Oklahoma City woke up warm, sticky, and already on watch. As of 5:35 a.m. CDT Saturday, downtown sits around 73°F (23°C) under cloudy, muggy skies, with steady south-southeast winds feeding a busy atmosphere. Showers and thunderstorms are likely through the day and into Saturday night, and slow-moving cells could dump heavy, localized rain that slicks streets and causes ponding.
The National Weather Service in Norman has a Flood Watch in effect through Sunday afternoon for much of central Oklahoma, warning that excessive runoff and rising creeks are possible. You can track the latest alerts and any updates from the National Weather Service.
Timing And Impacts
Storm coverage ramps up from late morning through the evening, with the most widespread activity in the afternoon. Locally intense downpours could trigger flash flooding on low-water crossings and urban streets, especially in spots that usually flood fast when storms park overhead. The City of Oklahoma City offers detailed flash-flood safety tips and guidance on what to do if water rises quickly on its City of Oklahoma City page. If you live in low-lying neighborhoods or drive through known flood-prone corridors, it is a good day to line up alternate routes and be ready to skip flooded roads entirely.
Highs should top out near 80°F with about an 80% chance of precipitation. Many areas could pick up three-quarters of an inch to one inch of rain today, with another half inch to three-quarters of an inch possible overnight. Strong, isolated severe storms with damaging winds and large hail are still on the table this afternoon and tonight before the pattern shifts. Winds are expected to crank up early next week as highs climb into the 90s. For closer-to-the-minute timing and updated watches or warnings, keep an eye on the National Weather Service.
What To Do
If you see standing water or a low-water crossing covered in runoff, turn around and find another way. Do not try to drive through it, even if it looks shallow. Keep phones charged in case power or cell service glitches, move valuables off basement floors or out of other low areas, and consider delaying outdoor plans when heavy rain is in the area. Expect travel slowdowns on major routes whenever storms move through, especially if ponding or debris builds up on the roads.
