Oklahoma City, OK – Emergency officials across Oklahoma are urging residents to begin preparing today for potential ice storms this winter, emphasizing that freezing rain remains one of the state’s most destructive cold-season threats. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), even light ice accumulation can snap tree limbs, damage powerlines, and trigger extended outages across Central and Western Oklahoma.
According to NOAA, Oklahoma’s history of major ice events—combined with wide temperature swings and large tree canopies—makes freezing rain particularly dangerous. A thin glaze of ice can quickly disrupt travel along I-35, I-40, I-44, the Kilpatrick Turnpike, and rural county roads. With temperatures expected to fluctuate throughout the season, officials say today is the ideal time to begin winter readiness.
According to the National Weather Service, residents should start by trimming weak or damaged branches around homes, garages, and driveways. These limbs are often the first to fall when ice accumulates. NOAA also warns drivers not to lift windshield wipers before storms, as they can freeze to the glass and snap; keeping them lowered and covered is recommended.
Residents are encouraged to maintain at least a week’s supply of non-perishable food, bottled water, and essential prescriptions. Ice storms can isolate neighborhoods and cause outages that may last several days—especially in areas with above-ground utility lines. Officials further urge residents not to park vehicles under trees, where ice-coated branches may fall unexpectedly.
To prepare for possible outages, emergency managers recommend fully charging phones, flashlights, power banks, and other essential devices today. Homeowners with generators should safely store extra gasoline and test their units before winter storms arrive. Stocking rock salt or ice melt can also help reduce slip hazards around walkways, porches, and steps.
“Ice storms can severely impact communities across Oklahoma,” the NWS said. “Taking these steps today is the best way to stay safe this winter.”
