Oklahoma Prepares For Major Winter Storm Similar To 2009 Blizzard

The snow total predictions are changing hour-by-hour for the upcoming winter storm expected to hit the entire state of Oklahoma. But regardless of how much each area gets, Oklahoma meteorologists are urging residents to take this storm seriously. So much so that they are starting to compare it to the 2009 blizzard.

The most recent winter storm that may trigger some trauma for Oklahomans is the 2021 arctic outbreak, Winter Storm Uri. But another winter storm that most Oklahoma residents remember is the Christmas blizzard of 2009, which is when some areas of Oklahoma reported 10 inches of snow.

The 2009 snowstorm shut down almost all highways across Oklahoma.

Christmas looked different for Oklahoma residents in 2009. The snowstorm moved in on Christmas Eve and ended up shutting down all highways across Oklahoma. Portions of central Oklahoma saw over 10 inches of snow, while surrounding areas saw anywhere from five to seven inches.

A rare moment in Oklahoma, a Blizzard Warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Norman due to the life-threatening potential of the storm. A lot of people travel on Christmas Eve, and the injuries and fatalities reported from the storm were from those who were out on the roads. Nine fatalities and hundreds of injuries were recorded as a result of the storm.

National Weather Service in Norman

Oklahoma also saw significant snowfall in 2011.

Another similar snowstorm occurred Jan. 31 through Feb. 1, 2011. Oklahoma experienced a record-setting snowstorm during this time where portions of central and northeast Oklahoma saw anywhere from 12 to 19 inches of snow.

This winter storm also brought sleet, single-digit temperatures and wind chills down to negative 25 across Oklahoma. This storm disrupted travel and closed schools and businesses. The National Weather Service in Norman recorded four deaths with this storm, and 150 auto accidents recorded by the Oklahoma High Patrol.

The National Weather Service noted in its report that "the situation could have been worse, but schools and businesses had closed prior to the beginning of the winter storm, which kept traffic at a minimum."

National Weather Service in Norman

Oklahoma Cold Weather Checklist

Those first big cold fronts always seem to catch Oklahoma by surprise. In one big swoop, the nearly 100° days turn into sudden freezes overnight. We'll still have warm days here and there throughout winter, but now is as good a time as now to start on your cold weather checklist. Easy small tasks that add up to bother energy savings and comfort in the home. They'll also allow you to avoid the big headaches and repair bills that happen so frequently in our bipolar climate.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Oklahoma Winter Weather Vehicle Checklist

Whether you're driving across town or across the state, Oklahoma's winter weather has the potential to make your trip an unforgettable experience. While we focus mainly on the summer season conditions--not driving during the heat of the day, road surface temp, etc...--the winter here is just as concerning. Here's a quick rundown on the stuff you should check before braving the frigid cold in the Sooner State.

Gallery Credit: Kelso