Oklahoma City, OK – Severe storms are expected to rapidly develop Saturday afternoon, bringing a risk of tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail that could disrupt travel and power across the southern Plains within hours.
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, storms will ignite first across southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma Saturday afternoon, then intensify and spread east into eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas by Saturday night. Supercells are likely early, capable of producing hail larger than 2 inches in diameter and a few tornadoes.
The highest impact zone includes Wichita, Dodge City, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Fort Smith, where storms may organize into larger clusters by evening. That transition increases the threat for widespread wind damage, with gusts potentially exceeding 60 mph and knocking down tree limbs and power lines.
North Texas cities including Wichita Falls, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Paris sit on the southern edge of the risk area, where isolated severe storms could still produce large hail and dangerous lightning by late afternoon into the evening.
Drivers along I-35, I-44, and I-40 should prepare for sudden visibility drops, debris on roadways, and possible temporary closures. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, charge devices, and review tornado safety plans before storms begin.
The threat will peak between roughly 3 p.m. and midnight Saturday, with conditions evolving quickly as storms move east. Additional alerts and possible watches are expected as confidence increases.
