Oklahoma City Area Weather Radar Update: NWS Meteorologists Issue Statement for Oklahoma and Payne Counties at 5:12 p.m.

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for central and northern Oklahoma, effective from 5:12 p.m. Until 11 p.m. CDT. The watch covers 17 counties, including Oklahoma and Payne counties and includes the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

The tornado watch was issued by the NWS Norman office and includes the following counties: Alfalfa, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Cleveland, Comanche, Garfield, Grady, Grant, Kay, Kingfisher, Logan, McClain, Major, Noble, Oklahoma, and Payne.

The watch area encompasses multiple cities, such as Anadarko, Blackwell, Blanchard, Carmen, Cherokee, Chickasha, Concho, El Reno, Enid, Fairview, Geary, Guthrie, Helena, Hennessey, Hinton, Kingfisher, Lamont, Lawton, Medford, Moore, Mustang, Newcastle, Norman, Okarche, Okeene, Oklahoma City, Perry, Ponca City, Pond Creek, Purcell, Stillwater, Tuttle, Wakita, Watonga, and Yukon.

According to the NWS statement released at 5:12 p.m., conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes. The watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. CDT this evening.

The National Weather Service advises residents to seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued. Recommended safety measures include getting as low as possible, such as in a basement or the lowest floor of a building, putting as many walls between oneself and the outside as possible, and avoiding windows.

For those driving during a tornado warning, the NWS warns against attempting to outrun a tornado, as they can move quickly and change direction without warning. Instead, drivers should seek shelter in a sturdy building if possible.

Live radar and active alerts are available through the NWS radar site and local news outlets, including News 9 and The Oklahoman, which are providing continuous coverage of the weather situation across Oklahoma City and surrounding areas.