Severe Weather Alert: High Winds and Icy Conditions Threaten Eastern Oklahoma This Weekend

Oklahomans, get ready for a weekend of wild weather! A powerful system is moving through the state, bringing gusty winds and the threat of freezing rain that could make roads icy and travel dangerous. If you’re planning to be out and about, you might want to rethink your plans—slick roads, falling temperatures, and strong wind gusts could create a recipe for disaster.

The storm is expected to hit Tulsa and eastern Oklahoma starting Saturday, with the worst conditions likely lingering into Sunday. Forecasters warn that rapidly changing temperatures could lead to ice accumulation on roads, bridges, and overpasses, while strong winds could bring down tree limbs and power lines.

When and Where Will the Storm Hit?

Meteorologists predict that the storm will begin affecting the region on Saturday morning, February 10, and continue into Sunday, February 11. While the intensity will vary, the combination of high winds and freezing rain makes this system particularly dangerous.

• Saturday, February 10: Expect strong wind gusts throughout the day, peaking at 40 mph in some areas. Despite the storm threat, the day will start off relatively warm, with highs near 59°F (15°C). However, temperatures will drop quickly overnight, hitting a low of 30°F (-1°C), which is when the freezing rain threat begins.
• Sunday, February 11: The real concern kicks in as cold air settles in, and moisture lingers in the atmosphere. The chance for freezing rain increases, especially early in the morning and late at night. High temperatures will struggle to reach 43°F (6°C), while overnight lows could dip to 29°F (-2°C).

What makes this storm especially dangerous is how quickly temperatures will drop. What starts as light rain on Saturday could turn into ice-covered roads by Sunday morning.

Why This Storm is Dangerous

While Oklahoma is no stranger to wild weather, this particular system brings multiple threats at once, making it especially concerning.

• High Winds Could Knock Down Power Lines – With gusts reaching up to 40 mph, strong winds could snap tree limbs and bring down power lines, causing localized outages.
• Freezing Rain Could Create Treacherous Roads – A thin layer of invisible ice (black ice) could coat streets and highways, turning a simple drive into a dangerous situation.
• Bridges and Overpasses Will Ice Over First – Even if roads look clear, elevated surfaces like bridges will freeze much faster, creating hidden dangers for drivers.
• Wind Chills Could Make It Feel Even Colder – The combination of cold temperatures and gusty winds will make it feel much colder than the actual temperature.

How to Stay Safe This Weekend

Avoid Unnecessary Travel: If freezing rain does develop, roads will be slick and dangerous. If you must drive, slow down, increase your following distance, and be extra cautious on bridges.

Secure Outdoor Items: Strong winds can easily toss around lawn furniture, trash cans, and decorations. Bring them inside or tie them down before the storm hits.

Prepare for Power Outages: With ice buildup and high winds, power outages are possible. Keep extra blankets, batteries, and flashlights handy just in case.

Stay Updated on Weather Alerts: Oklahoma weather can change fast. Keep an eye on weather apps, local news, and emergency alerts for any last-minute updates.

Be Careful on Sidewalks and Driveways: Freezing rain doesn’t just affect roads—sidewalks and driveways can turn into ice rinks overnight. Use salt or sand to help prevent slips and falls.

What’s Next?

By Monday morning, the freezing rain threat should end, but temperatures will remain chilly, and any leftover moisture could refreeze overnight. That means black ice could still be a danger for the morning commute.

While Oklahoma has seen its fair share of winter storms, this one is unique because of the unpredictable mix of wind, rain, and rapidly falling temperatures. Stay prepared, drive cautiously, and take this storm seriously—because it could cause more problems than you expect