Oklahoma City, Okla. – Damaging winds and large hail could slam parts of western Oklahoma through 9 p.m. Thursday as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch covers 12 counties stretching from Woodward to Tillman.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, counties under watch include Beckham, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills, Tillman, Washita, and Woodward. Thunderstorms developing this afternoon may produce wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail exceeding one inch in diameter.
Travel along U.S. Highways 183 and 283 could become hazardous during storm activity. Residents in Custer and Jackson counties should secure loose outdoor items, monitor weather alerts, and be prepared for sudden power outages.
Storms are forming in a high-instability environment with sufficient wind shear to support organized severe weather. This system is part of a broader pattern affecting the Southern Plains, with isolated tornadoes not ruled out in stronger cells.
The watch remains in effect until 9 p.m., with additional warnings possible if conditions intensify. Stay tuned to local media and NOAA Weather Radio for real-time updates.
