Tulsa, Oklahoma – Tornadoes, damaging winds, and flash flooding are possible across eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas through Thursday morning, with some areas expected to receive up to 7 inches of rain.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, a Flood Watch remains in effect until 7 a.m. Thursday for much of the region, including Tulsa, Muskogee, McAlester, and Fort Smith. Thunderstorms began overnight and will intensify Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday. A limited tornado risk exists mainly after 8 p.m. Tuesday, while flash flooding becomes more likely after 10 p.m. as heavy rainfall spreads across already saturated ground.
Cities such as Fayetteville, Tahlequah, and Sallisaw should expect locally heavy rain, hail, and isolated wind damage. Multiple rounds of storms are forecast, with rainfall totals reaching 2 to 5 inches across most of the region. Some locations could see localized amounts closer to 7 inches, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying roads, streams, and urban areas.
Residents are urged to avoid travel during heavy downpours, keep devices charged in case of power outages, and monitor local alerts. River flooding may develop by late Wednesday, especially along the Illinois and Arkansas rivers.
Flash Flood Watches and severe thunderstorm alerts remain active, with more advisories possible through Thursday.
