Nocturnal ‘Gorilla Hail’ Threat Targets Texas and Oklahoma as Severe Storms Eye OKC Late Tonight
TEXAS & OKLAHOMA — A dangerous round of overnight severe weather is developing from the Pecos Valley of Texas into central Oklahoma, with forecasters warning that isolated but intense thunderstorms could produce very large hail — potentially “gorilla hail” — well into the late evening and early morning hours.
According to the latest outlook, the primary concern is large to very large hail, with storms expected to organize in a corridor stretching from western Texas northeastward into central Oklahoma. The threat zone includes areas west of Oklahoma City and could expand into the metro between 9 and 10 p.m. or later.
Large Hail the Main Concern Overnight
The highlighted storm corridor shows scattered but strengthening cells capable of becoming severe. While the storms may not form a widespread outbreak, isolated severe thunderstorms are expected to intensify as they track northeast.
Forecasters emphasize that:
- The main threat is large hail
- Storms may become strong during the late evening
- Severe weather could persist into the early morning hours
- Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts overnight
The phrase “gorilla hail” is sometimes used to describe exceptionally large hailstones — the kind capable of denting vehicles, shattering windshields, and causing roof damage in minutes.
Oklahoma City Could Be Impacted Late
Central Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City (OKC), is within the projected path of strengthening storms later tonight. Timing estimates suggest the metro could see impacts beginning as early as 9–10 p.m., though exact arrival times may shift depending on storm development. Storm chasers are already preparing to track these cells as they evolve from the Texas Panhandle region northeastward into Oklahoma.
Why This Is a Nocturnal Concern
Overnight severe weather poses additional risks because many people are asleep when warnings are issued. With storms expected to continue into the early morning hours, emergency managers stress the importance of:
- Keeping phones fully charged
- Enabling emergency weather alerts
- Having a shelter plan ready
- Parking vehicles under cover if possible
Even isolated hail cores can cause costly damage in a short period of time.
Early Morning Hours Could Still Be Active
The forecast discussion notes that storms may continue beyond midnight, meaning impacts could stretch into the early morning commute for parts of Oklahoma.
While tornado risk does not appear to be the primary concern in this setup, strong updrafts within isolated cells could produce damaging hail bursts before storms weaken.
Residents across western and central Oklahoma, as well as portions of west Texas, are urged to remain weather-aware tonight. Stay with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for continued updates as this overnight severe threat unfolds.
