Tulsa, Oklahoma – Severe storms are expected to erupt within hours across eastern Oklahoma, with the most dangerous conditions likely during the evening commute and into the overnight, threatening travel and power reliability.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, storms may begin developing as early as 3 p.m., but the most intense activity is expected between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. across much of northeast Oklahoma, including Tulsa, Bartlesville, and Muskogee. Farther southeast, including McAlester and Hugo, storms may persist later, with peak impacts from 6 p.m. through 3 a.m.
All severe hazards are possible, including tornadoes, very large hail potentially exceeding golf ball size, and wind gusts approaching 70 mph. A corridor of higher risk extends from near Oklahoma City through Tulsa and into southeast Oklahoma, where storms could become more organized during the evening.
Major routes including I-44, US-69, and the Creek Turnpike may see rapidly deteriorating conditions with reduced visibility, debris, and hazardous driving. Power outages are possible where stronger storms track.
Residents should have multiple ways to receive warnings, identify safe shelter locations, and avoid travel during peak storm hours. Stay indoors when storms approach and move to an interior room away from windows if warnings are issued.
Storms will gradually exit by early Sunday morning, with additional updates expected by mid-afternoon as timing and severity become clearer.
