On Monday, From State Emergency Management on Monday
Oklahoma remains under a State of Emergency, as declared by Gov. Brad Henry.
The Governor, along with state emergency management, public safety and transportation officials, continues to urge motorists to travel with caution as roads remain slick and hazardous in some areas.
The State of Emergency marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance, should it be necessary. Additionally, the executive order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions.
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) officials are working with local emergency managers and other officials to begin assessing damages and other costs associated with the winter storm. Already, the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives reports between $1.5 and $2.25 million in infrastructure damage to rural electric systems, including 43 high-voltage transmission line structures belonging to Western Farmers Electric Cooperative.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Light snow is expected statewide Tuesday afternoon into the evening hours, ending by early Wednesday. Current forecasts call for 1 to 2 inches of snow widespread, with isolated amounts of up to 4 inches, primarily in central Oklahoma. Light freezing drizzle may also occur in southern Oklahoma late Tuesday.
Snow should begin by Tuesday afternoon in southwest Oklahoma and move northeast during the late afternoon and evening hours. Snow may change to freezing drizzle in some areas. A cold rain in southeast Oklahoma is possible early Wednesday.
A snow advisory or winter weather advisory may be needed for parts of the state Tuesday afternoon. Impacts are expected to remain limited, primarily affecting travel. (UPDATE: A winter weather advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service, Norman Forecast Office.)
————————–
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE, NORMAN FORECAST OFFICE:
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
926 PM CST MON DEC 28 2009
HARPER-WOODS-ALFALFA-GRANT-KAY-ELLIS-WOODWARD-MAJOR-GARFIELD-
NOBLE-ROGER MILLS-DEWEY-CUSTER-BLAINE-KINGFISHER-LOGAN-PAYNE-
BECKHAM-WASHITA-CADDO-CANADIAN-OKLAHOMA-LINCOLN-GRADY-MCCLAIN-
CLEVELAND-POTTAWATOMIE-SEMINOLE-HUGHES-HARMON-GREER-KIOWA-JACKSON-
TILLMAN-COMANCHE-STEPHENS-GARVIN-MURRAY-PONTOTOC-COAL-COTTON-
JEFFERSON-CARTER-JOHNSTON-ATOKA-LOVE-MARSHALL-BRYAN-HARDEMAN-
FOARD-WILBARGER-WICHITA-KNOX-BAYLOR-ARCHER-CLAY-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…BUFFALO…ALVA…CHEROKEE…MEDFORD…
PONCA CITY…ARNETT…WOODWARD…FAIRVIEW…ENID…PERRY…
CHEYENNE…TALOGA…WEATHERFORD…CLINTON…WATONGA…
KINGFISHER…GUTHRIE…STILLWATER…ELK CITY…SAYRE…CORDELL…
ANADARKO…YUKON…EL RENO…MUSTANG…OKLAHOMA CITY…CHANDLER…
CHICKASHA…PURCELL…NORMAN…MOORE…SHAWNEE…SEMINOLE…
HOLDENVILLE…HOLLIS…MANGUM…HOBART…ALTUS…FREDERICK…
LAWTON…DUNCAN…PAULS VALLEY…SULPHUR…ADA…COALGATE…
WALTERS…WAURIKA…ARDMORE…TISHOMINGO…ATOKA…MARIETTA…
MADILL…DURANT…QUANAH…CHILLICOTHE…CROWELL…VERNON…
WICHITA FALLS…MUNDAY…KNOX CITY…SEYMOUR…ARCHER CITY…
HOLLIDAY…LAKESIDE CITY…HENRIETTA
926 PM CST MON DEC 28 2009
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NORMAN HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON
TO WEDNESDAY MORNING.
* TIMING: SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SPREADING INTO PARTS OF
WESTERN NORTH TEXAS AND SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA TUESDAY AFTERNOON.
THE AREA OF SNOW WILL EXPAND NORTH AND EAST ACROSS A LARGE PART
OF OKLAHOMA TUESDAY EVENING. THE SNOW MAY BE MIXED WITH RAIN AT
TIMES IN SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS TUESDAY
AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING. THE SNOW SHOULD BE ENDING FROM
SOUTHWEST TO NORTHEAST BY LATE TUESDAY NIGHT.
