Oklahoma City Ice Storm 2010 – Turning Treacherous

Posted on 28. Jan, 2010 by M.L. Zupan in Feature, Local Weather

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — CIDANews.com – The storm continues to ravage Oklahoma as the freezing rain turned to pelting ice in the early afternoon.  Already more than 110,000 people are without power and the numbers are expected to get worse.

Sand and salt trucks have been out all day and are expected to work continuously throughout the night to keep up with the hazardous conditions. People are being cautioned to stay indoors unless they absolutely have to go out.

The worst is yet to come.

Due to warm temperatures yesterday (above 60°F) the ground retained much of its heat. Because of that, the cold air and the freezing rain that fell this morning did not accumulated as fast as expected in some areas of Oklahoma. However, by mid-afternoon the freezing rain turned to pelting ice and heavy sleet causing a thin layer of white to cover the wet roadways.

“It didn’t look that bad!”

Famous last words. Throughout the night icy rain and snow are expected to continue, causing even more treacherous driving conditions on top of already bad conditions. As the sleet and snow cover the water layer underneath – you can expect that moisture to be solid ice by morning. And tomorrow – the sleet will be turning to snow with up to 12″ of accumulation.

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma – just south of Oklahoma City – has issued a Severe Winter Storm Warning.

Accuweather.com has headlines that read: Wicked Storm in Progress;  Dangerous Winter Storm Impacts South; and Major Winter Storm Hits Southern Plains.

NewsOK.com has information about major and minor accidents in the Oklahoma City area, power outages and airport updates.

We will be keeping you up-to-date on what is happening regarding this winter ice storm. If you have news, or a story to tell about how it has effected you – write us at: articles@cidanews.com – If you have a some unique video footage or some original photos throughout the storm – send us your photos and we will publish them in an “Oklahoma City Winter Ice Storm 2010″ photo gallery.  Be sure to email us your name, where the photo was taken and approximate time of day so we can give you credit for the photography.

Oklahoma Braces for Major Ice Storm

Posted on 28. Jan, 2010 by M.L. Zupan in Local, Local Weather, Video

It has already being compared to the ice storm of 2007 and it hasn’t even arrived. Power lines were down, large old trees snapped like twigs under the weight of the thick heavy ice. Oklahoma City lay crippled under a blanket of ice.

Now, with the approach of the first major storm of 2010, Oklahoma residence are hoping for the best – but preparing for the worst.

Oklahoman Weather

If there is one thing that Oklahomans’ like to talk about – it’s the weather. And this year has given them much to share. Record snows of 14.5 inches fell of on Christmas Eve leaving Oklahoma in a state-of-emergency for almost a week. They have had ample time to sit around and compare it to storms past. And it was much to talk about – only six times in one hundred and fifty years has it ever snowed on Christmas Eve – and when it did it was never that much. Now the kids of today will sit around years from now and say to their kids: “I remember that big Snow of ‘09″.

In the same fashion people are talking about the “big ice storm of 2007″. And they had much to talk about. Over half a million people were out of power. It was reported as “one of the worst that the State of Oklahoma has experienced“.

Yesterday, Jan. 26, 2010 – with reports that the coming storm could be as bad as the “ice storm of 2007″ people were out in massé stocking up on all essential items and preparing to be ice in for several days. The Super Walmart parking lot on Pennsylvania Avenue near Memorial Ave. looked like “Black Friday” all over again – and that was in the middle of the afternoon. Aldi, Buy-4-Less and others looked the same way.

0815 hours: Temperatures have just reached freezing just north of central Oklahoma City and a light drizzling, freezing rain has begun to fall. At the moment the streets are relatively dry; however, south of Oklahoma City, conditions have already started to get worse.

For a current listing of Closings in the metro area visit Oklahoma Weather-Related Closings at NewsOK.com

We will be following the storm and conditions as they progress.

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Weather Advisory is Cancelled for Oklahoma City Area

Posted on 08. Jan, 2010 by Goode Fellow in Local Weather

Temperatures remain cold for Oklahoma

Even though the weather advisory has been canceled for the Oklahoma City area according to the National Service in Norman, Oklahoma – the temperatures are expected to remain cold at least through Sunday.

