Seminole County residents are urged to be weather aware for the next few days, as the potential for strong storms exists today and Tuesday.

At press time, severe weather was expected to track across much of Oklahoma Friday afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service said while the tornado threat was low, the storm system could deliver winds up to 80 m.p.h. and hail up to baseball size.

“If you live in a mobile home or travel trailer, make sure you have a severe weather plan,” said Ernie Willis, Emergency Management Director for the City of Seminole. “It’s not just tornadoes that can cause damage to a trailer. They can be damaged during strong wind events like what we could see today.”

While the tornado threat remains low for Friday, next week could be another story. As of press time, Seminole County was in the moderate risk zone for severe weather, including tornadoes, on Tuesday.

Willis said his team of storm spotters will be standing by and ready to go “if necessary” both Friday and Tuesday. Storm spotter activity can be monitored on VHF channel 155.155.

According to Willis, a weather radio is the best way to stay informed when severe weather is looming.

“A weather radio gives you details so you won’t be dependent entirely upon storm sirens, which are hard to hear when you’re inside. Sirens are designed to be outdoor warning systems only,” Willis said.

Willis reminded that the sirens sound only in advance of a tornado and will not be activated again as an “all clear” signal.”

Experts say you should go to a storm shelter in the event of a tornado, but if that is not an option, get to the inner-most room, hallway or closet on the lowest level of the building. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible and stay away from windows and doors.

Weather is unpredictable and the forecast is subject to change, even at the last minute, but it’s always best to be prepared. As Willis is fond of saying, “prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”