Oklahoma City, Okla. – Winds topping 70 mph and hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter could slam parts of central Oklahoma through 8 p.m. Thursday as intense thunderstorms move across the region.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for central Oklahoma, including much of the Oklahoma City metro. Storms forming west of the city are moving east-southeast, bringing the risk of damaging gusts and isolated large hail, especially in the southern half of the metro area.
Highway travel on I-35 and I-40 could be impacted by sudden wind gusts and blinding rain. Residents in Cleveland, Pottawatomie, and McClain counties should remain weather-aware and be ready to take shelter if warnings are issued. Power outages and tree damage are possible in areas hit by stronger cells.
Officials urge Oklahomans to secure outdoor objects, avoid unnecessary driving, and stay tuned to local alerts. These storms are capable of producing isolated tornadoes, though none have been confirmed yet.
Additional watches remain active across the southern Plains, and more warnings may follow as storms evolve into the evening.