* MAIN IMPACT: PERIODS OF LIGHT TO OCCASIONALLY MODERATE SNOW WILL
RESULT IN SCATTERED SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF ONE TO TWO INCHES.
* OTHER IMPACTS: ROADS IN SOME AREAS MAY BECOME SLICK ESPECIALLY
DURING THE EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW FREEZING RAIN
CAN RESULT IN TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS
AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES…AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
On Thursday, light snow is again possible across parts of the state. Moisture will be limited and the system is expected to move quickly through the state. As such, snow accumulations should stay below one inch. No advisories are anticipated right now.
As with Tuesday, impacts from this event are expected to be limited.
This next round of winter weather is forecast as Oklahoma continues to recover from last week’s historic storm. Oklahoma City received a record 14.1 inches of snow on Thursday – the highest number of snow ever received there in one day. Other areas of the state were blanketed with 6 to 8 inches of snow.
INJURIES AND FATALITIES
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) reports 9 fatalities attributed to the winter storm. All died in storm related traffic collisions.
On Thursday:
A 61-year-old man was killed in a wreck on I-40 eastbound at mile marker 129.
A 42-year-old man, 41-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man were killed in a two-vehicle collision in the Sand Springs area.
A man (age not available) was killed in a wreck at SH-3 and South Rock Creek Road.
A 50-year-old man died after being struck by an oncoming vehicle when he stepped from his vehicle following a non-injury collision in Stephens County.
A 52-year-old man (pedestrian) was struck by an oncoming vehicle as he attempted to cross the road during the blizzard to assist, also in Stephens County.
On Friday:
A 23-year-old man died after being ejected from a vehicle he was a passenger in that slid on the ice, left the roadway, and rolled one time in Grady County.
On Sunday:
A 15-year-old girl from Cordell and a 14-year-old girl from Elk City died when the vehicles they were passengers in crashed 1.2 miles west of Canute on the Burns Flat/Canute cutoff road.
Additionally OHP responded to 81 injury wrecks related to the storm.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports 482 injuries related to the winter storm. Most were for broken bones, slips and falls and heart attacks. Some required treatment at hospitals; others were treated at the scene. Some hospitals had to go on generator power and at least one had to divert patients elsewhere due to the storm. Additionally, there were numerous reports of hospital medical staff having to work extra shifts because their relief workers could not get to the hospital due to treacherous road conditions.
Between December 24 and December 27, EMSA responded to 1,079 emergency medical calls in the Oklahoma City area. Included in that number were 149 falls and 92 motor vehicle crashes. During the four-day period, paramedics transported 728 patients to hospitals for continued care. During the same time period, EMSA paramedics responded to 834 calls in the Tulsa area. Included in that number were 116 falls and 134 motor vehicle crashes. Staffing was a challenge for EMSA which had employees activated by the Oklahoma National Guard, and had employees who couldn’t make it out of their own neighborhoods. EMSA used four-wheel drive support vehicles to go pick up stranded employees and bring them into work.
RESOURCE COORDINATION
Oklahoma National Guard personnel rescued motorists stranded on the state’s turnpikes and interstates. The Guard, traveling by Humvees, reached more than 40 stranded motorists.
OHP received more than 1,000 calls for assistance and worked 362 wrecks. Nearly 350 troopers worked Oklahoma roads assisting motorists on Thursday and more than 250 worked on Friday.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) had all maintenance crews working around the clock from before the storm hit until late Saturday with fewer crews continuing Sunday and today. Statewide, more than 1,000 ODOT employees were involved in snow-clearing efforts during the holiday weekend. Crews from the western part of the state, where the storm ended first, were reassigned to other areas of the state needing assistance.
There were no other requests for state assistance.
ROAD CONDITIONS
ODOT reports targeted snow clearing and road treatment operations continue, mainly where run off from melting snow and ice has refrozen. All major highways are clear however motorists are reminded to exercise caution, particularly as the evening hours approach.
