A potent upper level low pressure system is located over the Texas panhandle this afternoon. We have seen steady areas of showers and thunderstorms moving across the state. The heaviest rains have been from southwestern into central and northcentral Oklahoma where 1-2 inches of rain have fallen. Reports in the OKC metro area average between 1 1/2-2″. Here at Eyewitness News 5, we’ve seen 1.75″ of rain so far, and there is more on the way. We haven’t received any reports of signficant flooding, but remember that the #1 severe weather killer of nature is flash flooding, so be careful this afternoon.
A cold front is located from northeastern through southwestern Oklahoma. This front and the upper low in the panhandle will move across the state this afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms will continue to be likely. The greatest risk for severe weather will be over the southeastern half of the state, ahead of the front. Working against the threat for severe weather is the fact that we’ve got the widespread clouds and rain. Working for the threat for severe weather is the fact that this upper low will be moving right over the state.
By the way, some of the maximum wind gusts from the heatburst event in western Oklahoma last night include 64 mph at Altus, 60 mph at Camargo, 56 mph at Hollis and 55 mph at Cheyenne.
Andy
