National Weather Service warns of 'Particularly Dangerous Situation' for observed tornado Tuesday
A PDS Tornado Warning is issued when there is high confidence of a strong or violent tornado happening.
Multiple tornadoes occurred Tuesday night, but one, in particular, prompted the National Weather Service to issue a 'PDS' or Particularly Dangerous Situation Tornado Warning in Oklahoma.
PDS Tornado Warning for the storm in Oklahoma on October 12, 2021.
(FOX Weather)
A PDS Tornado Warning is issued when the National Weather Service or Storm Prediction Center has high confidence that a strong or violent tornado is happening.
In tonight's case, there were multiple storm spotters to help with that confidence.
PDS Tornado Warning for the storm in Oklahoma on October 12, 2021.
At 8:12 p.m., the NWS in Norman, Oklahoma, issued a Tornado Warning for Comanche, Kiowa and Tillman Counties until 9 p.m. CDT. During this time, the NWS watched the severe thunderstorm and believed it could produce a tornado and golf ball-sized hail, hence giving it the initial tornado warning.
Shortly after the initial tornado warning at 8:16 p.m., the NWS confirmed that a tornado was located 6 miles southeast of Snyder. They warned residents to take cover and get to their safe spaces immediately.
At 8:22 p.m., the NWS warned of the Particularly Dangerous Situation after confirming the large and extremely dangerous tornado. The tornado was located 5 miles southeast of Snyder, moving northeast at 25 mph.
"You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be destroyed," the NWS Norman wrote in their bulletin. "Considerable damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction is possible."
The same messaging appeared in their 8:36 p.m. bulletin, but the confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado picked up speed at 30 mph, located 6 miles northwest of Indiahoma.
The last messaging that included the PDS Tornado Warning was at 8:42 p.m., where the dangerous tornado slowed to 20 mph, located seven miles northwest of Indiahoma.
Even though there was no mention of the Particularly Dangerous Situation in their 8:49 p.m. bulletin, radar now indicated two tornadoes.
The National Weather Service will survey the damage on Wednesday.