NWS Norman, Oklahoma - Winter Weather Awareness

We don’t have to go back too far in weather history to realize how dangerous and devastating winter storms can be. Just this past January, Oklahomans suffered the effects of a disastrous ice storm that crippled parts of the state with downed trees and power lines, damage to structures and extended power outages. The ice storm was followed within a short time by another major winter storm that brought more snow and cold to the state.

To be sure we’re ready the next time winter storms affect the state, the National Weather Service, in cooperation with the Oklahoma Division of Civil Emergency Management, has declared November 21, 2002 as Winter Weather Awareness Day in Oklahoma. We encourage you to take to think about how ready you are for winter weather, from extreme cold and wind to ice storms to dangerous winter driving conditions.

The long-range outlooks for winter in Oklahoma indicate we can expect a wetter, but slightly warmer, than normal winter season. Unfortunately, the National Weather Service cannot produce a specific forecast three months in advance to say whether we’ll see more snow or ice than average. However, given the long range patterns that could affect the state, it seems possible that we could experience a wetter than average winter, and that some of this above average precipitation could fall in a wintry form.

So, what can we do now to get ready for winter weather?

Have a plan –

Each family should have a plan of how you will deal with a major winter storm. Think about it now before you really need to put the plan into action.

Keep up with the weather if you have travel plans –

With holiday travel season coming up, it’s more critical than ever to keep up with the weather, from home to your destination and everywhere in between. If winter precipitation is forecast, you might consider delaying the trip to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation. Even small amounts of freezing drizzle, sleet or snow can cause significant travel problems.

Develop and maintain an emergency supplies kit –

An emergency supplies kit will be critical to your safety should a major winter storm cause you to lose electrical power and/or water service. A three-day supply of essential supplies, including water and food for the family, batteries, flashlights and medical supplies, should be in place and checked frequently. This supply kit will be the same one you should have on hand during tornado season. In addition, if you have to travel this winter you should have an emergency survival kit in your vehicle as well.

Pay attention to NWS watches, warnings and advisories –

NWS offices serving the people of Oklahoma work hard to get the word out as far in advance as possible when winter storms approach. Whether you get your information from television and radio, the Internet or weather radio, you should keep up to date on the latest forecasts and warnings.

Get a battery operated weather radio –

One of the items that should be in everyone’s disaster supplies kit is a battery operated weather radio. Weather radio is a service of your National Weather Service office and provides round the clock weather information, including all the latest winter weather information. Moreover, with the holiday season upon us, don’t forget that life-saving weather radio receivers make great gifts!