Hundreds of abandoned cars littered Oklahoma roadways as a result of the winter storm. OHP and municipal officials urge motorists to remove those vehicles immediately or they will be towed at the owner’s expense. In Oklahoma City, motorists may call (405) 297-1189 to find out where their vehicle has been towed.
To check CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS, call the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety’s ROAD CONDITIONS HOTLINE at 888-425-2385. For out of state road conditions:
Arkansas 800-245-1672; Colorado 303-639-1111; Kansas 866-511-5368; Missouri 800-222-6400; New Mexico 800-432-4269; and Texas 800-452-9292.
POWER OUTAGES
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports 61 homes and businesses in the Tipton area remain without power due to the winter storm. At the height of the storm about 47,350 electric customers were without service including:
The Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives reports at least 11 rural electric cooperatives (REC) had outages during the storm, meaning each had at least 50 consumers without power at some point. All total, about 14,750 REC customers were without power due to the storm. The cooperatives, along with outage numbers, are:
Southwest Rural Electric Association, Tipton: 3,000 outages
Caddo Electric Cooperative, Binger: 1,500 outages at peak
Rural Electric Cooperative, Lindsay: 250 outages at peak
People’s Electric Cooperative, Ada: 150 outages at peak
East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Okmulgee: 100 outages at peak
Kiwash Electric Cooperative, Cordell: 2,000 outages at peak
Harmon Electric Association, Hollis: 2,000 outages at peak
Northfork Electric Cooperative, Sayre: 500 outages at peak
Cotton Electric Cooperative, Walters: 2,500 outages at peak
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Norman: 1,500 outages at peak
Cimarron Electric Cooperative, Kingfisher: 1,250 outages at peak
Five municipally operated electric systems reported about 7,300 customers without power. This included: Altus, 3,655; Frederick 2,198; Granite 664; Lexington 750; and, Purcell 20.
AEP/PSO reported about 17,300 outages at the height of the storm, including 13,523 in the Lawton area, 1,555 in McAlester and 2,223 in Tulsa.
OG&E reported about 8,000 power outages to homes and business primarily in the Oklahoma City area.
Additional the Corporation Commission reports at the height of the storm about 1,600 telephone customers lost service, including 1,200 Pioneer Telephone Cooperative customers in Frederick and 400 AT&T customers in Indiahoma. Service has been restored to these customers.
AIR TRAVEL
Operations are back to normal at both Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City and
Tulsa International Airport in Tulsa.
Will Rogers World Airport closed to aircraft operations at 1 pm on Thursday. Almost all airport maintenance personnel were called in to work the airfield, clean sidewalks and roadways and assist in the terminal building. At 2:50 a.m. Friday, 14 hours later, the airport reopened with one runway. An estimated 100 flights were cancelled. Additionally, airport authorities towed nearly 40 vehicles on Friday and Saturday so that entrance and exit roadways to the airport terminal could be cleared. Cars that were left on Meridian Avenue south from 54th Street, Terminal Drive or Air Cargo Road were moved to one of two locations on airport property. Vehicle owners who want to claim their vehicles should contact the airport at (405) 680-3000 during business hours. All three runways are operational today along with all taxiways. While the roadways in and out of the airport are passable, work continues to clear all lanes. Similarly, the parking lots are passable but plowing and shoveling continues.
At Tulsa International Airport additional maintenance workers were brought in as the airport activated its plan which allows snow removal and runway treatment between airline takeoffs. On Thursday airlines cancelled a majority of flights and on Friday airlines cancelled 35 to 40 percent of flights.
HUMAN SERVICES
The American Red Cross has closed shelters opened to assist stranded motorists. At shelters in Lawton, Norman and El Reno more than 200 people were assisted. Other shelters were opened locally in Chickasha, Wellston, Choctaw, Newcastle, Purcell, Moore and Pauls Valley.
In Oklahoma City, volunteers are needed to assist elderly and special needs residents with clearing snow from their walkways and driveways. Organizations, particularly church groups, are encouraged to form volunteer teams. Those interested in assisting should have their team leader register their team by calling 2-1-1. Information will be provided soon for those requesting assistance. The recruitment effort is a partnership between United Way of Central Oklahoma, HeartLine 2-1-1 and the City of Oklahoma City.
