Tulsa, Oklahoma – Strong thunderstorms are expected to sweep across southeast Oklahoma Tuesday, with wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph and hail as large as ping pong balls threatening travel and outdoor activity.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, a marginal risk of severe storms exists for far southeast Oklahoma from late morning through 8 p.m. Tuesday. While tornadoes are not expected, storms may bring hail ranging from the size of quarters to ping pong balls and damaging winds between 60 and 70 mph. The greatest impacts are likely between noon and early evening.
Cities including Hugo, McAlester, and areas near the Red River could see the heaviest rainfall—up to 2 inches in isolated spots—raising the potential for flash flooding. Rain chances climb sharply by early afternoon, peaking at 85% in Tulsa and surrounding cities such as Muskogee, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville from 3 to 9 p.m. Local roads may become slick or impassable in low-lying areas.
Residents are urged to monitor alerts, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and secure outdoor items that could become wind hazards. With the storm system lingering, scattered showers and thunderstorms may persist into midweek.
Weather alerts remain in effect through Tuesday evening, with additional advisories possible as the pattern continues.
