High Wind Warning Issued For Most of Oklahoma

The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a High Wind Warning for most of Oklahoma and is set to be in effect from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. Portions of central, northern, northwest, southern, southwest and western Oklahoma, plus north Texas, will be under the High Wind Warning.

The High Wind Warning expects the parts of Oklahoma under the warning to be impacted by damaging winds that could blow down trees and power lines. Isolated power outages are possible, and travel could be difficult due to crosswinds. Residents are urged to remain on the lower level of their homes during the windstorm and to avoid windows. Residents should watch for falling debris and tree limbs, and use caution if out driving.

Oklahoma could see near hurricane-force winds on Friday.

Friday's windstorm is expected to bring in hurricane-force winds to Oklahoma. According to Meteorologist Austin Bowling with Texoma's Weather Lab, the winds are expected to pick up across Oklahoma on Friday morning. Various areas of Oklahoma could see wind gusts from 40 to over 60 miles per hour.

Morning wind gusts on Friday could be up to 40 miles per hour. Peak wind gusts of 60 miles per hour or higher are expected from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, mostly in the southwestern corner of Oklahoma. Residents are urged to tie down loose items, like trampolines, to watch for their trash cans and to not do any activities that could spark a wildfire. Main concerns include blowing dust, power outages and wildfires.

Red Flag Warnings issued across Oklahoma on Thursday and Friday.

The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a Red Flag Warning for Thursday, March 13 in western Oklahoma and north Texas, and for Friday, March 14 for central and southwest Oklahoma and north Texas. Wildfire risks are near critical on Thursday and extreme on Friday. The most concerning day for wildfires is Friday due to extremely strong winds and dry conditions.