Oklahoma’s Top Five Worst Winter Storms

Snow isn't as common in much of Oklahoma as it is in other parts of the country. But when Oklahoma does get a big bout of winter, it's definitely a storm to remember. This century has been a historic time for winter storms in Oklahoma, so we put together the top five worst winter storms the state has seen.

Oklahoma is gearing up for its first big winter weather event of 2025 on Sunday, Jan. 5, and it is no doubt that it will be a precursor for what's to come. Every other year for the past 20 years, Oklahoma has had a catastrophic winter weather event, so Oklahoma could be due for another one soon.

Oklahoma's Top Five Worst Winter Storms

Some of Oklahoma's worst winter storms have occurred since the year 2000. Below are the top five worst winter storms we've seen this century in Oklahoma.

Blizzard of 2011

It's been over a decade since one of Oklahoma's most historic blizzards. Northeast Oklahoma received a record-breaking 21 inches of snow causing power outages, vehicle accidents and closed roads. The event started Jan. 31, 2011 with freezing rain that turned into snow through Feb. 1, 2011. Wind chills reached negative 25 degrees.

Arctic Outbreak of 2021

Many Oklahomans today still have nightmares from the artic outbreak of 2021. Just four years ago during the week of Valentine's Day, Oklahoma experienced a 10-day arctic outbreak from Feb. 11-20, 2021. Oklahoma received heavy bouts of snow, sleet and freezing rain. The winter precipitation and the persistent freezing temperatures put a strain on Oklahoma's power grid and local water supplies. Residents across Oklahoma endured several days without power and water due to the storm.

Ice Storm of 2007

Oklahoma was struck by a historic ice storm in December of 2007. Twenty-nine Oklahomans perished as a result of the ice storm and 640,000 residents lost power, and 150,000 Oklahomans did not have power for over a week.

@koco5news 2007 OKLAHOMA ICE STORM | Monday marks 17 years since one of the most devastating ice storms in Oklahoma history. #Oklahoma #news #icestorm #storm #koco5 ♬ original sound - KOCO 5 News

Christmas Eve Blizzard of 2009

Santa delivered a blizzard to Oklahoma on Christmas Eve in 2009. Across Oklahoma, areas received a dusting or up to 13 inches of snow. Winds produced whiteout conditions across Oklahoma sustained at 45 miles per hour and gusts up to 60 miles per hour. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported nine fatalities due to the storm.

Ice Storm of January 2002

Oklahoma experienced a historic ice storm during the last days of January 2002. Freezing rain began on Jan. 29, 2002, and resulted in significant accumulations of ice by Jan. 30, 2002. Freezing rain lasted from 12 to 24 hours and developed ice accumulations of one to two inches. The damage was catastrophic in places, resulting in significant loss of 15,000 powerlines. Dozens of towns were without power for days, while some residents were without power for weeks. There were several traffic fatalities related to the storm, and one death from hypothermia in the home.