Thousands in Oklahoma Ordered to Take Cover Now, Severe Tornado Warning

Miami Herald

a day ago

A severe tornado warning was issued early Friday morning by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, urging residents in Osage and Pawnee counties to take cover immediately.
At 3:09 a.m. CDT, radar detected a severe thunderstorm with rotation, located approximately nine miles east of Marland, and moving east at 35 miles per hour. The storm was reported capable of producing a tornado and half-dollar-sized hail, prompting officials to warn that flying debris could pose significant danger to anyone caught outside without shelter.
Interactive maps from Windy.com showed the paths of the storms.
Early Morning Tornado Threat in Northern Oklahoma
The NWS in Tulsa issued a tornado warning effective from 3:10 a.m. CDT to 3:45 a.m. CDT on June 6, 2025, for Osage and Pawnee counties. Officials reported radar-indicated rotation within a severe thunderstorm east of Marland, with hazards including the potential for tornado formation and hail up to half-dollar size. The NWS advised that "flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter," and noted wind damage to mobile homes, vehicles, roofs, and windows was likely.
Communities at Risk and Safety Instructions
Ralston and Fairfax were identified as being within or near the storm's projected path during the warning period. Residents in affected areas received instructions to immediately move to basements or interior rooms on the lowest floor of sturdy buildings, and to avoid windows. Those in vehicles, mobile homes, or outdoors were urged to seek substantial shelter and protect themselves from flying debris. The NWS emphasized that timely compliance with these safety instructions can be lifesaving during rapidly developing tornado threats.
Wider Severe Weather Outlook for the Central U.S.
The tornado warning was part of a broader severe weather pattern across the central and southern High Plains. Forecasters anticipated scattered severe thunderstorms throughout the day, with associated risks including very large hail, damaging winds, and additional tornadoes.
Tornado History in the Region
Oklahoma regularly experiences severe weather, as evidenced by a tornado in Norman on June 3, 2025. During that storm, the NWS confirmed a tornado, though officials reported "hardly any damage" in the Oklahoma City metro area. Nonetheless, the region saw significant rainfall, hail, heavy winds, and flooding.
Preparedness and Monitoring
The NWS urged continued vigilance as the storm track shifted eastward. Emergency officials stressed the importance of monitoring weather updates and local alerts. Real-time impacts and damage reports were made available through NWS networks nationwide, helping residents stay informed and safe during ongoing severe weather activity.
The latest severe weather outbreak highlights the persistent tornado risk across the central United States, particularly in Oklahoma, which sits within what is often referred to as "Tornado Alley." Extreme weather events like these endanger lives, disrupt communities, and test emergency preparedness systems. Understanding and responding to warnings from the NWS remains critical for public safety, especially as spring and early summer bring a heightened risk of violent storms to the region.
The NWS continued to monitor conditions in Osage, Pawnee, and surrounding counties for further tornado development, issuing updates as the situation evolved. Residents were advised to heed official warnings throughout the severe weather cycle and stay alert for any additional storm advisories or emergency instructions.
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