Hurricane Polo's Remnants Put Lawton Under Slight Severe Risk Starting Wednesday

Lawton is in the path of what’s left of Hurricane Polo, and the National Weather Service in Norman has upgraded southwest Oklahoma to a Slight Severe Risk. Storms are expected to develop Wednesday afternoon, continue through the evening, and last into Thursday morning. Hazards include damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, and very heavy rainfall. As always with a system like this, the forecast can shift, so check for updates before you lock in any outdoor plans midweek.

The rain is the part that hits Lawton hardest. The City of Lawton identifies more than 30 areas around town that are prone to flooding during heavy rain events, and low-water crossings can turn dangerous fast. Officials are clear on this one: never drive through a flooded roadway. If your vehicle gets stranded, call 911 and stay put. Turn around, don’t drown is more than a slogan when the water is moving.

There’s plenty you can do before Wednesday. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, whether that’s a phone alert, a weather radio, or both, and review your safety plan with your household. Storms that stretch into Thursday morning mean warnings could come overnight, so know now where you’d shelter if one hits while everyone’s asleep. What’s your plan for Wednesday’s storms?