The National Weather Service has issued another Tornado Watchfor Sunday afternoon and evening for central and eastern Oklahoma on what's expected to be the last day of this complex system that's brought more than a foot of rain to parts of Oklahoma.
Here we go again... #okwx pic.twitter.com/5LGafJynWy
— Rick Smith (@ounwcm) May 10, 2015
Meteorologists say the tornado threat is low, and the main concerns are large hail and more heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding. NWS forecaster Marc Austin said the tornado potential Sunday is lower than it has been over the last few days.The tornado watch could be scaled back as the cold front moves through the area.
"We don't think we're going to get quite enough instability to really favor tornadoes today, Wind shear is not that favorable either," Austin said. "But if we were to get a very brief tornado it probably would occur across portions of south central and southeastern Oklahoma."
Early Sunday afternoon storms that developed over north central Oklahoma showed signs of severe activity with frequent lightning and small hail. More flash flood warnings could be issued through Sunday evening.
"With these storms coming out of northern Texas and moving into eastern Oklahoma, because they're going to be training over the same areas, and the ground is already very saturated, we do have an enhanced risk of flash flooding across south central and southeastern Oklahoma," Austin said. "That's not to say we might not see some flooding elsewhere. We do have have heavy rain in other areas, and the ground is virtually saturated everywhere. So anywhere that gets heavy rain is probably going to have a flash flood threat."
One person died and dozens were injured due to tornadoes and flash flooding Wednesday, the first day of this multi-day severe weather episode.
Storms in north central Texas killed on person and left others missing as tornadoes touched down near the Oklahoma border Saturday afternoon.
Austin said the newt few days could provide relief from severe weather, but strong thunderstorms could return to the forecast by mid-week.
---------------------------------------------------------------
KGOU is a community-supported news organization and relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.