Severe Storms and Snow Threaten Oklahoma This Weekend

TULSA, Okla. — Severe weather is expected to sweep across Oklahoma this weekend, bringing the risk of heavy rainfall, hail, and the potential for snow in some areas. KOCO 5 Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane provided an updated timeline for this weather system, forecasting the onset of storms early Saturday morning.

Lane noted that southern and southeastern Oklahoma, particularly areas from Pauls Valley to Ardmore and Holdenville, will be under a hail threat as storms roll in overnight. “These storms will be noisy in the morning, with an embedded hail core,” Lane said. He noted that significant rain is anticipated across much of central, western, and eastern Oklahoma.

As the morning progresses, storm activity is expected to lessen, giving way to drier conditions by mid to late morning. However, another round of storms is projected to move into the state late Saturday night, potentially leading to a mix of rain and snow as temperatures drop.

“By 11 p.m. Saturday, we could see a rain-snow mix for central Oklahoma, although ground temperatures will likely prevent any major impacts from frozen precipitation,” Lane explained. Major cities including El Reno, Weatherford, and Anadarko could experience this mix as the cold air settles in overnight.

The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories and warnings across parts of western Oklahoma as the system approaches. The forecast models suggest that rain may transition into snow in the early hours of Sunday, but warm ground temperatures are expected to minimize travel disruptions.

By Sunday morning, temperatures are predicted to drop into the lower to mid-30s, but by the afternoon, they are expected to rebound into the lower 50s. Areas under flood watches, particularly along and east of Highway 69, may experience heavy rainfall totaling 3-6 inches, heightening the risk of localized flooding.

“The situation is developing, and we’re keeping a close watch on the changing conditions,” Lane added, emphasizing the importance of monitoring updates in real-time.

Residents are urged to download the KOCO 5 App for personalized weather alerts and ongoing coverage of the storms as they unfold. The storms are expected to exit the state by early Sunday afternoon, allowing for clearing conditions into the following week.

“We will see some pleasant weather continuing into early next week, with highs in the mid-60s and 70s, but we need to be vigilant this weekend as severe weather looms,” Lane said.