McAlester, Okla. – Severe thunderstorms packing 70 mph wind gusts are tearing through eastern Oklahoma Saturday morning, downing trees, damaging roofs, and prompting urgent shelter warnings along Interstate 40.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect until 8:15 a.m. for 11 counties, including Haskell, Sequoyah, McIntosh, and Pittsburg. A trained spotter reported a 69 mph gust in Muskogee, where damage to roofs and widespread tree loss has been confirmed.
The fast-moving line of storms, moving south at 40 mph, stretches from near Cookson to Cromwell, threatening areas such as McAlester, Spiro, and Lake Tenkiller State Park. Penny-sized hail and significant wind damage are likely, especially to mobile homes, outbuildings, and vehicles parked outdoors.
Travelers on I-40 should expect hazardous conditions between mile markers 212 and 328. Authorities urge residents to stay indoors, move to interior rooms, and avoid windows as the storm passes.
This is a dangerous, high-impact event. Additional warnings may be issued as storms continue tracking across the region. Stay tuned to local alerts and NWS updates throughout the morning.