From National Weather Service, Norman Forecast Office
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NORMAN HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON
TO WEDNESDAY MORNING.
* TIMING: SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SPREADING INTO PARTS OF
WESTERN NORTH TEXAS AND SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA TUESDAY AFTERNOON.
THE AREA OF SNOW WILL EXPAND NORTH AND EAST ACROSS A LARGE PART
OF OKLAHOMA TUESDAY EVENING. THE SNOW MAY BE MIXED WITH RAIN AT
TIMES IN SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS TUESDAY
AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING. THE SNOW SHOULD BE ENDING FROM
SOUTHWEST TO NORTHEAST BY LATE TUESDAY NIGHT.
* MAIN IMPACT: PERIODS OF LIGHT TO OCCASIONALLY MODERATE SNOW WILL
RESULT IN SCATTERED SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF ONE TO TWO INCHES.
* OTHER IMPACTS: ROADS IN SOME AREAS MAY BECOME SLICK ESPECIALLY
DURING THE EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS.
——————————————————————–
A STORM SYSTEM WILL MOVE THROUGH THE REGION TOMORROW AND
WEDNESDAY…WHICH WILL YIELD THE POSSIBILITY OF ACCUMULATING SNOW.
PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ACROSS WESTERN NORTH TEXAS AND
SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND SPREAD NORTHEAST TUESDAY
NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY. THE GREATEST CHANCES FOR SNOW WILL BE FROM
WESTERN NORTH TEXAS…UP THROUGH WESTERN…CENTRAL…AND NORTHERN
OKLAHOMA. PORTIONS OF SOUTH-CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA COULD SEE
A MIX OF RAIN AND SNOW. ALTHOUGH MOST SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL BE
VERY LIGHT…SOME LOCATIONS COULD RECEIVE A COUPLE INCHES BEFORE THE
SNOW ENDS…PRIMARILY FROM AROUND CROWELL AND QUANAH TEXAS…UP
THROUGH WESTERN AND NORTHERN PORTIONS OF OKLAHOMA.
National Weather Service, accumulating snow possible this week
From National Weather Service, Norman:
ACCUMULATING SNOW POSSIBLE THIS WEEK…
MULTIPLE STORM SYSTEMS WILL MOVE THROUGH THE REGION THIS WEEK AND
YIELD THE POSSIBILITY OF ACCUMULATING SNOW. THE FIRST SYSTEM WILL
AFFECT WESTERN NORTH TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA TUESDAY NIGHT AND
WEDNESDAY AS IT MOVES INTO THE REGION FROM SOUTHWEST TEXAS. AT
THIS TIME…IT APPEARS THAT PRECIPITATION WILL BEGIN ACROSS
WESTERN NORTH TEXAS AND SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA TUESDAY EVENING AND
SPREAD EAST AND NORTHEAST TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY. THE
GREATEST CHANCES OF SNOW WILL EXIST FROM WESTERN NORTH
TEXAS…NORTHEAST THROUGH SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN OKLAHOMA.
PORTIONS OF SOUTH-CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA MAY ACTUALLY SEE
MORE OF A RAIN AND SNOW MIXTURE. ALTHOUGH MOST SNOW ACCUMULATIONS
WILL BE LIGHT…SOME LOCATIONS COULD RECEIVE A COUPLE OF INCHES
BEFORE THE SNOW ENDS WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
ANOTHER QUICK MOVING STORM SYSTEM WILL APPROACH THE REGION FROM
THE CENTRAL ROCKIES ON THURSDAY. MOISTURE WILL BE LIMITED FOR THIS
SYSTEM…BUT LIGHT SNOW ACCUMULATIONS APPEAR POSSIBLE OVER
NORTHERN TEXAS AND THE SOUTHERN HALF OF OKLAHOMA.
