OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Strong winds and a sharp cold blast will grip much of Oklahoma and North Texas, as a Wind Advisory remains in effect until 4 p.m. CDT today, followed by an urgent Freeze Warning from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. CDT Thursday. The National Weather Service in Norman warns of north winds 20 to 30 mph, gusting up to 50 mph, before subfreezing temperatures near 29 degrees sweep in overnight.
According to the National Weather Service, the powerful north winds are trailing a cold front now moving through the state, driving wind chills into the 20s by early Thursday. The Freeze Warning extends across central, western, and southern Oklahoma—including Oklahoma City, Enid, Lawton, Clinton, Elk City, and Chickasha—and into North Texas communities such as Wichita Falls, Vernon, and Archer City.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and trash bins before sunset, as gusty winds could cause scattered tree limb damage and isolated power outages. Overnight, the freeze will threaten to kill remaining crops, flowers, and unprotected plants, while outdoor plumbing may be at risk if not properly insulated. Bring pets indoors or provide warm, dry shelter through early morning.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, drivers can expect blowing dust and crosswinds this afternoon along I-40, I-35, and U.S. 183, followed by slick frost patches on bridges and overpasses during the early Thursday commute.
The region will see calmer conditions Thursday afternoon, but cool temperatures will linger through the weekend as another reinforcing front arrives early next week.
