Tulsa, Oklahoma — Strong to severe thunderstorms could bring damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain across eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, storms may begin developing as early as 3 p.m. Tuesday, though the most widespread severe weather is expected between 9 p.m. Tuesday and 1 a.m. Wednesday across much of the region.
Additional storms could continue overnight, especially farther east toward Arkansas, where the most active period may occur between 11 p.m. Tuesday and 3 a.m. Wednesday.
Forecasters say the primary threats include damaging wind gusts up to around 70 mph, which could knock down tree limbs, cause scattered power outages, and create hazardous travel conditions along major highways.
Drivers traveling along Interstate 44 near Tulsa, Interstate 40 near Fort Smith, and U.S. Highway 69 through eastern Oklahoma may encounter sudden heavy rain, strong winds, and reduced visibility as storms move through the region.
Large hail is also possible with stronger thunderstorms, while a brief isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, particularly if storms strengthen during the evening hours.
Heavy rainfall may lead to localized flooding, with rainfall totals generally ranging from one-half inch to around one and a half inches, though some areas could receive localized amounts approaching three inches.
The storms are expected to move fairly quickly, which may limit widespread flooding, but short bursts of intense rain could still cause water to quickly collect on roads and low-lying areas.
Because the most intense storms may occur during the evening and overnight hours, residents are encouraged to keep weather alerts enabled on their phones and have multiple ways to receive warnings.
The timing could impact evening travel, shift workers, and overnight truck traffic along Interstate corridors, especially across eastern Oklahoma into western Arkansas.
Residents should continue monitoring updated forecasts as conditions evolve through tonight.
