Norman, OK – Residents across parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri are under a Tornado Watch this morning, as conditions remain favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms through midday.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, Tornado Watch No. 1 is in effect until 12 p.m. CST Thursday, January 8, 2026. The watch includes multiple counties across the three-state region and signals the potential for tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail.
In Oklahoma, the watch covers a wide area, including Tulsa, Muskogee, McIntosh, Okmulgee, Rogers, Wagoner, Sequoyah, Cherokee, Adair, Delaware, Ottawa, Mayes, Haskell, Craig, and Washington counties, impacting both northeastern and eastern portions of the state, including parts of the Tulsa metro.
In Arkansas, Benton and Washington counties in the northwest corner of the state are included, while Missouri’s McDonald and Newton counties in the southwest portion of the state are also under the watch.
Meteorologists say the morning hours pose the greatest risk as a strong storm system moves through the region. While a watch does not mean a tornado is occurring, it means conditions are favorable for rapid storm development.
Residents are urged to:
- Monitor local forecasts and weather alerts
- Have multiple ways to receive warnings
- Know their safe place in case a tornado warning is issued
The SPC emphasized that storms could intensify quickly, especially late this morning, before the system moves east.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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