Confirmed Tornado Touches Down in Newcastle, Moves Through Norman: Radar Shows Debris and Damage Risks
A tornado touched down near Newcastle, Oklahoma, around 5 p.m. Tuesday before heading east into Norman, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), which issued a tornado warning at 5:08 p.m. The tornado was confirmed by radar and was moving east at approximately 30 mph.
Radar imagery indicated the tornado’s path crossed over Norman High School and Sooner Mall, showing visible debris signatures. Sirens sounded across Norman as the storm’s circulation tracked toward The Norman Transcript and later weakened near the University of Oklahoma (OU) campus.
Areas Affected by the Tornado Warning
The tornado warning covered Northern Cleveland County and included the cities of Norman, Moore, Little Axe, Stella, and areas around Lake Thunderbird. The warning lasted until 6 p.m. CDT.
“At 5:08 p.m. CDT, a confirmed tornado was located 5 miles east of Newcastle, moving east at 30 mph,” the NWS stated.
“Hazard: Damaging tornado and quarter-size hail. Source: Radar confirmed tornado.”
Safety Alert and Damage Potential
The NWS urged residents in the affected zones to take immediate shelter in interior rooms, basements, or official tornado shelters, warning that mobile homes are especially vulnerable.
“Impact: Flying debris will be dangerous to those without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely,” officials posted.
Ongoing Weather Alerts and Aftermath
Additional tornado warnings were issued for Cleveland County at 5:41 p.m., expiring at 6 p.m., and separate warnings were also in effect for Pottawatomie, Garvin, Noble, Carter, and Murray counties. Warnings for Oklahoma City expired by 5:30 p.m., as rain began to subside.
In Norman, flooding at Lindsey and Elm led to three stalled vehicles being towed, and power outages on NE 12th Avenue caused some restaurant closures. While no major damage has been reported yet in Norman, tree damage was confirmed in nearby Mustang, and radar showed debris over parts of the city.
Community Response Amid Tornado Threat
Despite the severe weather, Norman City Council proceeded with its scheduled meeting.
“You might be an Okie if you have a tornado go overhead and you still sit down for council,” said Mayor Larry Heikkila during the meeting.
Rain in Norman is expected to fully end by 8 p.m. Tuesday, according to forecasts.
