This afternoon and evening will be active for the Southern Plains as a cold front moves into the region. This cold front, paired with a dryline, will help trigger storms in western Oklahoma and northwestern Texas late this afternoon. These storms will rapidly intensify as the move east becoming severe. There is a moderate \[red\] severe risk (level 4/5) and an enhanced \[orange\] severe risk (level 3/5) for a good chunk of Oklahoma and northern Texas. This is where numerous severe storms are expected. A slight \[yellow\] (level 2/5) and marginal \[dark green\] (level 1/5) risk surround the enhanced and moderate risk.

![](https://firsthandweather.s3.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_10_10_at_10_14_22_AM_042f3a1e7d.png)

Fig. 1: Zoomed-in severe risk this afternoon/evening

All modes of severe weather are possible this afternoon/evening. This includes tornadoes, hail, and winds. A few strong, violent tornadoes and very large hail cannot be ruled out, especially in the enhanced risk area.

![](https://firsthandweather.s3.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_10_10_at_10_14_22_AM_042f3a1e7d.png)

Fig. 2: Severe risk area this afternoon/evening (top left) along with the tornado (bottom left), hail (top right), and wind (bottom right)

It is best to prepare now for the severe storms. Here are some tips on how to best stay safe during severe weather and tornadoes.

![](https://firsthandweather.s3.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_10_09_at_5_39_57_PM_a03187a342.png)

Fig. 3: Severe weather safety tips

Strong, violent tornadoes are possible today