Oklahoma City, Okla. – A line of dangerous storms could roll across southern and central Oklahoma into North Texas overnight, bringing the threat of 70 mph winds, quarter-sized hail, and frequent lightning to more than 50 counties through 7 a.m. Friday.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 208 was issued late Thursday for a wide area from Oklahoma City to Wichita Falls, including cities like Norman, Ardmore, Lawton, and Durant. In Texas, the watch includes Cooke, Grayson, and Lamar counties.
Travelers along I-35 and U.S. 69 should prepare for possible sudden wind gusts, low visibility from heavy rain, and localized power outages. Emergency managers urge residents to secure loose outdoor items, avoid windows during storms, and charge devices overnight in case of outages.
This system marks one of the broader overnight thunderstorm threats of the spring season, with energy fueled by warm Gulf air and an incoming cold front.
Storms are expected to weaken after sunrise Friday, but more severe weather could redevelop later in the day. Warnings remain possible throughout the early morning hours.
