Tulsa, Oklahoma – Severe storms are expected to fire up across eastern Oklahoma late Saturday night, bringing a risk of damaging winds up to 70 mph and hail as large as golf balls through 9 a.m. Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, the most likely window for severe weather will begin around 9 p.m. in northeast Oklahoma and 1 a.m. farther south near McAlester and Fort Smith. The storms are forecast to continue through early Sunday, moving into northwest Arkansas by morning. A low-level jet and significant moisture surge are fueling instability across the region, increasing the chance of intense thunderstorms.
Communities including Tulsa, Muskogee, Okmulgee, and Poteau are under an “Enhanced” or “Slight” risk, with the main threats being large hail and straight-line winds. While tornado potential remains limited, the NWS notes it cannot be ruled out. Drivers should avoid travel during the overnight hours, as visibility and road safety may quickly deteriorate in storm cells.
This system marks one of the more organized severe threats in May for Oklahoma. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, charge devices, and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts overnight.
Additional warnings may be issued later tonight as the storms evolve.
