Tornado warning in Oklahoma latest – Severe thunderstorms will delay marathon as prom disrupted by bad weather
SEVERE thunderstorms moving across central Oklahoma are disrupting events and causing tornado warnings.
More than 4,000 customers are without power as storms moved across the state Saturday evening.
A tornado watch remains in effect through midnight local time, per the National Weather Service.
A number of severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado warnings have also been issued throughout the evening. There have not been any confirmed tornadoes, despite the warnings being issued.
It had previously been believed that a tornado touched down, as News 9 Storm Tracker Brandon Pennel showed viewers a power flash during a live broadcast.
These flashes may indicate a tornado touching down.
In some parts of the state, meteorologists were anticipating the possibility of golf ball-sized hail and wind of up to 70 miles per hour.
The weather is disrupting a number of events, including proms and the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon and Relay.
The Marathon will now begin at 7.30am on Sunday.
"A cold front will move through the race area that will be producing weather causing significant winds and lightning affecting our Marathon start," CEO Colin Perry said in a statement.
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"Delaying the start by one hour will allow us to avoid the worst parts of the storm."
According to KOCO5, the new Marathon schedule is as follows:
- Marathon and Relay runners will take off with the Half Marathon runners.
- Wheelchair participants with the Marathon and Half Marathon will begin at 7.25 am
- Runners with the Marathon, Relay and Half Marathon will begin at 7.30 am
- Course support for the Marathon and Relay will still last 6.5 hours – extending to 2 pm
- Half Marathon course support will last 4.5 hours to noon.
"The safety of our runners, volunteers and spectators are of upmost concern to us," race director Kari Watkins said in a statement.
"We want the safest possible Run to Remember. Delaying the Marathon and Relay start one hour gives us the best chances for a safe and fun race."
In addition, Moore Public Schools' high school prom was affected by the storms.
Southmoore High School students were relocated to the safe room at Brink Junior High School out of an abundance of caution earlier on Saturday night.
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The students later returned to an events center to celebrate the rest of their prom, which had been extended to midnight, the school district said.
Another prom at Stillwater High School had changed its start time based on the storm's path.
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