EVEN THOUGH WE ARE EXPECTING SOME MORE SNOW…THE STORM SYSTEMS
THIS WEEK WILL PALE IN COMPARISON WITH THE BLIZZARD THAT JUST
AFFECTED THE REGION. WINDS WILL NOT BE NEAR AS STRONG AND THE SNOW
ACCUMULATIONS WILL BE MUCH LESS.
—————————————————-
From National Weather Service, Tulsa:
EXTENDED DISCUSSION…
AN UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCE OVER THE PACIFIC OCEAN WILL TRACK INTO
NORTHERN MEXICO TUESDAY MORNING AND THEN TURN NORTHEAST ACROSS
EASTERN OKLAHOMA TUESDAY NIGHT. A PERIOD OF SNOW IS EXPECTED WITH
THIS SYSTEM TUESDAY NIGHT AND EARLY WEDNESDAY. SNOWFALL OF 1 TO 3
INCHES IS POSSIBLE. AT THIS TIME NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA IS THE MOST
LIKELY AREA TO RECEIVE THE HIGHER AMOUNTS OF SNOW. HOWEVER THIS
SYSTEM IS OUTSIDE THE U.S. OBSERVATION NETWORK AND THIS LEADS TO
EXTRA UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THIS SYSTEM. SO CHANGES IN THE SNOW
AMOUNTS AND PLACEMENT OF THE SNOW WILL LIKELY OCCUR AS LATER
INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE.
A SECOND UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCE IS EXPECTED TO RACE ACROSS THE
AREA ON THURSDAY FROM THE NORTHWEST. THIS SYSTEM WILL ALSO BRING A
CHANCE OF SNOW TO THE AREA.
—————————————————————
From National Weather, Amarillo, Texas:
MOISTURE WILL QUICKLY BUILD DOWN TO THE SURFACE BY TUESDAY
MORNING. THICKNESS VALUES SHOW THAT THE AIR WILL BE COLD ENOUGH FOR
SNOW. AT THIS TIME…THE TRACK OF THE SYSTEM BRING LIGHT AMOUNTS OF
ONE HALF TO ONE INCH TO THE SOUTHERN PORTIONS OF THE TEXAS PANHANDLE.
AS USUAL…ANY SHIFT IN THE SYSTEM MOVEMENT WILL CHANGE THE LOCATION
OF SNOW AMOUNTS. ANOTHER MINOR SYSTEM FORMS ON THE HEELS OF THE FIRST
AND TRACK ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST TEXAS PANHANDLE WEDNESDAY. AMOUNTS
SHOULD BE LIGHT FROM THE SECOND DISTURBANCE.
Hazardous weather outlook for this week, National Weather Service, Norman
National Weather Service, Norman
ENOUGH MOISTURE IS EXPECTED TO RETURN NORTHWARD AHEAD OF AN UPPER
LEVEL STORM SYSTEM TO ALLOW A CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION LATER THIS
WEEK. THE PRIMARY FORM OF PRECIPITATION WILL BE SNOW… ALTHOUGH A
RAIN/SNOW MIX WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA WEDNESDAY.
ANOTHER STORM SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO BRING A CHANCE OF SNOW TO THE
SOUTHERN HALF OF OKLAHOMA AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS ON THURSDAY.
ACCUMULATING SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE EACH DAY.
Hazardous weather outlook, National Weather Service, Tulsa
THIS OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHWEST AND WEST CENTRAL ARKANSAS AS WELL AS
MUCH OF EASTERN OKLAHOMA.
.DAY ONE…TONIGHT.
NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER EXPECTED.
DISCUSSION…
A FEW SNOW FLURRIES ARE POSSIBLE NEAR THE KANSAS LINE
WITH NO ACCUMULATION EXPECTED. CLEAR SKIES ARE ACROSS
THE REMAINDER OF THE REGION. WINDS HAVE DIMINISHED
DURING THE EVENING.
SPOTTER AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACTION STATEMENT…
SPOTTER ACTIVATION NOT EXPECTED.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.
SATURDAY THROUGH MONDAY…NO HAZARDS.
TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY…WINTER WEATHER POTENTIAL.
THURSDAY…NO HAZARDS.
