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Severe thunderstorms are poised to bring dangerous conditions to Tulsa Weather today. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch extends through 7 AM Tuesday covering portions of northeast Oklahoma. Damaging winds up to 70 mph, isolated large hail, and even brief tornadoes threaten the region overnight into early morning.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Watch Duration: Until 7 AM Tuesday, May 19 covering northeast Oklahoma and parts of Kansas
- Primary Threats: Straight-line winds up to 70 mph, isolated large hail (1.5 inches), rare tornadoes
- Rainfall Expected: Half to 1 inch typical, with local amounts reaching 2-3 inches possible
- Timing: Storms develop late tonight, intensify overnight, clear by Tuesday afternoon
Understanding the Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Tulsa Weather
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop.
The National Weather Service Tulsa issued the watch for portions of southeast Kansas, southwest Missouri, and north-central to far northeast Oklahoma. This is not a warning, but residents should remain alert. Strong to severe thunderstorms are likely to develop and move southeast along a slow-moving cold front. The greatest concern remains damaging straight-line winds, though isolated hail and brief tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
Tulsa weather: thunderstorms expected today with rainfall near 1 inch
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When Will Storms Hit Tulsa Area?
Storm chances remain isolated for the next few hours, mostly west or north of the region.
However, late tonight storms are likely to develop along a southward-moving cold front. Some may become strong to severe, with the primary threat window extending from late Monday night through early Tuesday morning. The cold front will continue dropping southward, creating more storm opportunities along and ahead of the boundary. By midday Tuesday, most storms will be moving out of southern Oklahoma, with temperatures cooling to the upper 50s and lower 60s.
Damaging Wind Threat and Additional Details
Wind Advisory conditions extend through 9 PM Monday across portions of northeast Oklahoma.
Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are likely across this area. A Wind Advisory is in effect for these zones. When storms develop tonight, wind gusts could increase dramatically to 70 mph, capable of causing significant damage. Additionally, the threat of isolated large hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter exists, and the possibility of one or two tornadoes embedded within the storm line cannot be excluded. A Marginal to locally Slight Risk of excessive rainfall exists, with half to one inch rainfall amounts expected to be common across eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas.
“The potential for severe weather will increase Monday night and early Tuesday morning, with an Enhanced Risk across northwestern areas and a Slight Risk extending eastward.”
— National Weather Service Tulsa, Official Forecast
What About the Rest of the Week?
Rain chances continue daily through the rest of the week as a multi-day system moves across the region.
Severe weather threats are expected to be low Wednesday and Thursday, but temperatures will remain mild midweek. The outlook suggests potential for increased severe weather threats returning this weekend. Residents should monitor forecasts closely and remain weather-aware. Cooler conditions will gradually return Tuesday afternoon with northerly winds at 15 to 30 mph, bringing relief from the pre-storm warmth. Additional rain and thunder chances are possible by midweek into the weekend, keeping the pattern active.
How Should Tulsa Residents Prepare for Today’s Severe Weather?
Preparation is critical when severe thunderstorm watches are issued.
Bring loose outdoor items inside, secure trash cans, and park vehicles in garages if possible. Have weather alerts enabled on your phone and keep a weather radio nearby. Know where your safe room is located, ideally a basement or interior room on the lowest floor away from windows. Avoid outdoor activities and do not attempt to outrun storms in a vehicle. Keep an emergency kit ready with flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and water. Monitor the National Weather Service and local weather channels for updates. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued for your area, seek shelter immediately.
Sources
- National Weather Service Tulsa – Complete forecast discussion and hazards overview
- News On 6 Weather – Meteorologist Travis Meyer’s detailed storm timeline forecast
- NOAA – Official severe weather outlook and wind advisory information
