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News 9 is tracking tornado warnings crossing the Oklahoma City metro right now. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Norman from 7:25 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, April 3. Damaging hail as large as 1 inch, powerful winds, and tornadoes pose an immediate threat.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Tornado Warning: Norman, Caddo, and Canadian counties with immediate threat
- Time Window: Initially 7:25 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday April 3, 2026
- Hail Size: Up to 1 inch and larger, threatening vehicles and property
- Primary Hazards: Damaging winds, heavy rain, flooding, and confirmed tornado risk
Breaking Storm Alert for Friday Evening
Severe storms are actively moving across the Oklahoma City metropolitan area this Friday evening. The National Weather Service has issued multiple tornado warnings as strong cells develop along a stalled cold front and dryline. Two distinct waves of thunderstorms are expected to impact central Oklahoma.
Residents in the OKC metro should take immediate shelter. According to the NWS, move to a storm shelter, safe room, or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building immediately, avoiding all windows.
News 9 tracks tornado warnings across OKC metro as severe storms move through Friday evening
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What News 9 Meteorologists Are Tracking
David Payne and the News 9 Storm Team confirmed two dangerous storm systems will sweep through Oklahoma. A cold front moves in from the northwest while a dryline extends across the southwest region. The first wave of storms ahead of the cold front carries the most severe potential.
The lowest tornado threat exists well with strong updrafts along the dryline and storm-relative wind shear. Heavy rain with quarter to golf ball-sized hail will be possible with the strongest cells. Wind gusts could exceed 60 to 70 mph in some thunderstorms.
Timeline and Storm Progression
| Time Period | What to Expect |
| Late Afternoon to Midnight | First wave of storms, highest tornado threat |
| Midnight to Early Morning | Second wave behind cold front, tornado threat decreases |
| Saturday Morning | Storm systems move southeast, threat clears OKC |
| Saturday Afternoon | Cooler, north wind, highs in the 60s |
“TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a storm shelter, safe room, or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.”
— National Weather Service, Official Tornado Warning
After the Storm: A Beautiful Easter Weekend
Once the severe weather clears late Saturday, gorgeous spring conditions will take over. Saturday will be cooler with north winds and afternoon highs only reaching the 60s. Sunday brings a stunning Easter forecast with sunny skies and temperatures climbing to the low 70s.
The cold front will completely clear the region by Saturday morning, eliminating all tornado threats. Early next week maintains the beautiful pattern before severe storm chances return late week.
How Should You Respond to Tonight’s Tornado Warnings?
The National Weather Service emphasizes immediate action during a tornado warning. This means someone spotted a tornado on radar or visually. Move to the lowest interior room of your home away from windows. If you are in a mobile home, evacuate to a sturdy building immediately.
Have an emergency plan ready, know multiple safe shelter locations, and check storm updates regularly through News 9 meteorologists and official weather sources. Stay tuned to local broadcasts for real-time updates as the severe weather situation unfolds.
Sources
- News 9 – David Payne’s Friday evening forecast and storm analysis
- The Oklahoman – Live tornado warning updates and emergency guidance
- National Weather Service – Official tornado warnings and severe weather alerts
