Residents in western Oklahoma are being urged to take immediate precautions this afternoon as a powerful thunderstorm lingers over parts of Custer and Roger Mills counties. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Norman issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 3:30 p.m. Monday, warning that the storm could bring damaging winds, hail, and torrential rainfall.
Radar indicated the storm was nearly stationary over Hammon, Moorewood, and the Foss Reservoir area, a situation that heightens the risk of extended impacts. Because the cell is not moving quickly, communities caught underneath may experience prolonged downpours, increasing the chance of flash flooding and waterlogged roadways.
Meteorologists reported wind gusts reaching 60 miles per hour, strong enough to peel siding from homes, topple trees, and scatter unsecured outdoor objects. Hail was also detected, raising concerns for vehicles parked outside as stones large enough to dent bodywork and shatter windshields fall across the region.
Emergency officials warned that flash flooding is a growing concern, particularly in rural areas where drainage is limited. Low-lying roads and creek crossings could become dangerous or impassable within minutes. Authorities strongly advise drivers to avoid flooded roadways, emphasizing the life-threatening risks of attempting to cross even shallow moving water.
For residents sheltering at home, safety officials recommend moving to the lowest level of a sturdy building until the storm passes. Mobile homes and vehicles are considered unsafe in these conditions. Those in the warning area should stay indoors, away from windows, and avoid unnecessary travel until the threat subsides.
Power outages are possible if tree limbs strike power lines or if winds bring down utility poles. Officials encourage residents to keep phones and flashlights charged, and to have basic supplies ready in case of service interruptions.
Though the immediate threat remains centered over Hammon and surrounding communities, forecasters caution that additional advisories may be issued if storms redevelop or intensify elsewhere in western Oklahoma.
The National Weather Service stressed that while the storm is relatively localized, it poses a serious threat to both property and personal safety. Residents are urged to remain weather-aware, monitor official updates, and act quickly if conditions worsen.
