Storms in Oklahoma possible through early next week

By Brian Sargent

Published: June 19, 2008

An active weather pattern will continue with periods of thunderstorms expected through the weekend into early next week, according to the National Weather Service.

Skies today should be cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms all day, forecasters said. Some storms may be severe as highs reach the 80s and lows dip into the 60s tonight.

Partly cloudy conditions are expected Friday and Saturday, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms on Friday, diminishing to a slight chance in the Oklahoma Panhandle and southeastern sections on Saturday.

Temperatures should peak in the 80s on Friday.

Partly cloudy skies are forecast again Saturday with a slight chance for scattered rainfall and highs in the 80s to lower 90s while overnight lows are to fall again into the 60s across the state.

Storms do damage in Panhandle

Severe weather on late Wednesday and early today moved through parts of the Oklahoma Panhandle. There was no confirmation that any tornadoes touched down.

No injuries were reported.

A carport was destroyed and a mobile home was damaged in Texas County, authorities said.

Strong straight-line winds in Beaver County toppled power poles near Turpin and Bryan's Corner, according to the National Weather Service. In Hollis, there were reports of roof damage on a commercial building and tree lines and power lines down.

A 75-mph wind gust was reported in Beaver County and a 70-mph wind gust was reported in Hollis.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstrom watch until 10 p.m. for northern Oklahoma. Counties included are: Adair, Alfalfa, Blaine, Cherokee, Craig, Creek, Delaware, Garfield, Grant, Kay, Kingfisher, Logan, Major, Mayes, Noble, Nowata, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Payne, Rogers, Tulsa, Wagoner, Washingtn and Woods counties.

Flood warnings

• Until tonight: Polecat Creek near Sapulpa.

At 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, the river's level was 2 feet above its flood stage.

• Until further notice: Arkansas River near Muskogee.

At 10 a.m. today, the river's level was nearly 1 1/2 feet above its flood stage.

A flood warning means flooding is occurring or is imminent. Rivers and creeks are overflowing and heavy runoff or drainage of water into low-lying areas is happening.

Oklahoma forecast

• Today: Highs in the 80s. Slight chance of rain and thunderstorms.

• Tonight: Lows in the 60s. Rain and thunderstorms likely.

• Friday: Highs in the 80s. Chance of rain and thunderstorms.

Oklahoma City-area forecast

• Rest of today: Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 80s. Southeasterly winds 10 to 15 mph. Twenty percent chance of thunderstorms.

• Tonight: Lows in the mid-60s. Easterly winds 10 to 15 mph. Eighty percent chance of occasional thunderstorms.

• Friday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid-80s. Northeasterly winds about 10 mph. Twenty percent chance of thunderstorms.

• Friday night: Lows in the mid-60s. Northeasterly winds up to 10 mph. Twenty percent chance of thunderstorms.

Contributing: The Associated Press

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