A dangerous outbreak of tornadoes is expected in Texas and Oklahoma today. There is also a major threat of flash flooding for Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas. Residents of these states should follow the weather closely as these storms pose a major threat to life and property.
The Storm Prediction Center of the NOAA has issued a rare “high risk” designation of severe weather for northwest Texas into central Oklahoma today. The greatest chance for severe weather and tornadoes will occur later this afternoon and into evening. Although the high risk designation only applies to Oklahoma and Texas, residents of Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas should prepare for hail, damaging winds and flash flooding. Residents are discouraged from traveling starting this afternoon into tomorrow morning. Some areas may see rainfall totals from 3 to 6 inches, and some areas may even see totals topping 6 inches.
Thunderstorms are already ongoing in parts of southwestern Kansas and the panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas as of this morning. These storm systems are expected to move through the area throughout the day. Although the highest risk for tornadoes does not occur until the afternoon and evening hours, damaging winds, hail, and flash flooding are all risks throughout the day today.
