Live updates: Multiple tornadoes reported as dangerous storms form in western Oklahoma.

Dale Denwalt, The Oklahoman

A wide swath of Oklahoma will experience numerous thunderstorms today through this evening on a prime day for strong, long-lasting tornadoes.

The National Weather Service forecast the possibility of strong tornadoes emerging from thunderstorms that will be moving across the state. Residents should also expect strong winds and hail with thunderstorms.

Organizers with the Norman Music Festival canceled events, although Festival of the Arts was still open to visitors as of 2 p.m.

More: On a busy festival weekend, Oklahoma's stormy forecast puts event organizers on high alert

Check here for live weather updates and to check power outages and closings in real-time. This page will be updated throughout the day and as weather-related news happens.

Tornado threat for OKC increasing

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service are warning that the chance for a supercell thunderstorm, capable of producing strong tornadoes, is increasing.

The threat for this particular storm in the Oklahoma City metro area should be expected until at least 5:30 p.m.

A small tornado near Hinton was visible on News9's broadcast.

– Dale Denwalt

Tornado warning for Canadian County storm

A severe storm near Eakly is now under a tornado warning, according to the National Weather Service. The warning includes Binger and Hinton.

The tornado warning continues until at least 4:30 p.m.

– Dale Denwalt

Tornado warning near Stillwater

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Payne County, which includes Morrison and Sumner. This area is north of Stillwater. A tornado was spotted.

– Dale Denwalt

Festival of the Arts closed for the day

Arts Council OKC spokesman Will Hutchison told The Oklahoman that the event would be closing for the night. The Festival of the Arts is scheduled to reopen Sunday morning.

– Brandy McDonnell

Several school proms canceled

A number of school proms were canceled Saturday in advance of severe weather expected to continue through the early morning hours. According to local media reports, the following prom ceremonies will not be held tonight:

  • Edmond

  • Yukon

  • Emerson North

  • Northwest Classen

  • Putnam City North (rescheduled for Sunday evening)

Mustang Schools was still considering whether to cancel its prom, and said it would update students and parents after 3:30 p.m.

– Dale Denwalt

Edmond Schools cancels prom

Edmond school officials announced Saturday that tonight's prom would be canceled:

We have been monitoring the weather forecasts throughout the day and out of an abundance of caution, prom will be canceled for this evening. As you have likely seen the National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for this afternoon and this evening noting today’s weather is a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” for the OKC Metro area.We understand this is not the desired outcome but the weather models are predicting conditions that are not safe for students or staff to encounter this evening. As you know, the safety of our students and staff members is always our top priority. The decision to cancel prom is actually more difficult than when we call a snow day because we know how much time and resources our families and schools spend making tonight memorable for our students.Communication will be sent regarding plans moving forward and if we can reschedule this evening's activities at a later date. We are already exploring options for next weekend.We appreciate your patience and understanding as we have had to make this difficult decision. Please stay safe and weather aware this evening.

Edmond Public Schools

– Murray Evans

Thunderstorm forms west of OKC

News9 meteorologists are reporting that severe thunderstorms have formed near Yukon, moving northbound. The Oklahoma City area remains under a tornado watch, while this particular storm has triggered a severe thunderstorm warning.

Rain in Oklahoma City has caused Festival of the Arts vendors to begin seeking shelter, according to Oklahoman reporter Brandy McDonnell.

– Dale Denwalt

Norman Music Festival activities canceled Saturday

In a post shared online by the Norman Police Department, organizers for the Norman Music Festival announced they would be canceling all outdoor events as well as the Sooner Theater on Saturday.

– Dale Denwalt

Tornado confirmed north of Enid

News9 Chief Meteorologist David Payne said on air that a tornado was on the ground northeast of Hillsdale, a small community north of Enid. The storm is moving northeast toward Pond Creek.

A tornado warning continues for this storm until at least 1:45 p.m.

– Dale Denwalt

Updated timing of Oklahoma severe storms

The National Weather Service has issued an update to when residents should expect severe storms in their area. Storms will reach Oklahoma City after 3 p.m.

Another round of storms will pass through the area this evening after 9 p.m.

– Dale Denwalt

'Big crowd' at Festival of the Arts on day of severe weather

Oklahoman writer Brandy McDonnell is at the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts today, where she's reporting that weather is (so far) cooperating. Severe storms aren't forecast to hit the OKC area until this afternoon.

– Dale Denwalt

Tornado warning for storm near Medford

A severe thunderstorm near Medford has strengthened and may produce a tornado imminently. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning until 12:15 p.m.

– Dale Denwalt

Active tornado warnings have expired

The tornado warnings active in western Oklahoma have expired. The storms remain severe and may strengthen again.

– Dale Denwalt

Tornado warning for Enid, Garfield County

A significant storm moving through northwest Oklahoma near Enid has the potential to develop a tornado imminently.

This tornado warning, and the alert for the other storm to its south, will continue until at least 11:15 a.m.

– Dale Denwalt

U.S. Air Force repositions aircraft ahead of storms

Airplanes from military bases in the Midwest are temporarily saying goodbye to their home bases today. This is a routine practice that happens often when severe weather approaches.

– Dale Denwalt

First tornado warning of the day in western Oklahoma

A strong thunderstorm near Leedey, Oklahoma, has triggered a tornado warning. This advisory lasts until 10:45 a.m.

– Dale Denwalt

OU Baseball cancels Saturday game

The University of Oklahoma baseball team announced it would cancel today's game against Texas.

The Sooners were scheduled to face the Longhorns at 4 p.m. today. The game will now be played as the first part of a double-header on Sunday. The replacement game will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, and the second game will take place 45 minutes after its conclusion.

Fans who purchased tickets for Sunday's game (originally scheduled for 2 p.m.) can use them for the second game of the DH. The stadium will be cleared after the conclusion of the first game and re-entry will be required for the finale.

– Brandy McDonnell

Weekly tornado siren test canceled

The tornado siren test that happens every Saturday at noon is canceled today. Sirens aren't tested on days when there is a threat of severe weather.

As of 9:15 a.m., western Oklahoma counties stretching from Enid to Altus are under a tornado watch until 1 p.m. Eastern and central Oklahoma are under a flood watch, according to the National Weather Service.

– Dale Denwalt

In OKC, storms likely after noon

NWS Norman expects severe storms to reach the Oklahoma City area by as early as 10 a.m. The greatest threat of storms occurs in the afternoon and evening hours.

– Dale Denwalt

Weather alerts: Map of current watches and warnings

Click on a shaded area to learn more, or view the full-size map here.

What to do when there's a tornado watch

Be prepared — tornadoes are possible in and around the area mentioned in the watch. Be ready to act quickly.

National Weather Service:How to prepare for a tornado

What to do in a tornado warning

Take action now. A warning means someone saw a tornado or one was indicated by weather radar. Under a tornado warning, there's imminent danger to life and property. Everyone should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows.

Live radar Oklahoma weather

Live Oklahoma power outages map

See live updates on how weather is impacting OG&E customers.

PSO power outage map

See live updates on how weather is impacting PSO utility customers.

Closings due to the weather

Keep up with school, church and event closings using the link below.

Oklahoma City Severe Weather Closings: Schools, churches, other services

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Updates: Oklahoma severe weather threat Saturday afternoon, evening

Advertisement