A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Norman and OU's campus with possibilities of flash flooding and hail:
The National Weather Service issued a thunderstorm watch until Saturday for Cleveland County.
According to the National Weather Service, Friday night has a likelihood of thunderstorms, which may produce heavy rainfall, and large hail. Northeast winds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, and a chance of rain near or close to 100%.
On Saturday, there is a chance of thunderstorms and showers. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall with winds of 10 to 15 mph. Thunderstorms are likely to occur, but mainly in the evening. Locally heavy rainfall is possible. Temperature lows estimated to be in the upper 50s. East winds around 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Chances of rain near or close to 100%.
On Sunday, there are showers with a chance of thunderstorms in the morning, which may produce heavy rainfall. A flood watch is also in effect until 7 p.m. on Sunday.
In preparation of severe weather, OU sent a mass email to inform, and advise the OU community.
Severe Weather Terminology: Watch vs. Warning:
According to OU, a severe weather watch means to “be prepared” while a severe weather warning means to “take action.”
A severe thunderstorm or tornado watch is issued when the conditions for a tornado or thunderstorm to occur are met, typically within six hours. OU advised people to stay up to date with the ongoing weather situation.
A severe weather warning is issued when severe weather is “imminent” or already occurring in your area. OU advised that people stay indoors, or seek immediate shelter in this scenario.
According to the email, OU will send an OU RAVE Tornado Alert message if a tornado is expected to threaten Norman’s campus.
OU also wrote to be mindful that there may be occasions where the city of Norman employs its outdoor warning sirens, but an OU Rave text is not sent. In those instances, OU advised that people remain vigilant in monitoring local weather reports
Make a plan
In preparation of severe weather, OU advises people to identify a safe place at home and follow the “get in, get down, cover” strategy by choosing an interior room on the lowest floor, and use a helmet and or blankets and pillows to protect oneself from potential debris.
For homemade refuge areas, OU advised they be dusted and cleaned with clear floor space, and unobstructed entrances that are properly working. Refuge areas should have easy accessibility for blankets, pillows, helmets, shoes, and a safety kit. OU also cautioned the refuge area be properly ventilated before spraying the room for bugs and insects.
OU also advised people to have an emergency supply kit thatincludes bottled water, a first aid kit, a battery-operated flashlight, radio, fully charged cell phone chargers, at least three days of non-perishable food items, blankets, clothing, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, personal hygiene supplies, identification, and insurance documentation.
Shelter in place
If told to “shelter in place” take shelter in the building you are currently in when the warning is issued. For those who live on campus, OU residence halls have available shelters. For anyone working on campus at the time of the warning, they are advised to immediately go to the severe weather refuge area in the building they are working.
Severe weather shelters are available in each building across campus. A comprehensive list is available here.
OU advised those who don’t live on campus to seek refuge at home unless they are already on campus when the warning is issued. According to the email, OU campus buildings are not public storm shelters.
OU also advised people to not drive during a storm, and to never seek shelter underneath a bridge or overpass.
According to the email, if you are already outside when a warning is issued, quickly move to the nearest building to seek refuge.
Stay informed
OU will send a RAVE alert if there is a tornado watch or warning on or near the Norman campus.
RAVE alerts may be sent over text message, email, social media or phone call. Emergency contact information for students, faculty and staff is already pre-loaded in the RAVE system, but to update or verify contact information, OU community members may visit ecs.ou.edu.
Norman residents can sign up for emergency alerts through the city of Norman.
Phones should be charged and be able to work without Wi-Fi in the event of a power outage. Pay attention to weather updates and have a plan to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued.
All on-campus housing has shelter options in case of severe weather. The shelters are only available to students.
This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure.
