Oklahoma City, Okla. – Severe thunderstorms packing damaging winds and large hail are expected to sweep across western and central Oklahoma through early Wednesday, putting 22 counties under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 1 a.m. CDT.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, counties from Comanche to Woodward—including Custer, Garfield, and Kingfisher—should prepare for wind gusts over 60 mph and hail the size of quarters or larger. The watch was issued at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and remains in effect until 1 a.m. Wednesday, April 23.
Areas like Beckham, Kiowa, and Tillman counties may see fast-moving storms capable of downing trees and power lines. Residents should secure loose outdoor items and charge devices in case of outages. Travel may become hazardous along U.S. Highways 183 and 62 due to reduced visibility and debris.
This storm system continues a volatile spring pattern across the Plains, and conditions could evolve rapidly overnight. Emergency officials urge residents to stay weather-aware and have multiple ways to receive alerts.
Additional warnings may be issued as storms develop. The Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains active through 1 a.m., and updates are expected throughout the evening.
