Oklahoma City woke Wednesday with a much rougher weather day ahead. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become widespread this morning, bringing heavy rain, dangerous lightning and a serious flooding threat before the temperature reaches 83 degrees.
Flood Watch Starts Wednesday Morning
A Flood Watch is in effect from 7 a.m. Wednesday through Thursday afternoon for Oklahoma County and much of the surrounding region, according to the National Weather Service in Norman. Widespread rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is possible, with higher totals reaching 5 inches in some spots as multiple rounds of storms move across the area.
The heaviest rain could arrive quickly, creating flooding on roads, in low-lying areas and near creeks and streams. A narrow corridor could receive 4 to 6 inches through Thursday morning.
Severe Storm Risk Builds Through Thursday
Storms could become severe Wednesday afternoon, evening and overnight, especially along and near the I-44 corridor. The forecast includes the potential for damaging winds, large hail and a tornado or two, while overnight storm risks continue as a low-level jet strengthens.
Thursday stays stormy, with a high near 80 and additional rain before a stronger cold front sweeps through. Anyone encountering a flooded roadway should turn around rather than attempt to drive through it, particularly after dark when water depth is harder to judge.
Friday Brings A Sharp Fall Chill
The storm system will leave behind a dramatically cooler pattern. Friday should top out near 49 degrees with north winds that may gust as high as 21 mph, followed by a low around 43 Friday night.
The forecast then turns calmer for the weekend, with mostly sunny skies and highs near 65 Saturday and 72 Sunday. The shift follows the storm-and-cooldown setup outlined in Hoodline's earlier forecast, but the new Flood Watch and heavier rainfall projections raise the stakes for Wednesday and Thursday.