Tonight temperatures will dip down once again with a low of 1°F with a wind chill of -6°F and only expecting to get up to 20° got the third day in a row.

Make sure you keep your cupboard doors open so they can get some of the heat from your house and keep your pipes warmer. Also, if you have very little insulation – let the water drip at night to help and make sure that they don’t freeze during the night. It is always best to have the furthest utility away from the water heater allowed to drip. That keeps water circulating the entire length of your house.

Oklahoma City Blizzard Winter Storm Aftermath 2009

Posted on 26. Dec, 2009 by M.L. Zupan in Local, Local Weather, Video

Blizzard of the Century Dumps Record Snow on Oklahoma City

Forty eight hours after the worst winter storm in decades dumped record snow on Oklahoma City – Oklahomans are still looking for snow plows to clear off roadways.

Although the state-of-emergency is officially over and the highways and interstates are once again opened to traffic – the roads are still treacherous. Vehicles are still stuck along the roadways and now the roads are iced over as well as buried in with snow.

Coming from a state where they are used to having feet of snow each time it snows, I am not used to the in-efficiency of the oklahoman road crews as far as getting the roads cleared for traffic.

One would at least expect to see the main thoroughfares plowed and transversable. Alas, that is not to be. I must resign myself to the fact that this is a southern state and is – in general – ill equipped, and ill-prepared to handle any serious amount of snowfall.

It it Oklahoma’s fault? Absolutely not! Why should they prepare for the worst snowfall in Oklahoman recorded history with expensive equipment and hundreds of extra manpower when they are only going to use it every 128 years? No reason that I can think of!

Did I say 128 years?

Yes! Oklahoma had a record of 14.1 inches of snowfall in the blizzard on Dec. 24, 2009. That is the most snowfall in a 24hour period that has fallen since they started recording accurate weather data back in 1890.

Oklahoma Work Crews

If you do not have to be out during this time in the snow and the ice – please be advised to stay home. Give the work crews that are out there working hard to clear the roads the room to move about without having to worry about vehicles in the ditches or stopping in the middle of the road. If they don’t have to work around you  they will be able to do a much better job.

If you do have to be out there on the roadways – drive with caution! Remember that under the snow is ice and bridges are especially dangerous. Take an extra blanket and put it in your car in case you get stranded. You may be driving fine – however, you may get stuck behind someone else who is less fortunate.

Make sure your cell phone is charged before you go out. If you do happen to get stuck – you will be able to phone for help. And above all – dress warmly. It sounds simple; but I saw a man this morning in nothing more than a t-shirt getting into his truck. It was 20°F. When the sun is shining, the temperature may feel warm but it can be deceptive. Frostbite is not worth the price to pay for looking cool in sub-zero temperatures.

This is M.L. Zupan for CIDANews.com – Be safe, be warm and enjoy this beautiful white Christmas season.

Oklahoma City Gets White Christmas

Posted on 24. Dec, 2009 by M.L. Zupan in Local, Local Weather, Video

Winter blizzard blankets Oklahoma City

The cold weather has been coming for weeks in Oklahoma City this year. Already we have had more below freezing temperatures than all of last year. And finally, the big winter storm of the season has hit with ferocity.

Unrelenting, the wind has been blowing 30-35 mph all day and the blizzard conditions have prevailed. With temperatures dropping down to 23°F and a wind chill factor of -6°F – the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma issued a severe winter storm warning for central and northern Oklahoma.

Progression of the winter blizzard of 2009
Oklahoma City Photos

Frostbite is an Expensive Price to be Stylish

Posted on 09. Dec, 2009 by Goode Fellow in Local, Local Weather

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — CIDANews.com It is a cold morning in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Temperatures dipping down to 15°F early this morning with a wind chill of -6°F. Winds will be keeping things cold with a NNW – NW blowing in and the high today is only expected to reach 28°F.

Utilize Extra Caution

This is the type of morning when we don’t always realize how cold it really is, and we think that it is not really that cold. Especially if you keep your car in your garage before heading to work so you never get out and actually feel it.

