Deadly Storms Rip Through Oklahoma, More Intense Weather Possible Friday

Severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes threaten central US states as spring storm season begins

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Thunderstorms ripped across Oklahoma on Thursday night, leaving a mother and daughter dead in a vehicle crash that authorities say appears to be tornado-related. The National Weather Service plans to survey the damage to determine if tornadoes touched down. Forecasters warn that even more intense storms, including the potential for strong tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds, are possible across the central US on Friday, impacting millions of people.

Why it matters

The severe weather outbreak in Oklahoma is an early start to the spring storm season, which can bring dangerous and deadly tornadoes to the central United States. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, understanding and preparing for these severe storms becomes increasingly important for public safety.

The details

On Thursday night, a first responder in western Oklahoma captured video of a large tornado-like funnel cloud near the town of Fairview. Tragically, a 47-year-old woman and her 13-year-old daughter were found dead in a vehicle near an intersection, with authorities saying the crash appears to be tornado-related. The National Weather Service plans to survey the damage to confirm if tornadoes touched down. Forecasters warn that an even more intense weather system is expected on Friday, with the potential for strong tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds across a wide area from Kansas and Nebraska to Arkansas and Missouri, potentially impacting over 7 million people.

  • The storms struck Major County, Oklahoma on Thursday night around 10 p.m.
  • The National Weather Service plans to send out damage survey crews on Friday to investigate the storms.

The players

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt

The governor expressed condolences for the tragic loss of life in the storms and said he is praying for the impacted families.

Ryan Bunker

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma, who said the agency is still investigating whether the Thursday night storms produced tornadoes.

Melissa Mayes

The deputy director of the Washington County Emergency Management Agency in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, who said this is likely the first major severe weather event of the spring storm season that people are paying attention to.

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What they’re saying

“Severe weather struck Major County last night and tragically claimed the lives of a mother and daughter. I am praying for the family as they grieve this tragic loss, as well as all those impacted by the storms.”

— Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma Governor (wbal.com)

“As of right now, we're still investigating that.”

— Ryan Bunker, Meteorologist, National Weather Service (wbal.com)

“This is probably our first real event this season where people are really starting to pay attention getting into the spring storm season.”

— Melissa Mayes, Deputy Director, Washington County Emergency Management Agency (wbal.com)

What’s next

The National Weather Service plans to send out damage survey crews on Friday to investigate whether the Thursday night storms produced tornadoes.

The takeaway

The severe storms in Oklahoma are an early start to the spring tornado season, highlighting the need for communities to be prepared with weather radios, emergency plans, and quick access to shelter when dangerous weather threatens. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, understanding and preparing for these severe storms is crucial for public safety.