National Weather Center

The National Weather Center on July 23, 2020.

 Trey Young/The Daily

Editor's note: This story was updated Sunday morning to characterize Saturday night's storms as possible tornadoes pending official designations from the National Weather Service. This story was again updated on Tuesday to reflect the rating of the tornado in the story and headline. 

On Saturday, two possible tornadoes hit Norman near OU’s campus. The storm led to several event cancelations and reported debris near campus. On Tuesday, the National Weather Service said one tornado near the Max Westheimer Airport was an EF1, with wind peaking at 85 to 90 miles per hour and traveling 3.5 miles. 

Watch OU Nightly’s severe weather coverage from Saturday’s storms and revisit a timeline of the day and night’s events below.

10:16 p.m.

According to OU Nightly’s radar, Norman is currently clear of tornado risk for the rest of the evening.

10:00 p.m.

According to an alert from the Norman Police Department, storms continue in the area. Avoid travel if possible. Roads may be blocked by downed trees.

The police request people only call 911 to report an emergency or if you are in need of emergency assistance.

9:41 p.m.

According to the OU Nightly, some debris is located near campus by the Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Radar is showing storms are moving north of campus.

9:33 p.m.

Sirens are again going off in Norman. 

9:25 p.m.

Sirens throughout Norman are sounding. The National Weather services in encouraging residents to seek shelter now.

9:18 p.m.

Cleveland County is under a tornado warning. OU has issued an emergency alert:

"OU-NORMAN Emergency 9:17pm Tornado WARNING in effect for OU-NORMAN Campus. Seek shelter NOW inside the building you are in. Move to lowest floor/interior room."

9:15 p.m.

The National Weather Service has confirmed a tornado is on the ground in Cole, near Washington and Blanchard, southwest of Norman. 

9:05 p.m.

According to OU Nightly’s radar, storms including hail and strong winds are expected to hit OU’s Norman campus at 9:26 p.m.

The only tornado warning in the state is issued for McClain and Grady counties, located southwest of campus. 

8:02 p.m.

A tornado watch will remain in effect for Cleveland County until 3 a.m., according to an alert from the Norman Police Department. Severe weather into the overnight hours is possible, including flooding, hail, strong winds and tornadoes. 

7:42 p.m.

Tonight’s performance of Contemporary Dance Oklahoma has been cancelled. Ticket holders can contact the box office to exchange tickets for one of the remaining performances which will be held April 28 at 3 p.m., 2, 3 at 8 p.m. and May 4 at 3 p.m.

5:07 p.m.

The Norman North High School prom, which was scheduled for OU's campus this evening, has been postponed due to the severe weather risk according to an email sent by Norman Public Schools to parents at 2:44 p.m. 

The district had been in communication with the National Weather Service all day before making the decision to postpone. 

4:17 p.m.

The Opolis, a music venue and vegan food restaurant in downtown Norman, announced on Instagram that it's shutting down today due to the inclement weather.

The music venue will reschedule bands for Tomorrow Fest for Sunday.

1:59 p.m.

A tornado watch has been issued for Cleveland County for the remainder of the afternoon and evening, according to a weather alert from the Norman Police Department. 

1:22 p.m.

A particularly dangerous situation tornado watch was issued for parts of central and western Oklahoma as storms move across the state.

According to the National Weather Service, a particularly dangerous situation tornado watch is used in particular situations when long-lived, strong and violent tornadoes are possible. This is the highest-level watch that can be issued for tornadoes.

Norman Music Festival activities for Saturday have been canceled according to a social media post by the Norman Police Department. 

“Under an abundance of caution the Norman Music Alliance has decided to cancel all outdoor events at Norman Music Festival as well as The Sooner Theatre today,” a statement by the Norman Music Alliance read. “We take seriously the safety of our vendors, talent, stage crew, and attendees." 

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Oklahoma and Texas until 8 pm.

According to the National Weather Service, areas along and southeast of Interstate 44 have the best chance of seeing flooding rainfall through tonight. Norman is predicted to have moderate flash flood risk.

The OU Baseball game against Texas has been rescheduled due to the weather for 1 p.m. on Sunday.

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