Oklahoma Winter Storm Updates, Resources (Feb. 18)

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There is no sugar-coating it: the next three days in Oklahoma are going to be miserable. By the time you see this Tuesday morning, the storm will already be well underway, especially if you live in the northern parts of the state.

In Oklahoma City, it’s a winter weather advisory, but forecasts are suggesting up to .20 inches (1/5 of an inch) of ice across central and eastern Oklahoma.

In Tulsa, it’s a winter storm warning with between 4-12” of snow in the forecast.

Whatever falls and sticks today will be here for a while.

The snow and ice are only one part of the problem. Temperatures in the teens and single digits and wind chills well below zero make this storm a life-threatening event for anybody outside caught unprepared.

Most of Oklahoma will not be above freezing at least until Friday.

And the problems don’t end once you get inside.

If you don’t want frozen pipes, drip your faucets starting once the temperature falls below 20 degrees.

While the word “drip” is used, really what is meant is “stream.” There should be a thin stream of water coming from your faucet. Every faucet, especially the ones that border the outdoors.

Also, extreme cold impacts indoor appliances, especially washing machines.

Winter Storm Update ❄️

Here are the two winter storm images from the National Weather Service as of late Monday. First, a look at Oklahoma City:

The pink indicates a winter storm warning with much heavier snow expected.

As of Monday night, between 1-2” of snow is expected in the Oklahoma City metro area, with less than an inch expected south of Interstate 40. However, with freezing rain and sleet preceding it, even ¾ of an inch of snow on top of it would render travel nearly impossible.

Let’s look at the Tulsa map.

Like most folks who live in Green Country, my trust is in the great Travis Meyer, chief meteorologist at News On 6. Let’s see what he has to say as of Monday night.

Winter Weather Resources:

• Oklahoma road conditions

• OKC snow routes

• Tulsa snow routes

• OKC closings

• Tulsa closings

🌡️ Monday high in OKC 33°
🌡️ Monday high in Tulsa 29°

Now to the other news of the day …

Oklahoma Headlines

• Hundreds of Oklahomans gather at state Capitol to protest Trump administration policies (Oklahoma Voice)

• GRDA seeks $1.6 billion bond capacity hike (NonDoc)

• Viral meme shared by Oklahoma governor spreads misinformation (Mvskoke Media)

• Community mourns Holland Hall teens killed in crash (News On 6)

• Oklahoma lawmaker introduces bill targeting cyberbullying after death of Mustang student (KOCO)

• How do ranchers prepare cattle for Oklahoma’s incoming weather (KOCO)

• OSU Student Union floods due to ‘damaged water line’ (The O’Colly)

• Inmate who walked away from correctional center sought (News 9)

• Lawmakers want absentee voters to explain their absence (KFOR)

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