TULSA, Okla. – Strong thunderstorms could sweep across eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas tonight, bringing the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The National Weather Service in Tulsa warns that storms are most likely between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. Saturday, with gusts near 60 mph and quarter-size hail possible in the strongest cells.
According to the NWS, a cold front moving into the region will spark scattered to numerous showers and storms through the day, with the threat intensifying this evening as the boundary pushes south. Forecasters highlight southeastern Oklahoma, including Hugo and McAlester, as areas most at risk for severe activity.
Travelers along I-40 from Tulsa to Fort Smith and U.S. 69 through Muskogee should prepare for sudden downpours, reduced visibility, and gusty crosswinds. Power outages are possible where stronger wind gusts bring down tree limbs or power lines. Officials urge residents to remain indoors during storms and avoid flooded roads.
The severe threat is expected to taper off by early Saturday morning, though showers may linger behind the front. More updates could be issued if storm conditions worsen tonight.
