The National Weather Service placed the Oklahoma City metro, including Norman and surrounding areas, under a moderate risk for severe weather.

Forecast from the National Weather Service: There is a moderate risk for severe weather and tornadoes across central and eastern Oklahoma through Monday evening. The time of greatest concern is between 2 to 10 p.m. with threats of a strong tornado during the afternoon and evening.

All severe weather hazards are expected with wind gusts of over 80 mph and potentially softball sized hail to arrive around 2 p.m. Monday and end at 1 a.m. Tuesday.

Timeline of events

4:30 p.m.

A thunderstorm developing southwest of Norman and moving north may run just west of the city, and is not expected to hit OU's campus.

1:36 p.m.

OU announced the Norman campus will close beginning 2 p.m. due to potential severe weather. In-person classes will be canceled and there will be no remote work.

12:05 p.m.

A tornado watch has been issued for Cleveland County until 7 p.m. Monday.

This is the third consecutive day Cleveland County has been placed under a tornado watch.

11:54 a.m. 

The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Cleveland County and surrounding areas. 

OU, Norman severe weather tips

•  Tornado watch: Be attentive because a tornado may form nearby.
•  Tornado warning: Take shelter because a tornado has formed nearby.

Alerts

• OU will send a RAVE alert to students, faculty and staff if a tornado watch or warning is near campus.
• To update or verify contact info, visit ecs.ou.edu.
• Norman residents can sign up for alerts through the city.

Recommendations

• Phones: Charge devices in advance and be prepared for a power outage.
• Updates: Pay attention to weather updates and have a shelter plan if a warning is issued.
• Shelter: Easily entered and stocked with blankets, pillows, helmets, shoes and a safety kit.
• Safety kit: Water, first-aid kit, flashlight, radio, phone, food, clothing, medicine, hygiene supplies, wallet.

Shelter options

• Off campus: Shelter at home unless on campus when warning is issued. OU buildings are not public shelters. Take cover in an interior room on the lowest floor; use a helmet and/or blankets/pillows for protection.

• On campus: Shelter in place in the building you are in if told to do so. Residence halls have shelters for students.

Sirens, roads

• Norman sirens: City sirens may sound when an OU Rave alert is not sent. If that occurs, monitor weather reports.
• Driving: Do not drive in a storm, and never shelter under a bridge or overpass. Get into the nearest accessible building.

 This story was edited by Ana Barboza.

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