Risky weather in today’s forecast

Today is by far the most risky for Ponca City folks, Ponca City Emergency Management Director Paula Cain said.

Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop along a cold front and dryline after 7 p.m., dropping down from the north, Cain said.

Additional storms will move in from the Texas panhandle.  Individual cells will form into a large complex.

Thunderstorm risks will include damaging winds up to 80 mph with hail up to the size of baseballs in some western areas with very heavy rain.

There will also be a low chance of QLCS tornadoes.  Yes this is a term you may not have heard of, unless you live in Newkirk, where a QLCS did damage on May 7.

“We are not real comfortable with this phenomenon, but improved radar has made them more visible,” Cain said.  “They are typically found on the leading edge of thunderstorm complexes, and occur so rapidly and briefly that issuing warnings can sometimes be impossible.  Just remember to be alert and ready with any thunderstorm warning!  Some of Ponca’s worst damage in the past has been from strong, straight-line winds.  Heavy rain in the area could quickly cause flash flooding, and you want to avoid the giant hail anyway, so staying home is a good idea this evening.”

Wednesday evening storms should impact mostly southern and southeastern Oklahoma, with additional severe weather over the weekend, Cain said.

“More information will become available later in the week.  Till then, pay attention to the severe weather activity tonight,” Cain said.