EXTENDED DISCUSSION…
THE UPPER LOW TO OUR NORTH MAY PUSH SOME SNOW FLURRIES INTO
NORTHER PARTS OF THE REGION SATURDAY BUT LITTLE IF ANY ACCUMULATION
IS EXPECTED. ANOTHER UPPER LEVEL SYSTEM WILL CROSS THE AREA TUESDAY
AND WEDNESDAY AND RESULT IN A CHANCE FOR SNOW. THIS SYSTEM DOES NOT
HAVE THE APPEARANCE THAT IT WILL BECOME A SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM
FOR OUR REGION. LATER OUTLOOKS SHOULD BE MONITORED FOR CHANGES
IN THE STORM POTENTIAL FOR THAT SYSTEM.
From National Weather Service, Norman (Watch for areas that continue to be hazardous and slick and for re-freezing)
REGIONAL WEATHER DISCUSSION…
UNDER MAINLY CLEAR SKIES LATE THIS AFTERNOON…TEMPERATURES RANGED
FROM MID 20S ACROSS NORTH CENTRAL OKLAHOMA TO THE LOWER AND MID
30S ACROSS CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA. SUNSHINE AND ABOVE
FREEZING TEMPERATURES HAVE COMBINED TO MELT SOME SNOW WHICH
HAS LEFT SOME ROADWAYS MAINLY CLEAR BUT WET. TEMPERATURES WILL
QUICKLY FALL BELOW FREEZING EARLY THIS EVENING WHICH WILL RESULT IN
AREAS OF BLACK ICE.
SKIES WILL REMAIN MAINLY CLEAR THIS EVENING…WITH THE EXCEPTION OF
INCREASING CLOUDS ACROSS ACROSS FAR NORTHERN OKLAHOMA. A FEW SNOW FLURRIES
MAY ALSO OCCUR NEAR THE KANSAS AND OKLAHOMA BORDER.
Important Update: Oklahoma remains under a State of Emergency, according to statement from State Emergency Management
Situation Update
December 25, 2009 – 3:45 p.m.
WINTER STORM CONTINUES TO IMPACT STATE
Oklahoma remains under a State of Emergency, as declared by Gov. Brad Henry.
The Governor, along with state emergency management, public safety and transportation officials, continues to discourage all travel. In some areas, if motorists get stranded there may be a delay before assistance can reach them.
The State of Emergency marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance, should it be necessary. Additionally, the executive order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions.
Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) remain in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
An historic winter storm has left Oklahoma and in its wake heavy snow covers the ground. Totals from the National Weather Service showed 6 to 8 inches of snow across Oklahoma, with isolated amounts above 12 inches. In northwest Oklahoma 2 to 4 inches of snow fell. In southeast Oklahoma a dusting of up to 3 inches was reported. The snow will keep temperatures below freezing across a large part of Oklahoma today into Saturday. Temperatures may briefly rise above freezing on Sunday. Night time temperatures will be bitterly cold with readings in the single digits to mid teens across the state through Sunday night.
Another storm system is expected on Tuesday through Wednesday. A continued presence of freezing surface temperatures will likely result in additional snow or sleet for parts of Oklahoma.
INJURIES AND FATALITIES
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports five fatalities attributed to the winter storm. All five died Thursday in weather related wrecks. Numerous injuries are reported, including those related to 81 injury wrecks worked by OHP and more than 100 medical assist calls made by EMSA. Additionally, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reports 482 injuries related to the winter storm. Most were for broken bones, slips and falls and heart attacks. Some required treatment at hospitals; others were treated at the scene.
RESOURCE COORDINATION
Oklahoma National Guard personnel worked through the night rescuing motorists on the state’s turnpikes and interstates. Initial numbers show 40 rescues by the Guard personnel who traveled in Humvees to reach the stranded motorists. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) continues to respond to crashes and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) continues to treat slick and hazardous roadways.
There are no other requests for state assistance at this time.
ROAD CONDITIONS
OHP reports interstates and turnpikes are open. However, many roads are still slick and snow packed and travel is discouraged. On Thursday OHP responded to 362 motor vehicle collisions and received more than 1,000 calls for assistance.
