Prepare for possible severe weather

Severe weather chances for today have increased over the last 24 hours, Emergency Management Director Paula Cain says in a press notification.

Damaging wind and hail to the size of golf balls are possible as well as some tornadoes, Cain said. Initial development of individual storms will occur between 4 and 8 p.m. in far western Oklaho ma, and will later form a squall line that will move to the east across the state.

The risk for tornadoes will decrease as the squall line develops, but damaging straight line wind speeds will increase along with continued large hail, Cain said. Heavy rain is also likely.

This line of storms is expected to reach Kay County after midnight. The late hour does not necessarily reduce the risk of severe weather. Damaging winds will be the primary risk, reaching speeds of up to 80 mph. But risk for a few tornadoes will remain as the line crosses the area, Cain said.

For this reason it is important to prepare to receive warnings overnight. Make sure your weather radio is plugged in and turned on. There are many phone apps that will provide warnings, also.

This system will be much like the system that moved through northern Missouri and Iowa last week, Cain said. Take the precautions necessary to stay safe.

Maps from the National Weather Service show Kay County very close to the line dividing the Enhanced area for severe weather and the Slight risk area that includes Ponca City.

"This does not signal an all clear for tornadoes and other damage in Ponca," Cain said. "This is a day to be aware of any updates to the forecast and a night to be prepared to receive warnings."