Powerful thunderstorms could rumble across the Oklahoma and Texas Plains into much of Arkansas and potentially the western Tennessee Valley through tonight. The primary risk is a few tornadoes, which could be strong.
A weak area of low pressure will move from central Oklahoma to eastern Arkansas through overnight tonight. A warm front attached to it is dividing very warm and humid air to the south from cooler, drier air to the north. In fact, the government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk from northeastern Oklahoma and northeastern Texas all the way through Arkansas during this time. Plano, Texas, and Ardmore, Okla. as well as Little Rock and Fayetteville, Ark. are larger cities that are found in this severe weather zone.
A broader area of severe weather has built into the evening across central Texas before gliding east and southeastward with time ahead of the storm’s cold front, almost into the Tennessee Valley. Cities in this swath will need to have a way to receive severe weather notifications.
The main concern will be a few tornadoes, one or two which may be strong, with damaging wind gusts up to 65 mph, and isolated large hail up to or exceeding golf ball size.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Abilene and Midland, Texas, Shreveport, La., to Jackson and Nashville, Tenn., could have a dangerous storm encounter as well.
Recent heavy rainfall combined with an additional 1 to 3 inches in the forecast, and locally up to 5 to 8 inches, could create low-lying and urban flooding, especially in flood-prone areas. Flood Watches are in effect until Wednesday afternoon for parts of far southwestern Kansas and eastern Oklahoma into far southern Missouri, and northwestern Arkansas. Cities such as Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Ark., and Tulsa, Okla., are included. If you approach a roadway covered in water, remember, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A warning means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.
The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today’s severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"