Oklahoma Severe Storm Alert: Tornado Risk and Hurricane-Force Winds After Midnight

If you’re in the Tulsa area tonight, it’s time to pay close attention to the skies — and your weather alerts. A strong system of storms is moving through northeastern Oklahoma, triggering an Oklahoma Severe Storm Alert that covers Tulsa and surrounding counties well into the early hours of Friday.

Forecasters are warning that these storms are capable of producing wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour, hail, and even a small but real tornado threat. With most of this action expected to unfold overnight, many residents may be caught off guard — which is exactly what makes this system so dangerous.

A Quiet Evening Could Turn Violent Overnight

Thursday may have started off calm in Tulsa, but that calm won’t last. As we move into the overnight hours, a line of intense thunderstorms is expected to roll through, bringing the kind of wind power that can snap trees, knock out power, and toss around unsecured objects like trash bins or patio furniture.

The Oklahoma Severe Storm Alert has been issued in response to the potential for widespread 70 to 80 mph wind gusts, especially in areas directly impacted by the strongest parts of the storm line. These aren’t just breezy winds — they’re the kind that can bring down limbs, tear off siding, and damage vehicles.

Hail, Power Outages, and Tornadoes — What to Expect

Beyond the damaging winds, these storms could bring hail the size of quarters or larger, making driving dangerous and leaving dents in vehicles parked outdoors. While the tornado risk isn’t high, forecasters aren’t ruling out a few quick spin-ups, particularly in isolated storm cells embedded in the squall line.

The most intense period is expected between midnight and 5 a.m. Friday, just when most people are sleeping. That makes this system especially risky. If you don’t already have a way to get emergency alerts that will wake you up, now is the time to fix that.

What You Can Do Tonight to Stay Safe

• Charge your phone and devices in case of power outages.

• Move your car into a garage or covered area, if possible.

• Tie down or bring in loose outdoor items.

• Know where to go in your home if a Tornado Warning is issued (lowest floor, away from windows, preferably in an interior room or closet).

The good news? By late Friday morning, the storms should be well east of Tulsa, and drier weather will take over. But until then, it’s important to stay alert and be prepared for the kind of fast-moving severe weather Oklahoma is known for.

FAQ About Oklahoma Severe Storm Alert

1. Is it really possible we’ll see 80 mph winds in Tulsa tonight?
Yes — it’s not just hype. The National Weather Service has confirmed that wind gusts between 70 and 80 miles per hour are possible, especially in areas where the storm hits hardest. That’s strong enough to knock down trees, tear shingles off roofs, and cause scattered power outages. It’s definitely a night to take the weather seriously.

2. When will the worst of the storm hit?
The strongest part of the storm is expected to move through between midnight and 5 a.m. Friday. This is part of what makes it dangerous — most people will be asleep. If you don’t have a weather alert system that can wake you up, now’s the time to set one up on your phone or have a weather radio ready.

3. Are tornadoes likely, or is this mainly about wind?
The main threat is damaging straight-line winds, but there is a low chance of isolated tornadoes, especially in stronger parts of the storm line. These tornadoes could form quickly and with little warning, so staying weather-aware overnight is important even if tornado risk is considered “low.”

4. Should I cancel my plans or events tonight or tomorrow?
If your plans are for tonight, especially after 10 p.m., it’s a good idea to wrap them up early and get home before the weather worsens. For Friday morning, things should be calming down, but expect possible delays or outages if damage occurs overnight.

5. What should I do now to prepare?
Great question — here’s a quick checklist:

• Charge your phone and portable chargers

• Secure outdoor items like chairs, umbrellas, or trash bins

• Move your car to a garage or under shelter if you can

• Review your tornado safety plan (know where your safe room or interior space is)

• Set up emergency weather alerts that can wake you if warnings are issued