You may be tempted to wear that cool designer winter coat when you go out today – and that is o.k. provided you have an alternative.

Why? Because when it reaches these temperatures – the cold wind steals body heat very quickly and we don’t realize how fast you can develop frostbite and freeze.

Tips to prepare for cold temperatures

1. Dressing Stylish — If you have to dress stylish, then pack an extra set of cloths in your vehicle just in case you get stuck someplace. If you run out of gas on the road, you will want to make sure you have gloves, a scarf, a hat (something to project not only the top of your head but your ears also).
2. Emergency Assistance — In today’s electronic age, make sure that you are keeping your cell phones on full charge. If you do not have an automobile cell phone charge – get one. If you get stranded someplace you are going to want to be able to call for help. Also remember that battery life decreases more quickly in colder temperatures.
3. Keep an extra blanket in your car — It seems like such a small thing; however, you never know when you might need it. You might not need it but you might come across someone else who needs assistance during these cold days ahead – be prepared.

So while you are out today – be careful, prepare and have fun.

Heavy Overnight Storm Cause Power Outages in Oklahoma

Posted on 03. Aug, 2009 by Goode Fellow in Local, Local Weather

Storms over wester and central Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY — Strong overnight storms brought rain, high winds and heavy lightning across central Oklahoma early Monday morning. Oklahoma Gas and Electric reported that more than 1700 people were without power.

The National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma says that the storms should be tapering off throughout the morning. As storms weaken, strong wind gusts to around 40 mph can be expected, along with locally heavy periods of rain and the possible chance of small hail. Hot & dry temperatures are expected to return by the middle of the week with temperatures reaching in the 100’s once again.

Blue Bell’s Bombstick Frozen Dessert Review

Posted on 08. Jun, 2009 by kimberlye in Local, Local Weather

*** Kimberly’s Corner: Exclusive cooking recipes and cooking tips on CIDANews.com. Subscribe Now and don’t miss a single article and get the news only when there is news. ***

Welcome to another edition of “Kimberly’s Corner”. Today, I’m sharing with you a frozen dessert review – just in time for summer!

My husband and I were at a convenience store today to get me an Arizona Green Tea.

As we were checking out, Kenney was lured into the frozen ice cream section where he chose a Blue Bell Neopolitan ice cream sandwich.

I saw a big orange package for a popsicle called a Bombstik – (I know this may sound strange, but bear with me…)

I remarked about it and Kenney was surprised I had never (more…)

Winter Weather Message – Oklahoma, 3/27/09

Posted on 27. Mar, 2009 by Editor in Local Weather

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
0441 hrs CDT FRI March 27, 2009

…Major winter storm to affect Oklahoma and portions of western north Texas…

A powerful storm system will impact most of Oklahoma and north Texas beginning Friday and through Saturday. Heavy snow is expected to fall over parts of Northern… Western… and Central Oklahoma… and strong winds will create blizzard conditions in some areas. Storm-total snowfall could reach unprecedented levels for early spring. Blowing and drifting snow will make travel extremely difficult if not impossible… especially over northwest portions of Oklahoma.

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Deadly Tornado in Oklahoma Leaves 8 Dead

Posted on 11. Feb, 2009 by Goode Fellow in Local Weather

Multiple Twisters Leave Deadly Path

A deadly twister swept through southern Oklahoma yesterday leaving a path of destruction, and 8 people dead in its wake.

The tornado was one of several that touched down during the spurt of storms across the state.

The following video was taken by KWTV – Oklahoma Local news channel 9:

We followed its swift movement northeast as it continued its path of destruction and seemed to jump – coming down once again near Oak Tree residential community in Edmond. At this point our live cover was inhibited by traffic, and emergency vehicles.

It was reported that 6 homes were completely destroyed in this high priced residential neighborhood. Several people were trapped in their homes after the tornado destroyed most of it.

Two vehicles were trapped under downed power lines, with people inside, during the midst of the first supercell storm. It took rescue workers over an hour to get them out due to high winds, golf ball and larger sized hail and the tornadic activity raging around them.

OG&E reported that 29,000 people were without power as power lines were down in many areas including 10,000 in Bethany.