Big Hail Pounds Central Oklahoma as Overnight Storms Bring Lightning, Heavy Rain
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — Central Oklahoma residents woke up to a loud and intense night as severe thunderstorms swept through the region late Thursday and into early Friday morning, bringing large hail, lightning, and heavy rainfall.
KOCO 5 First Alert Storm Chasers and Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane tracked the storms live as they moved across Oklahoma City, Choctaw, and nearby communities, capturing dramatic footage of hail covering streets and rooftops.
“Wow! Look at the black that just popped up there on the radar,” said Damon Lane as Storm Chaser Nick Smith navigated through a hail core near Northeast 16th Street in Oklahoma City. “Nick is right in the heart of this hail core. Yikes! Look at all the leaves coming down.”
Hail and Lightning Reported Across the Metro
Field Meteorologist Michael Armstrong shared video footage from Choctaw, where hailstones pelted his vehicle and blanketed the ground.
“The hailstones are getting bigger — at least quarter-sized, maybe a little bigger,” Armstrong reported. “But there’s so much of it. Look at the pavement, Damon. It’s getting so loud here in the truck.”
Meteorologists noted that quarter- to half-dollar-sized hail fell across multiple communities, including Oklahoma City, Choctaw, and Norman, while flashes of lightning illuminated the storm clouds throughout the night.
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado warning was briefly issued around 7 p.m. Thursday in Cotton County, near the Red River, though no tornado touchdowns were reported.
More Storms Expected Friday
The severe weather threat for Oklahoma isn’t over yet. Forecasters have placed much of southwestern, western, and central Oklahoma under a Level 1 “Marginal Risk” for additional storms Friday evening into the night.
While the tornado risk remains low, meteorologists warn that flooding could become a concern due to heavy rainfall totals expected over the next 24 hours.
Residents are advised to monitor local alerts and have multiple ways to receive warnings overnight.
Stay Weather Aware
Authorities urge Oklahomans to secure outdoor items and stay indoors during hail-producing storms. Motorists should avoid driving through flooded roadways and remain cautious in low-visibility conditions caused by heavy rain.
For continued weather updates and storm coverage across the Midwest, follow NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.