NORTH TEXAS – A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued across parts of Oklahoma as a powerful complex of storms develops overnight, with forecasters warning the system will push south toward North Texas bringing damaging wind gusts, heavy rain, and frequent lightning before sunrise Monday morning.
The storms are expected to produce wind gusts up to 80 mph near Oklahoma City around 3 a.m. before tracking southward and crossing the Red River around 5 a.m. From there, the system is forecast to continue moving through North Texas ahead of sunrise.
Strongest Winds North of Highway 380
The greatest threat for damaging winds will be concentrated north of Highway 380, where gusts up to 65 mph are possible. Communities in that zone, including areas around Gainesville, Nocona, Bowie, and Denison, face the highest wind risk from the approaching system.
Closer to the Dallas and Fort Worth metro area, wind gusts are expected to range from 45 to 55 mph, still strong enough to down tree limbs and cause scattered power outages across the region.
Primary Impact Window Runs From 5 AM to 9 AM
In addition to damaging winds, residents can expect frequent lightning, heavy downpours, and brief periods of significantly reduced visibility as the storms push through. The primary timeframe for impacts across North Texas is set between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Forecasters are urging anyone living north of Highway 380 to secure loose outdoor items before going to bed and to be prepared for a disruptive early morning wake-up as the storm complex moves through the area.
Stay updated for the latest weather news as this story develops.
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