Map Shows Where Tornado Could Hit Texas and Oklahoma

Severe storms are expected to hit parts of Texas and Oklahoma, bringing the potential for damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed portions of both states under an "enhanced risk" for severe weather.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued tornado watches for parts of central Oklahoma and North Texas, while the SPC has cautioned that "a couple of strong tornadoes" may form, especially in areas with increasing instability and strong wind shear.

Which Areas Will Be Affected?

The SPC has issued a severe thunderstorm outlook covering eastern Texas, much of Oklahoma, and portions of the lower Mississippi Valley. Some of the largest population centers at risk include Dallas-Fort Worth, Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

A tornado watch remains in effect for central Oklahoma, while western parts of the state have been removed from the alert as the system moves eastward.

North Texas is also under a wind advisory from 11 p.m. Monday through 9 p.m. Tuesday, with sustained winds of 20 to 35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph.

The NWS warns that unsecured outdoor objects could be blown around, and driving may become difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

When Are Severe Storms Expected?

The most severe conditions are likely between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. Tuesday, with storms reaching the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex around 5 a.m.

The SPC forecast discussion states that a deepening surface low over Oklahoma will move toward Illinois by late Tuesday, fueling continued storm development.

The greatest tornado risk will be in southern Oklahoma and North Texas during the early morning hours, before the storms shift eastward later in the day.

When Could a Tornado Form?

Tornadoes are most likely between late Monday night and early Tuesday morning, particularly where strong wind shear and Gulf moisture create unstable atmospheric conditions. The SPC warns that "a couple of strong tornadoes" cannot be ruled out, especially in areas where low-level instability increases.

The NWS Norman office has reported two tornadoes in Oklahoma so far this March, and tornado activity is expected to increase significantly in April, based on historical trends.

In Texas, the Texas A&M Forest Service has issued warnings about elevated fire danger due to strong post-frontal winds and low humidity, increasing wildfire risks in areas that receive little rainfall from this storm.

A tornado watch is in effect for parts of North Texas, including Cooke, Montague, Jack, and Palo Pinto counties, until 5 a.m. Tuesday. The NWS has warned that additional watches may be issued for the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area as conditions develop.

Residents in Texas and Oklahoma should review their safety plans and keep emergency alerts activated, as NWS meteorologists have cautioned that tornadoes can form with little warning.

For the latest updates, visit the NOAA Storm Prediction Center.