Weather
Oklahoma Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Ice Storm Danger
Oklahoma City, OK – Ice covered highways, falling trees and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Oklahoma. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, Octo
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-10-27T07:55:14.281Z
Oklahoma City, OK – Ice covered highways, falling trees and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Oklahoma. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain and winter flooding can threaten travel, electricity and communities during the colder months.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Accumulating ice can make roads treacherous, damage trees and power lines, and leave communities without electricity.
How Dangerous Can Oklahoma Ice Storms Become? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks dangerously slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause significant tree damage and widespread electrical disruptions.
Oklahoma has experienced devastating ice storms, including the December 2007 disaster that caused extensive tree damage and left hundreds of thousands of customers without power.
Drivers traveling Interstate 35, Interstate 40, Interstate 44 and U.S. Highway 69 should exercise extreme caution when freezing rain is forecast.
Ice Jams and Winter Flooding Risks Another winter hazard develops when river ice accumulates and restricts water flow, potentially causing flooding upstream.
Although ice jams are considerably less common in Oklahoma than in northern states, prolonged freezing conditions can create localized ice concerns along waterways.
Heavy winter rainfall, rapid temperature changes and runoff across saturated or frozen ground can also contribute to flooding.
Communities near the Arkansas, Canadian, North Canadian and Washita river systems should monitor official river forecasts during significant winter weather changes.
How Oklahoma Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several precautions:
Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets and emergency supplies accessible. Charge phones and prepare for extended power outages. Avoid unnecessary driving during freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roadways. Residents can monitor official forecasts through the NWS Norman office , NWS Tulsa office and NWS Amarillo office , which serve different portions of Oklahoma.
Winter weather awareness efforts continue through Saturday, October 31 , emphasizing preparation before ice storms and winter flooding threaten Oklahoma communities.