ODOT reports conditions on highways in central and western Oklahoma continue to slowly improve, although travel is still discouraged. ODOT crews in some northeastern counties continue to report drifted snow.
Throughout the state, roadways remain slick. In central and western counties, crews report that sunshine is helping with highway clearing efforts. In many cases, crews were able to remove snow drifts during the overnight hours. In addition to snow plowing, crews are applying sand and salt to highways and bridges.
Abandoned vehicles remain in the roadway in many places. This, along with icy conditions, makes travel inadvisable.
Motorists whose autos were abandoned during the storm are encouraged to work with emergency responders to facilitate removal of the vehicles as quickly as possible.
To check CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS, call the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety’s ROAD CONDITIONS HOTLINE at 888-425-2385.
For out of state road conditions:
Arkansas 800-245-1672; Colorado 303-639-1111; Kansas 866-511-5368; Missouri 800-222-6400; New Mexico 800-432-4269; and Texas 800-452-9292.
For anyone who must travel, remember to have a cell phone with a charged battery. Travel with a full tank of gas, blankets, water and other items required should you find yourself stranded awaiting a tow truck or first responders. Let others know your destination and the route you plan on traveling. Also, remember porches, parking lots and driveways are also extremely slick and hazardous.
POWER OUTAGES
The Corporation Commission reports 2,326 homes and businesses are without power due to the winter storm. This includes:
The Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives reports about 170 customers without power, primarily in the Lawton area.
OG&E reports 1,944 customers without service – most in the Oklahoma City metro area.
AEP/PSO reports 212 customers are without power including 137 in the Lawton area.
AIR TRAVEL
Officials with Will Rogers World Airport report the airport is open however, anyone traveling today should confirm their flight by checking with their airline before traveling to the airport.
HUMAN SERVICES
– The following shelters remain open to assist stranded motorists.
Redlands Community College in El Reno
Lighthouse Family Church in Choctaw
Purcell Multi-Purpose Center in Purcell
Moore Public Library in Moore
The American Red Cross operated three shelters in Lawton, Norman and El Reno for stranded motorists. Collectively they supported more than 200 people overnight. Red Cross continues to coordinate with local officials and will begin shelter closings as roads reopen for travel. The Red Cross also supported shelters in Chickasha and Wellston with cots and blankets. Shelter openings and locations are coordinated and opened as the needs arise. Red Cross officials work closely with emergency management at the city, county and state levels to determine where the need for sheltering may be. Last night’s shelters were placed in areas facing large-scale vehicle accidents and interstate closures. They will close as roads become passable.
Stranded motorists seeking shelter are encouraged to call 1-866-GET-INFO to register as safe and well. Loved ones can search for individuals they are looking for by calling 1-866-GET INFO or online at www.disastersafe.redcross.org
– State health officials continue to remind Oklahomans of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and exposure to extreme cold.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
When temperatures fall and power goes out, the possibility of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning rises as people try to stay warm. Invisible, odorless and tasteless, CO is a highly poisonous gas produced by the burning of fuel such as gasoline, natural gas, kerosene, charcoal or wood. Unvented or faulty gas and kerosene appliances have the greatest potential to produce dangerous levels of CO in a home. Smoldering or poorly vented fireplaces, slow-burning fuels such as charcoal and vehicle exhausts also are potential indoor hazards. Take these precautions:
- Look at the color of the flame. A hot blue flame produces less CO and more heat than a flickering yellow flame. If you see yellow flames in your furnace or stove burner, it should be adjusted so that the flame is blue.
- Don’t use an unvented gas or kerosene heater in closed spaces, especially sleeping areas.
- Don’t use gas appliances such as an oven, range or clothes dryer to heat your home.
- Don’t burn charcoal inside a house, garage, vehicle or tent for heating or cooking, even in a fireplace.
- Look for CO exposure symptoms including headache, dizziness, weakness, sleepiness, nausea and vomiting that can progress to disorientation, coma, convulsions and death.
- If you suspect CO poisoning, open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances, and go outside for fresh air. Call 9-1-1 emergency medical services in severe cases.
