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KOCO 5 News is sounding the First Alert as a new round of severe thunderstorms targets Oklahoma from late Saturday through early Monday, bringing 70–80 mph winds, lightning and pockets of heavy rain across much of the state. Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane warns that the most intense gusts are expected along and north of I-40, especially near Ponca City, Perry, Enid and Stillwater between 6 p.m. Sunday and 4 a.m. Monday. “The setup keeps the tornado risk low, but collapsing storm cores can shove out destructive straight-line winds,” Lane explained in Thursday’s prime-time forecast. Models show a marginal risk extending as far south as Oklahoma City, where 60–70 mph outflow could down trees and power lines. Timing highlights • Saturday 8 p.m.–2 a.m.: Isolated storms fire in the Panhandle and northwest counties, then sag southeast with intense winds. • Sunday 6 p.m.–overnight: Main complex forms on a surging cold front, racing from Kingfisher toward the OKC metro by 10 p.m. and on to Shawnee before daybreak. • Monday dawn: Storms exit eastern Oklahoma; triple-digit heat index follows as skies clear. How to watch & stay informed KOCO 5 will stream continuous radar and live team coverage on its website, YouTube channel and mobile app, giving viewers street-level tracking and instant warning push alerts. The station advises enabling “Severe” notifications in the KOCO 5 News app and keeping a charged device and weather radio on hand. Why trust KOCO’s forecast? For the 14th straight year KOCO 5’s First Alert Weather Team has been certified by independent auditor WeatheRate as “Most Accurate in Oklahoma City,” a streak unmatched in the market. The team partners daily with the National Weather Service in Norman to vet raw model data and test emerging warning tools, giving it an edge when minutes matter. Safety checklist • Secure patio furniture and trampolines. • Park vehicles under sturdy shelter before 6 p.m. Sunday. • Review your family’s safe-room plan—lowest level, center interior room away from windows. • If driving after dark, never cross water-covered roads; wind-blown debris can hide washouts. Looking ahead After Monday’s cool front passes, highs near 100 °F will build again by mid-week, setting the stage for renewed storm chances late Thursday. KOCO 5 News will update the evolving pattern every hour on KOCO.com and during “KOCO 5 News at 6.” Stay weather-aware, Oklahoma—the First Alert team is on watch so you can rest easy.