May 24, 2008 Severe Weather Event Situation Update

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 24, 2008 – 5 p.m. – Situation Update

Storms developed Saturday afternoon across north-central areas of the state. Low and mid-level winds provided a favorable environment for supercells and tornadoes. Storms developed in Garfield and Kingfisher counties in the early afternoon and produced tornadoes as they moved northeast and east.

Multiple tornadoes were reported. Two were confirmed near Lacey, in northwest Kingfisher County. One was spotted about two miles west of Lacey; the other about two miles northeast of the community. Tornadoes were also reported southwest of Bison and north of Marshall.

A slow moving tornadic thunderstorm continues to move east through southern Garfield County. Tornadoes may be wrapped in rain making this an especially dangerous situation. Upwards of 3-inch hail reported near Douglas.

A tornado watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. for the counties of Alfalfa, Blaine, Canadian, Creek, Garfield, Grant, Kay, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, Major, Noble, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Osage, Pawnee and Payne.

No injuries reported at this time.

Kingfisher County Emergency Management reports tornado damage one mile north and west of Lacey at a pig farm. Three buildings were destroyed. Owners are calling the business a total loss. Damage also reported to a grain elevator on Highway 132 in far northwest Kingfisher County.

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