Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible late Thursday, Aug. 28, across much of Oklahoma.
After thunderstorms moved through the state late Wednesday, Aug. 27, and early Aug. 28, some areas have already received several inches of rain, causing localized flooding, including up to a foot in Vinita, about 60 miles southwest of Tulsa.
What to expect in Oklahoma
In southern Oklahoma, from just south of Oklahoma City to the Oklahoma-Texas border, storms could produce damaging winds and hail up to the size of a golf ball. The tornado potential is very low, according to the National Weather Service office in Norman. Timing is expected from around 4 p.m., though storms could begin as early as 2 p.m.
A low tornado risk extends to Durant, Sherman and Denison.
Meanwhile, eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas may see heavy, persistent storms through the day and into tonight, increasing the risk of flash flooding and river flooding in parts of northeast Oklahoma.
The National Weather Service office in Tulsa warns that hail up to the size of a quarter and damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph will be the main threats in eastern Oklahoma, along with locally heavy rainfall.
"A very low, but nonzero, tornado risk also exists," the agency stated.
Severe storms are expected to hit around 3 p.m. and linger through 7 p.m.
More: How much rain has Oklahoma had this week? Map shows counties getting drenched
What's the difference between a tornado watch and warning?
Watch: A watch means conditions are favorable for a hazardous weather event to occur, but it is not certain. It’s essentially a “be prepared” alert. For example, a tornado watch or severe thunderstorm watch indicates that the atmosphere could produce dangerous storms in the area, but no tornado or severe storm has been confirmed yet. Watches usually cover a larger area and are issued hours in advance.
Warning: A warning means the hazardous weather event is actually happening or imminent, posing an immediate threat to life and property. For instance, a tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar, and you should take shelter immediately. Warnings are generally more localized and issued for a shorter timeframe than watches.
Oklahoma weather watches and warnings
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma severe weather forecast includes low tornado potential, hail
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