Potential hazard
OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER…
STRONG SOUTH THROUGH SOUTHWEST WINDS…COMBINED WITH HIGH
TEMPERATURES IN THE MID 70S TO LOWER 80S AND DRYING VEGETATION…
WILL PLACE WILDFIRE POTENTIAL IN THE HIGH CATEGORY THIS AFTERNOON
OVER PARTS OF WESTERN OKLAHOMA AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY…
THUNDERSTORM OUTLOOK…
THOUGH ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS ARE FORECAST TO REMAIN FAIRLY STABLE
INTO NEXT WEEK…ENOUGH MOISTURE MAY RETURN NORTHWARD FROM THE GULF
FOR A FEW THUNDERSTORMS ON MONDAY AS A COLD FRONT MOVES ACROSS THE
SOUTHERN PLAINS.
OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER…
STRONG AND GUSTY SOUTH WINDS… ALONG WITH VERY WARM AND RELATIVELY
DRY CONDITIONS… WILL RAISE THE WILDFIRE POTENTIAL INTO THE HIGH OR
VERY HIGH CATEGORY AGAIN ON SATURDAY.
Tuesday is Winter Weather Preparedness Day
TUESDAY IS WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS DAY
Oklahoman’s urged to get ready in advance of snow and ice
Soon temperatures will make their way toward freezing, accompanied by the opportunity for snow and ice – making this a good time for Oklahomans to become winter weather prepared. Toward that effort, Gov. Brad Henry has proclaimed Tuesday, November 10 as Winter Weather Preparedness Day. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM), Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), and the National Weather Service (NWS), along with other state and local agencies have teamed together to share information designed to assist the public in taking action now to ensure they are better prepared for the season.
With winter weather comes the need to prepare your home, automobile and family to deal with the colder temperatures, as well as the possibility for snow and ice. “It’s especially timely to review winter weather travel safety plans since more people will be on the roads during the holiday period,” explained OEM Director Albert Ashwood. “Before setting out on a holiday trip we encourage families to make sure they have prepared their vehicle. Packing blankets, emergency food and water, flashlights, a radio and cell phone with extra batteries will help you and your family, should you become stranded because of the weather,” he said.
If you must travel during a snow or ice event, allow extra time to reach your destination, and make sure you have plenty of fuel. Be particularly cautious on bridges and overpasses as they will be the first to freeze.
“ODOT has over 500 trucks available statewide to clear snow and ice” ODOT State Maintenance Engineer Kevin Bloss said. “If you happen to be on the road during snow or ice conditions, we ask motorists to drive cautiously and stay at least 200 feet behind our sand and salt equipment in order to keep everyone safe.”
It’s also important to remember to protect your home. Adding weather stripping and insulation, keeping furnaces clean and ready to use, and being aware of cold temperatures and vulnerable pipes that might freeze mark just some of the actions that can help prevent major and costly winter weather-related damage.
In recent years Oklahoma has been pounded with ice storms. Since 2007, ice storms were responsible for more than 55 deaths and power outages to more than 640,000 homes and businesses across the state. Infrastructure damage to cities, towns and counties alone exceeded $250 million.
“By following some simple tips and monitoring your local weather during times of severe weather, Oklahomans stand their best chance at not becoming a victim,” said Rick Smith, warning coordination meteorologist with the NWS Office in Norman.
Information regarding hazardous winter weather, including watches and warnings, is available on the NWS Web site at http://www.weather.gov, on NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio and on local radio and television stations. Sign up now to receive OEM’s weather alerts and receive NWS watches, warnings on your cell phone or other email address at http://www.ok.gov/OEM/.
Below are some additional winter weather preparedness tips. For more information on how to cope with winter weather, contact your local emergency manager.
Be Aware:
Know what winter storm and blizzard watches and warnings mean.
An NWS Winter Storm watch is a message indicating that conditions are favorable to a winter storm.
An NWS warning indicates that a winter storm is occurring or is imminent.
A blizzard warning means sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
Depend on a reliable weather information source (the Internet, NOAA Weather All Hazards Radio, local television and radio stations) for the latest weather information.
