Wichita Falls, Texas – Residents across western Oklahoma and North Texas are bracing for intense overnight storms as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 5 a.m. CDT Thursday. Wind gusts over 60 mph and hail up to quarter size are possible, especially in rural areas with limited shelter options.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, the watch includes nine Texas counties—Archer, Baylor, Foard, Hardeman, Haskell, Knox, Throckmorton, Wichita, and Wilbarger—and five counties in Oklahoma: Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, and Tillman.
Communities like Vernon, Altus, and Wichita Falls could see lightning-heavy storms push through in the early hours, increasing the risk of power outages and downed tree limbs. Emergency management officials urge residents to secure outdoor items, charge devices overnight, and avoid travel if possible.
This system marks one of the more widespread storm threats for the region this spring, particularly following last week’s wind damage in similar counties. School delays and utility disruptions are possible if storms intensify before dawn.
The Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains active until 5 a.m. Thursday, with additional warnings or updates likely overnight as the system progresses eastward.
