Severe storms threaten Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals Game 2 tonight: Could it be delayed?
When the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, there will be plenty of thunder and severe weather happening outside Paycom Center in the Oklahoma City metro.
Current projections from the National Weather Service forecast severe storms to start after 4 p.m. at the earliest and continue until 11 p.m. at the latest over Oklahoma City.
These storms are predicted to create wind gusts up to 80 mph and up to baseball-sized hail near OKC. More risky severe weather is expected in southwestern Oklahoma, but conditions can always worsen quickly.
Here is what to know about severe weather chances in Oklahoma City going into Game 2 on Sunday.
According to forecasts from the NWS Norman station, the Oklahoma City metro could see rain starting between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Severe weather should end by 11 p.m. in the metro, but severe weather watches, if issued, could be extended.
The southeast winds could have gusts higher than 80 mph throughout the metro, even though there is low potential for a tornado.
The metro area is only at an "enhanced risk" of seeing severe weather on Sunday night. Yet, these forecasts include hail up to a softball size.
As of 4 p.m., the NWS has issued warnings only in southwestern Oklahoma.
According to FEMA guidelines, the best places to be during a storm are a storm shelter or a basement.
If you are unable to reach a shelter or a basement, FEMA recommends going to the innermost room, hallway, or closet on the lowest level of the building.
According to Lucy Albers, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Paycom, the facility is prepared to accommodate for any severe weather conditions.
For starters, she noted that the facility typically doesn't allow umbrellas, but due to the weather, they will make an exception and allow guests to bring them in.
Because of the gambit of weather events Oklahoma can be presented, Albers also said they have to be prepared for everything.
"We're a large sporting event facility in Oklahoma, so this is not the first time we've had events in some severe weather," Albers said.
Leading up to events, Albers noted that leadership has discussions with the staff regarding safety protocols. During the event, the security manager is in direct contact with individuals at the NWS and staying up to date on all possibilities.
Should the storm continue after the final whistle blows and remain severe enough, Albers said the Paycom Center is likely to hold guests in longer to ensure they stay as safe as possible, following a shelter-in-place protocol.
Both officials with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Albers stated that should the weather become severe enough, the NBA holds the ability to make a call regarding gameplay; however, it would be communicated effectively to all parties involved.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NBA Finals: OKC storms could impact Thunder-Pacers game, what to know
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