Tulsa, OK – Drivers across eastern Oklahoma could face sudden downpours and wind gusts strong enough to knock down tree limbs Wednesday night as a line of severe thunderstorms sweeps across the region between roughly 8 p.m. and early Thursday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, storms are expected to develop west of the region Wednesday evening before pushing east through Tulsa, Bartlesville, Muskogee and surrounding communities overnight. Forecasters say damaging wind gusts near 60 mph will be the primary hazard, though isolated large hail up to quarter size and a limited tornado risk cannot be ruled out.
The strongest storms may arrive in the Tulsa metro between 9 p.m. and midnight before tracking toward northwest Arkansas, including Fayetteville, Rogers and Springdale, closer to midnight and after. Travel along Interstate 44, U.S. Highway 75 and portions of the Creek and Muskogee turnpikes could become hazardous as heavy rain and gusty winds move through.
Emergency managers urge residents to review severe weather safety plans before storms arrive. Charge phones, enable weather alerts and move vehicles away from trees or loose outdoor objects that could become airborne in strong winds.
Storms should gradually weaken as they move into northwest Arkansas early Thursday morning, but additional advisories or warnings could be issued if conditions intensify Wednesday evening.
