Tulsa, Oklahoma – Drivers along I-44 and the Creek Turnpike need to prepare now as strong thunderstorms begin pushing into northeast Oklahoma by 3 a.m. Wednesday, bringing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail that could disrupt the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, the first round of storms is expected to develop northwest of I-44 after 3 a.m. Wednesday, with the most intense activity likely between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Wind gusts could reach 60 mph, strong enough to down small tree limbs and cause isolated power outages. Hail up to one inch in diameter may damage vehicles parked outside.
Storms will expand southeast through midmorning, impacting downtown Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso and communities along US-75 and US-412. The morning activity should taper off by 11 a.m. west of Tulsa and by 2 p.m. farther east toward Muskogee and northwest Arkansas.
A second, potentially stronger round develops by 3 p.m. Wednesday and continues through 10 p.m., especially south of Tulsa toward Okmulgee and McAlester. This round carries a low tornado risk along with additional hail and damaging wind. The evening commute along the Broken Arrow Expressway could see sudden visibility drops and water-covered roads.
Charge devices tonight, secure loose outdoor items and avoid travel during peak storm windows if possible. Additional watches or warnings may be issued through Wednesday night as instability increases across eastern Oklahoma.
