OkTlahoma City, Oklahoma – Severe thunderstorms are expected to rapidly intensify across central and eastern Oklahoma by mid-afternoon Saturday, with tornadoes, destructive winds, and very large hail threatening major infrastructure through the evening commute and into the night.
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, supercells will develop between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, initially across central Oklahoma before tracking east into western Arkansas by late evening. The highest-risk zone includes Oklahoma City, Norman, Tulsa, and Fort Smith, where conditions support strong tornadoes rated EF2 or higher, wind gusts exceeding 70 mph, and hail up to 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
Key transportation routes including Interstate 35, Interstate 40, and Interstate 44 face potential closures or slowdowns due to debris, low visibility, and sudden storm development. In Arkansas, cities like Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Little Rock could see storms intensify after 6 p.m., increasing the risk of nighttime hazards and scattered power outages.
Residents should finalize shelter plans now, especially in mobile homes or vulnerable structures. Charge phones, enable emergency alerts, and identify a safe interior room before storms arrive. Avoid travel during peak storm hours and never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.
The severe threat will continue into early Sunday morning as storms shift east. Additional watches and warnings are likely throughout the afternoon and evening as conditions evolve.
