Severe storms rolled through the area late Friday afternoon and continued throughout the evening with high winds, rain and hail. Area storm spotters reported numerous dips in the clouds and possible forming of tornadoes. Although it was not officially confirmed, damages in Blair were consistent with tornado-like activity, including windows being blown out the Blair School where their prom was under way. There were no injuries reported, and the event was moved to another location.

Altus/Jackson County Emergency Management Director Lloyd Colston reported winds in the area up to 90 mph with almost 3 inches of rain gauged around the Blair area. Other nearby areas such as Warren and Martha also reported severe wind damages with roof damage, and small out buildings being blown away.

Altus remained on the edge of both of the strong storm cells that moved through the area and only saw short spurts of heavy rain. There was also a brief power outage, mostly in east Altus and parts of N. Main.

More severe storms were expected throughout the weekend. Officials warned a large area spanning from Minnesota to Texas could be at risk, with the highest possibility for “life-threatening” conditions in these areas to be late Saturday.