Oklahoma City, OK – A rapidly intensifying storm system is set to ignite severe thunderstorms across Texas and Oklahoma by mid-afternoon Friday, with tornado development possible near major highways before the evening commute ends.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, conditions will become increasingly favorable for rotating supercells beginning as early as 3 p.m. Friday across western North Texas and central Oklahoma. Storms are expected to track northeast at 40 to 50 mph, producing wind gusts up to 80 mph, hail as large as 2 inches in diameter and a growing tornado threat into the evening hours.
In Texas, the highest concern stretches from Wichita Falls through the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including communities along I-20, I-30 and I-35W. Discrete storms may rapidly intensify before clustering into larger complexes by nightfall. Sudden visibility drops and debris on roadways could create hazardous travel conditions within minutes.
Across Oklahoma, the I-35 corridor from Norman through Oklahoma City to Stillwater faces a similar risk window between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tulsa and surrounding areas along US-75 could see severe storms persist into the late evening. Power outages are possible if stronger tornadoes or widespread wind damage occurs.
Residents should secure outdoor objects, review shelter plans and ensure phones and weather radios are fully charged. Identify a lowest-level interior room away from windows now — not when warnings are issued.
The tornado and severe wind threat will continue through at least midnight Friday, with additional watches and warnings likely as storms develop and intensify.
