MCALESTER, OKLAHOMA — Severe weather conditions are expected to develop later today across parts of southeast Oklahoma, western Arkansas, and northeast Texas as a powerful storm system interacts with warm, unstable air across the region. Forecasters warn that storms forming later this afternoon and evening could become capable of producing tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts.
The latest outlook highlights a corridor of enhanced tornado risk stretching from Denison in northeast Texas through McAlester in southeast Oklahoma and into Fayetteville, Arkansas, extending toward Springfield, Missouri.
Storms Expected to Develop After 4 PM
Meteorologists say thunderstorms are likely to begin developing after 4 PM, when atmospheric conditions become favorable for strong storm formation.
As the approaching system moves into the region, warm and unstable air already in place will provide the fuel needed for thunderstorms to rapidly intensify. Once storms begin forming, some could quickly organize into supercells, which are rotating thunderstorms known for producing tornadoes and severe weather.
Corridor of Greatest Tornado Concern
Forecast analysis indicates the highest tornado risk lies along a zone stretching from Denison and Paris in northeast Texas through McAlester, Oklahoma, and northeast toward Fayetteville, Arkansas…