Tulsa, OK – Dangerous winter weather is intensifying across eastern Oklahoma today, with heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and life-threatening cold expected to impact travel, power, and daily life through the weekend and into early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from Friday afternoon through Sunday, while an Extreme Cold Warning begins 12 a.m. Saturday and lasts through 12 p.m. Monday following the arrival of an Arctic cold front.
Forecasters say areas north of I-40, including Tulsa, Bartlesville, and Pawhuska, could see 6 to 12 inches of snow, with blowing and drifting making roads nearly impassable at times. Locations south of I-40, including McAlester and Poteau, are expected to receive 4 to 8 inches of snow and sleet, with up to a quarter-inch of freezing rain possible in far southeastern Oklahoma.
In addition to winter precipitation, wind chill values could plunge as low as -20°F, raising serious concerns about frostbite, hypothermia, and burst pipes. Sub-zero wind chills are expected to persist through at least Monday morning, with only single-digit wind chills lingering into Tuesday.
Emergency officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel, especially during overnight hours, and to prepare for possible localized power outages. Residents are advised to bring pets indoors, drip faucets, wrap exposed pipes, disconnect outdoor hoses, and use alternate heating sources safely.
Drivers who must travel are encouraged to carry a winter emergency kit and monitor road conditions closely as conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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