Oklahomans Urged To Prepare for Winter Storm

Dangerous cold, snow and ice is headed for Oklahoma this week, and local meteorologists are urging Oklahomans to get prepared. Oklahomans will have one day to prepare before the winter storm moves in Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Monday will be the day Oklahomans will want to start getting ready for the upcoming arctic blast a winter weather. Monday see temperatures in the 40s and 50s, plus plenty of sunshine, so Oklahomans will have a whole day to prepare before conditions begin to deteriorate near midnight.

Winter weather advisories have already been issued in Oklahoma.

The National Weather Service has already issued a Winter Storm Warning for northern and north east of Oklahoma. The rest of the state is either under a Winter Storm Watch or a Winter Weather Advisory.

An Extreme Cold Watch is also in effect for most of Oklahoma from Tuesday through Thursday morning. A strong cold front will impact Oklahoma late Monday evening and into Tuesday. Frigid air and breezy winds will create dangerous wind chills. Very cold conditions are expected through Friday.

National Weather Service In Norman

How to prepare for dangerous cold and winter weather.

The dangerous cold is what Oklahomans will need to prepare for the most. There are multiple precautions Oklahomans need to take to prepare for the upcoming frigid temperatures. Oklahomans will want to prep their homes and cars before the arctic blast arrives late Monday evening.

At home, Oklahomans will want to do the following:

Prep a safety kit with flashlights, batteries and a weather radio.
Stock up with extra food, water, prescription medications, baby items and first aid supplies.
Prepare an emergency heat source and stock up on heating fuel.
Drip pipes to prevent them from freezing and making sure pipes are well insulated.

Oklahomans will want to also prepare their cars even if they don't plan on traveling during the winter storm.

Ensure all fluid levels are full and windshield wipers are in proper condition.
Gas tanks should be near full to avoid ice in the tank.
If you have to travel, don't travel alone and make sure someone knowns your travel plans.
Pack a winter survival kit for your car.

More details about how to prep for a winter storm are available from the National Weather Service.

National Weather Service

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

Filed Under: Texoma News, Texoma Weather

Categories: Oklahoma News, Weather