Severe Thunderstorm Expires In Northeastern Oklahoma

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several counties in eastern Oklahoma through 8 p.m. Counties in northeast Oklahoma include Adair, Craig, Creek, Delaware, Mayes, Nowata, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Rogers, Tulsa, Wagoner and Washington.

In southeast Oklahoma, the watch is in effect for Haskell, Latimer, LeFlore, McIntosh and Pittsburg counties. Counties in northwest Arkansas included in the watch are Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Madison and Washington.

Some of the storms have produced cold air funnels as they move across the state, but those are not likely to touch down.

WARN Interactive Radar

WARN team meteorologists are watching for a threat of severe storms. The storm system that we have been talking about for days has slowly been progressing eastward. Today it finally moves through along with a cool front. 

We have already seen some showers and storms this morning but as that cool front approaches, we will see an increase in storm chances. The atmosphere will become unstable enough to support thunderstorms, and coverage should continue for eastern Oklahoma through the afternoon and evening as it shifts to the southeast.

My main concern today is the threat for hail. There is some pretty cold air above us that will support hail growth. Strong wind gusts will also be possible. A surface low forming over southwest Oklahoma will shift eastward with the cold front and the tornado threat will increase closer to that surface low for southeastern Oklahoma. 

Low level shear which is needed for tornado development will be strongest across southeastern Oklahoma this afternoon. It is important to stay weather aware today. 

Keep your head up and eyes on the sky!