Winter Storm Warning: Oklahoma Braces for Ice and Snow Overnight
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — A winter weather advisory has been issued across Oklahoma as a combination of ice, freezing rain, sleet, and snow is expected to affect the state overnight into Wednesday morning. Meteorologists warn that hazardous travel conditions will develop, particularly in the Oklahoma City metro area and parts of western and northern Oklahoma.
Beginning around midnight, the storm system is forecast to bring a mix of precipitation starting with freezing drizzle and transitioning to sleet and freezing rain. Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane from KOCO 5 advises residents to prepare for slick roads, noting, “By 3 a.m., the precipitation will move into the OKC metro, making roads slick and dangerous for morning commutes.”
The weather advisory remains in effect until noon on Wednesday, with temperatures dipping to around freezing, which will exacerbate icy conditions. Schools, including those in the Oklahoma City Public Schools district, have opted for virtual learning in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
Crews are currently deploying across the state to monitor road conditions, focusing on areas where ice accumulation is expected to reach 0.25 inches, particularly near the Interstate 44 corridor. “It is essential for drivers to be cautious, as the roads will become treacherous,” Lane advised.
In addition to the freezing rain, snow flurries may persist across the state, especially in northwest Oklahoma, where accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are anticipated by Wednesday morning. Travel disruptions are expected across the region, with a warning that the conditions could worsen overnight.
Metropolitan areas, such as Tulsa, are also bracing for complications. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is preparing to treat roads as temps drop below freezing. “Bridges and overpasses will be particularly vulnerable to ice,” a spokesperson emphasized. “Areas will likely experience difficult driving conditions throughout the morning, with temperatures only reaching the upper 20s during the day.”
Wind chills are expected to drop significantly, making conditions feel even colder. Residents are advised to bundle up and limit outdoor activities. City officials are opening warming centers for vulnerable populations to ensure safety as the cold weather sets in.
As the storm passes, expected drying conditions could lead to additional refreezing overnight Wednesday into Thursday, presenting further challenges for drivers and pedestrians alike. Meteorologists lended caution, urging citizens to stay updated on the evolving weather situation.