Plan for a Winter Storm:
Develop a Family Disaster Plan for winter storms. Discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together when a winter storm hits.
Understand the hazards of wind chill. A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature of 35 degrees or colder.
Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly. Make sure they are prepared.
Don’t forget about the pets. Make sure they have good food and water supplies and a place to seek shelter.
Have your car winterized before winter storm season.
Protect Your Property:
Install and check/replace batteries in smoke alarms.
Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary insulate walls and attic. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills.
Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of old newspapers. Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
Know how to shut off water valves.
Consider storing extra heating fuel.
Keep safe emergency-heating equipment, such as a fireplace with wood. Always be cautious in using a portable space heater and never leave the heater on when you are not in the room or when you go to bed.
If you have a generator, take the time now to complete any required maintenance. Before using the generator, make sure you follow instructions from a licensed electrician to include proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
If You Must Go Out During a Winter Storm:
The best way to stay safe in a snowstorm is not to be out in it. Long periods of exposure to severe cold can result in frostbite or hypothermia. It is easy to become disoriented in blowing snow.
Stretch before you do so. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. This will reduce your chances of muscle injury.
Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow.
Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injury.
Dress in many layers and wear a hat and mittens or gloves.
Come inside often for warm-up breaks.
If you start to shiver or get very tired, or if your nose, fingers, toes, or ear lobes start to feel numb or turn very pale, come inside right away and seek medical assistance. These are the signs of hypothermia and frostbite and need immediate attention.
Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive.
If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle and hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood (after snow stops falling)
If you must drive in a storm:
Remember, the leading cause of death during winter storms is vehicle crashes. If at all possible, stay home during winter storms. If you know you will need to travel, prepare your vehicle and know how to react if you are stranded on the road.
Check your local weather, as well as the weather along your route and at your destination. Check local media for event closings and cancellations. Remember, conditions can deteriorate quickly in a winter storm.
Check for weather-related road conditions through the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety at www.dps.state.ok.us or by calling toll free, (888) 425-2385.
Make sure you have plenty of fuel; a good rule of thumb is to keep your fuel tank at least half full
Always wear your seat belt
In ice or snow, take it slow; allow ample time to reach your destination
Bring a cell phone with an emergency roadside assistance number (In case of emergency, you can call the Oklahoma Highway Patrol at *55 or 911)
Remember that bridges and ramps will be the first to freeze
Make sure your Winter Storm Disaster Supply Kit includes:
A cell phone with extra battery or two-way radio
Windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal
Several blankets or sleeping bags
Rain gear and extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks and a cap
Non-perishable snacks like canned fruit, nuts and other high energy “munchies.” Include non-electric can opener if necessary.
Several bottles of water. Eating snow will lower your body temperature. If necessary, melt it first.
A small sack of sand or kitty litter for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or traction mats.
Jumper cables
A first aid kit
A flashlight with extra batteries
A brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna if you get stranded.
Hazardous weather outlook for the next few days
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY…
THUNDERSTORM OUTLOOK…
THUNDERSTORMS ARE NOT EXPECTED THROUGH THE WEEKEND. THERE WILL BE A
SLIGHT CHANCE FOR THUNDERSTORMS FROM MONDAY INTO TUESDAY AS A COLD
FRONT MOVES THROUGH THE SOUTHERN PLAINS.
OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER…
INCREASING SOUTH WINDS… AND CONTINUED WARM AND RELATIVELY DRY
CONDITIONS… WILL RAISE THE WILDFIRE POTENTIAL INTO THE HIGH OR
VERY HIGH CATEGORY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY OVER PARTS OF WESTERN
OKLAHOMA AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS.
Saturday forecasts for Ames, Iowa and Lincoln, Neb.
Oklahoma State University at Iowa State University, Saturday, Ames, Iowa
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 69. Southwest wind between 4 and 7 mph becoming calm.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45.
——————-
University of Oklahoma at University of Nebraska, Saturday, Lincoln, Nebraska
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 70. North northwest wind between 3 and 7 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.
Hazardous weather outlook for next few days
FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY…
THUNDERSTORM OUTLOOK…
THUNDERSTORMS ARE NOT EXPECTED THROUGH THE WEEKEND. THERE WILL BE A
SLIGHT CHANCE FOR THUNDERSTORMS FROM MONDAY AND TUESDAY.
OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER…
INCREASING SOUTH WINDS… AND CONTINUED WARM AND RELATIVELY DRY
CONDITIONS… WILL RAISE THE WILDFIRE POTENTIAL INTO THE HIGH OR
VERY HIGH CATEGORY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY OVER PARTS OF WESTERN
OKLAHOMA AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS.
Frost advisory in some areas of the state
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…ROGERS…BENTONVILLE…BERRYVILLE…
EUREKA SPRINGS…FAYETTEVILLE…SPRINGDALE…HUNTSVILLE…
VAN BUREN…OZARK…CHARLESTON…PAWHUSKA…BARTLESVILLE…
NOWATA…VINITA…MIAMI…CLAREMORE…PRYOR…JAY…TAHLEQUAH…
STILWELL
320 PM CST WED NOV 4 2009
…FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 AM CST
THURSDAY…
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TULSA HAS ISSUED A FROST
ADVISORY…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 AM CST
THURSDAY.
FOR THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES…
IN ARKANSAS…
BENTON…CARROLL…WASHINGTON…MADISON…CRAWFORD AND FRANKLIN.
IN OKLAHOMA…
OSAGE…WASHINGTON…NOWATA…CRAIG…OTTAWA…ROGERS…MAYES…
DELAWARE…CHEROKEE AND ADAIR.
IN THE WAKE OF WEAK SURFACE BOUNDARY…SLIGHTLY DRIER AIR
AT THE SURFACE WILL COMBINE WITH LIGHT WINDS AND CLEAR SKIES
…THUS ALLOWING TEMPERATURES TO DROP INTO THE MIDDLE 30S
OVERNIGHT ACROSS PARTS OF NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA AND NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.
AREAS OF FROST WILL DEVELOP…WITH THE HEAVIEST FROST EXPECTED
ACROSS LOW LYING AND RURAL AREAS OF THE ADVISORY AREA.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A FROST ADVISORY MEANS THAT FROST IS POSSIBLE. SENSITIVE OUTDOOR
PLANTS MAY BE KILLED IF LEFT UNCOVERED.
Hazardous weather outlook
THUNDERSTORM OUTLOOK…
THUNDERSTORMS ARE NOT EXPECTED THROUGH SATURDAY. THE CHANCE OF
THUNDERSTORMS WILL INCREASE FROM SUNDAY INTO MONDAY OF NEXT WEEK.
OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER…
INCREASING SOUTH WINDS… AND CONTINUED WARM AND RELATIVELY DRY
CONDITIONS… WILL RAISE THE WILDFIRE POTENTIAL INTO THE HIGH OR
VERY HIGH CATEGORY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY OVER PARTS OF WESTERN
OKLAHOMA AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS.
Tulsa forecast
Tulsa forecast
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 40. North northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming south between 7 and 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 52. South wind between 9 and 11 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Breezy, with a south wind between 11 and 21 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 75.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69.
Monday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.
Tuesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65.
Oklahoma City forecast
Oklahoma City:
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 42. North northeast wind 7 to 9 mph becoming southeast.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 72. South wind between 8 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. South wind between 13 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 77. Windy, with a south wind between 18 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 74.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 60.
Oklahoma Monthly Climate Summary, for October (a quick look)
Source: Oklahoma Climatological Survey.
Sent by Gary McManus.
November came a bit early this year disguised as October. The month finished nearly 7 degrees below normal to rank as the second coolest October on record. Lots of moisture went along with that cool weather and the statewide average precipitation finished with a surplus of more than 3 inches, enough to rank as the fifth wettest on record. The rainfall amounts became extreme in eastern Oklahoma, exemplified by the 50 reports of flash flooding in that area. The southeastern region had a surplus of over 7 inches that helped it to its second-wettest October on record. Meanwhile, the Panhandle, west central and east central sections of the state experienced their coolest Octobers on record. Severe weather was confined mostly to flooding, but there was a tornado touchdown in Okfuskee County. The twister struck near Weleetka and damaged some roofs but was rated an EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.
