said tornadoes were confirmed to touch down north of Noble, Cole and Rush Springs between 7:45 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Central Time. No injuries or deaths were immediately reported.
According to The Oklahoman, storm trackers reported some damage in Noble, such as downed power poles, debris and some building damage.
McClain County Sheriff Landy Ofolter said in an interview with KWTV-DT, an Oklahoma City TV station, that he was not aware of any major damage or injuries in the area, but that police were patrolling the streets and checking homes. Was getting it done.
Tornadoes were also seen in Kansas and Nebraska.
Weather Service forecasters in Norman said three storms are moving through Oklahoma and one has the potential to produce a tornado.
Weather Service, “Storm coverage is increasing in south central Oklahoma, as well as north central Oklahoma.” said in a tweet. “Be aware of the weather this evening!”
In April, three people were killed in or near Cole when a storm system spawned several tornadoes. The storm displaced residents, damaged homes, and left thousands without power.
Scientists have yet to determine whether there is a relationship between climate change and the frequency or strength of tornadoes. But they say tornadoes seem to occur in more and more clusters in recent years and that the region of the United States with the most tornadoes, an area of ​​the Great Plains known as Tornado Alley, is east seems to be shifting towards