- To prevent residential fires, make sure that heaters, stoves, and fireplaces are at least three feet from anything that burns. Use screens in front of fireplaces, and do not leave children alone with space heaters. Never leave candles burning when you are not at home or while you are sleeping. If a heater uses fuel like propane or kerosene, use only that kind of fuel and add more fuel only when the heater is cool. Store all fuels outside in closed metal containers.
Extreme Cold Exposure
Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite, hypothermia, or in extreme cases, death. Infants and the elderly are most susceptible to extreme cold. Frostbite occurs when the skin becomes cold enough to actually freeze. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the nose are symptoms of frostbite. Hypothermia (low body temperature) can occur during longer periods of exposure when the body temperature drops below 95 F. A person will become disoriented, confused, and shiver uncontrollably, eventually leading to drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. In severe cases, death is possible. The following tips can help decrease the risk of cold exposure:
- Wear layered clothing outdoors for better protection from the cold. Wear a cap to prevent rapid heat loss from an uncovered head. Cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite.
- While indoors, try to keep at least one room heated to 70 F. This is especially important for the elderly and small children to prevent hypothermia.
- Sleep warm with extra blankets, a warm cap, socks and layered clothing.
- Avoid fatigue and exhaustion during cold weather. Overexertion, such as shoveling snow or pushing a car, can strain your heart.
- Carry extra clothing, blankets and high energy snacks, such as cereal or candy bars in your car for protection if car stalls. Keep the gas tank near full to prevent icing. Don’t travel alone.
- Check daily on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors who live alone.
- The elderly and very young should stay indoors as much as possible. Offer to shop for elderly friends and relatives. Just like in the summer with heat, it takes some time to get acclimated to cold weather.
Before heading out
If you’re thinking about traveling, before heading out, call Oklahoma: 1-405-425-2385. An updated recording has been posted this afternoon.
Also you might want to check with local authorities for more local reports.
New from National Weather Service about Christmas Eve Blizzard
CHRISTMAS EVE BLIZZARD…
IN OKLAHOMA CITY… THE 14.1 INCHES OF SNOW MEASURED AT WILL ROGERS
WORLD AIRPORT IS THE HIGHEST RECORDED DAILY SNOWFALL AND HIGHEST
STORM TOTAL SNOWFALL. THE PREVIOUS DAILY AND 24 HOUR RECORD WAS 11.3
WHICH OCCURRED ON MARCH 19 1924. THE PREVIOUS STORM TOTAL SNOWFALL
RECORD WAS 12.1 INCHES ON JANUARY 5 THROUGH JANUARY 7 1988. OKLAHOMA
CITY RECORDS DATE BACK TO 1890.
IN WICHITA FALLS… THE 7.8 INCHES OF SNOW MEASURED IS THE THIRD
HEAVIEST DAILY SNOWFALL RECORDED. THE HIGHEST DAILY AMOUNT WAS 9.7
INCHES WHICH OCCURRED ON MARCH 15 1989… AND THE SECOND GREATEST
AMOUNT WAS 8.1 INCHES WHICH OCCURRED ON JANUARY 31 1985.
ALTHOUGH THESE ARE VERY HIGH SNOWFALL TOTALS FOR THE OKLAHOMA CITY
AND WICHITA FALLS AREAS…
THE CHRISTMAS EVE BLIZZARD IS NOT THE
MOST SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL IN OKLAHOMA AND TEXAS FOR 2009. ON MARCH
26 THROUGH 28 2009… PORTIONS OF THE OKLAHOMA AND TEXAS PANHANDLES
AND NORTHWEST OKLAHOMA RECEIVED AROUND TWO FEET OF SNOW. THIS INCLUDES THE OKLAHOMA 24-HOUR RECORD FOR SNOWFALL WHICH WAS 26 INCHES IN A 24-HOUR PERIOD IN AREAS INCLUDING WOODWARD AND FREEDOM.
Talked with Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troop at Enid
Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troop dispatcher at Enid said he heard Interstates are still closed.
Be sure to check road conditions before going out:
