Earthquakes and Tornadoes

A few tornadoes occurred yesterday afternoon across southwestern OK, and a few hours later another earthquake was detected and felt across part of the state.  The last few days have been very interesting!

We continue to track showers and storms this morning, and a few of these may be strong to severe across the southern third and far eastern portion of the state.  Highs today across NE OK will be in the upper 60s and lower 70s reached at midday with south winds shifting to the northwest as the front passes the area by early afternoon.  Temps will fall into the lower 60s and 50s behind the boundary as it passes your area late today. 

The storm system is still west of the region this morning but showers and storms are continuing to move across the area ahead of the front.  Some of these storms may be strong to severe, even this morning, but the higher probability for strong to severe storms will occur this afternoon across far southeastern OK and western Arkansas.  A flood watch is underway for portions of northeastern Ok through the 6pm hour.  A few locations may pick up another 1 to 2 inches of rain that could lead to some localized flooding in areas that drain poorly. 

The cold front will be sliding across the Tulsa area round 1pm to 2pm bringing northwest winds and drier air back to the region.   

This will set the stage for a cool Wednesday and Thursday with morning lows in the lower to mid 30s and highs in the upper 50s or lower 60s.  The gusty winds behind the system Wednesday will begin to diminish Wednesday evening allowing for a low temperature Thursday morning in the lower 30s.  

Friday and Saturday appears very nice with highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s. 

Another storm system will be sliding closer to the southern plains including a chance of showers or storms Sunday into Monday, but the higher probability may remain slightly east of the Tulsa metro. 

Earthquake:

Another noticeable earthquake occurred last night across the region with a 4.7 magnitude quake as reported on the USGS web site.  Our friends from the OK Geological Survey will take a look at this quake and issue a statement later today.  This magnitude is a preliminary number and could change.  The epicenter was located about 17 miles NE of Shawnee and occurred at 8:47PM.