Tulsa, OK – A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is now in effect for parts of eastern Oklahoma through 6 p.m. CDT Saturday, as forecasters warn of storms capable of damaging winds, large hail, and dangerous lightning developing this afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Watch No. 623 covers 16 Oklahoma counties, including Adair, Cherokee, Choctaw, Craig, Delaware, Haskell, Latimer, Le Flore, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Ottawa, Pittsburg, Pushmataha, Sequoyah, and Wagoner.
Meteorologists say warm, moist air combined with an approaching cold front is creating conditions favorable for severe thunderstorms across the region. “Any storm that forms could quickly become severe with the potential for wind gusts over 60 mph and quarter-size hail,” the SPC warned in a midday update.
Residents in cities including Muskogee, McAlester, Poteau, and Tahlequah are encouraged to monitor weather alerts closely and move indoors when thunder is heard.
Forecasters expect storms to move east by early evening, followed by cooler and calmer weather overnight. Localized flooding may occur where heavy downpours persist.
