Storms Firing, Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued

A line of severe thunderstorms which formed across the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles earlier this evening is currently expanding across northwestern Oklahoma.  These storms are moving east at 45 mph and have a history of producing 70 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.  The storms will continue to push eastward with additional development likely farther towards the south.  We are also watching a line of storms in central Kansas that will extend farther south and move into northeastern Oklahoma later tonight.  These storms have a history of producing 60 to 70 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.  A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH has been issued by the Storm Prediction Center covering central, north central, and northwestern Oklahoma through 4:00 AM CDT Thursday.  Please be weather aware.

TRACK THE STORMS
AMA (Amarillo) Radar Loop
TLX (Oklahoma City) Radar Loop
INX (Tulsa) Radar Loop

Through 11 pm, the line of severe storms will affect northwestern Oklahoma with 60 to 70 mph winds, heavy rainfall, and hail to the size of golf balls.  Then, through 1 am, storms will push towards the east and continue to produce heavy rainfall, damaging winds to 60 mph, and hail to the size of golf balls.  After 1 am and through sunrise, storms will continue to push eastward and produce heavy rainfall, damaging winds to 60 mph, and hail to the size of golf balls.  The best chance for severe weather overnight is in areas included in the severe thunderstorm watch, which would be central and north central Oklahoma as well as northwestern Oklahoma.  As storms will eventually push into eastern Oklahoma and contain a severe potential, northeastern Oklahoma will also need to be on the lookout for strong to severe thunderstorms Thursday morning.

For Thursday, additional thunderstorm development is possible in the afternoon, with the best chance being in east-central Oklahoma (a line east of the Oklahoma City metro area from Ponca City to Durant) and eastern Oklahoma.  The Storm Prediction Center has outlined a SLIGHT RISK for severe thunderstorms that includes southeastern Oklahoma on Thursday.  Damaging winds and large hail will be the primary threats from any severe thunderstorms which develop on Thursday.  Even if storms are not severe, they will still have the potential to produce frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall.

Please continue to remain weather aware from tonight through Thursday.  Stay safe, and have a good rest of your week.

AC

Sources: NWS, SPC, RadarScope