Oklahomans Urged To Be Ready For Severe Weather This Weekend

The predicted storms may roll in during a busy weekend when many people are expected to be outside. That's why organizers of some of the biggest events this weekend are already thinking ahead. And meteorologists are telling all of us to do the same.

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Organizers of the Redbud Classic have already canceled the Pasta on the Pond event on Saturday. They are closely monitoring the weather for the other events and say they will cancel if it looks like people could be in danger.

"We are not going to risk the safety of our participants, if we foresee any level of tornadic activity or severe weather we will cancel some of our events," said Suzanne Chew, with the Redbud Classic.

That's the case at OU too where 20,000 to 40,000 people could fill the stands for the annual spring game.

"We don't want to put anybody in harm's way," said Kenny Mossman, Sr. Associate Athletics Director with the University of Oklahoma. "We'll be careful and we'll pay attention to the weather and not just when it arrives in Norman, but for some time."

"Know what's supposed to happen in respect to severe weather check morning noon and night and even between what it looks like for severe weather. Know if you're in a risk area," News 9 Meteorologist Gary England said.

Then know where you can take shelters for everywhere you plan to be.

"If you're out on the road, going to pick up your children, going to work, always look for buildings that might look like they would be good to get in if a tornado comes along. That's making a plan no matter where you are," England explained.

Officials at OU and at the Redbud say they will cancel or postpone any events well in advance so they don't have a large number of people who they need to evacuate quickly. Watch their web site for updates: Redbud.org and SoonerSports.com.

Thousands are also expected to attend the OU spring game. A spokesperson for the athletic department says they are also in touch with meteorologists and may cancel or postpone the game if anything looks suspicious.

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If anyone plans to be outside or not at their homes over the weekend, they should start figuring out now what their storm plans are if severe weather strikes.