All thunderstorms are dangerous and produce lightning. Severe thunderstorms can also produce tornadoes, high winds, large hail and flash floods.

Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings 

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a thunderstorm watch when weather conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms. The NWS issues a thunderstorm warning when spotters confirm or radar indicates a thunderstorm is producing hail at least an inch in diameter and/or winds of 58 mph or more. 

Stay aware of the weather, including for NWS thunderstorm watches and warnings, by paying attention to weather sources like local television stations, radio, online news sources and smartphone apps. You should always have a battery-powered or hand-cranked NOAA Weather radio in your disaster kit as a backup, and don't forget extra batteries.

Use OKC's Accessible Hazard Alert System to receive alerts in American Sign Language and English voice and text.

Thunderstorm Safety

All thunderstorms produce lightning, which can be deadly. Lightning can occur with storms in Oklahoma City all year.

Severe thunderstorms, which can happen any time of year but occur most often in the late spring, can produce tornadoes, flash floods, high winds and large hail.

It's not safe to be outside during thunderstorms. If you are outside and can hear thunder, you are in danger of being struck by lightning. Get inside.

Don't take shelter under isolated trees.

Get out of boats and away from bodies of water.