NWS Forecast Office Tulsa, OK

Strong to severe thunderstorms will form across western OK this evening/tonight and spread northeastward through the night. Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to move into portions of NE OK after midnight tonight. Main hazards with these storms will be large hail and damaging wind gusts, but a tornado cannot be ruled out.

Thunderstorms increase from the west late Thursday evening and overnight. Storms may produce very heavy rainfall, and there is a marginal risk of excessive rainfall Thursday night. Localized flash flooding possible where the heaviest thunderstorms occur.

Shower and thunderstorm chances increase again Friday as another cold front pushes into the region. Instability ahead of the front will create a potential for severe storms across much of eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas, with all severe hazards possible. Continue to monitor latest forecasts.

The best chance of severe weather, including large hail, damaging winds and a chance of a few tornadoes, Friday and Friday night will be from early-mid afternoon into late evening/overnight hours Friday night.

There is a marginal to slight risk for excessive rainfall and flash flooding Friday and Friday night across much of eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas. Overall, 0.5-1.5" of rain is expected, with amounts exceeding 2" possible across southeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas, where the highest flash flood threat will reside.

An unsettled weather pattern will persist for the remainder of this week and into the early part of the weekend. Periods of both a severe weather and heavy rain threat should be expected.