Tulsa, Oklahoma – Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to roll across eastern Oklahoma late Saturday, bringing large hail and damaging winds up to 80 mph from McAlester to Bartlesville and into Fayetteville overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, storms will begin developing as early as 2 p.m. south of I-40, with the highest threat for severe weather between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Farther north—including Tulsa, Miami, and Bartlesville—storms are most likely from 7 p.m. through 1 a.m. Sunday, ending by 3 to 5 a.m. in northeast counties.
The greatest risks include golf ball to tennis ball-sized hail and wind gusts topping 70 mph. While the tornado threat is limited, the potential for damage to trees, vehicles, and power lines remains significant, especially during peak travel hours and overnight.
Communities along I-44 and I-40—including Muskogee, Okmulgee, Fort Smith, and Poteau—should prepare for rapidly changing weather. Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, charge electronic devices, and monitor alerts, especially if traveling late.
Storms may linger into early Sunday morning. Additional alerts could be issued as the system progresses.
