Blizzard — Cimarron, Oklahoma

2024-01-08 to 2024-01-09 · Cimarron, Oklahoma

Event narrative

Cimarron County started experiencing winds of 35 mph or greater around 1040CST. The combination of snow and winds resulted in near zero visibility with multiple stranded motorists and emergency personnel unable to reach them. All roads were closed and remained closed well into the 9th of January. Blizzard winds ended around 0120CST on the 9th. The mesonet located near Boise City measured wind gusts of 58 and 59 mph between 1255CST and 1625CST. Sustained winds in Cimarron County were between 40 and 45 mph between 1500CST and 2359CST on the 8th of January 2024. Snowfall measured between 4 and 7 across the county.

Several 4 to 5 foot drifts occured north and south of Boise City and between Boise City and Keyes. Ten foot drifts were noted around a vehicle 2 miles southeast of Boise City. Several 3 to 4 foot drifts also occurred in Kenton. Snowfall estimated at 6 to 8 inches from Keyes to Boise City.

Wider weather episode

A strong low pressure system brought severe winds and snow to the combined Panhandles. With sustained winds reaching 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 74 mph combined with snow, much of the area saw blizzard to near blizzard conditions. The Oklahoma and Texas Departments of Transportation were forced to shutdown roadways as motorists got stranded in the snow with near zero visibility and no way for emergency personnel to reach them. Roads west and north of Amarillo, TX were impacted for much of the afternoon through evening hours of the 8th. Amarillo east and southeastward, while experiencing the same strong winds, only experienced shorter durations of low visibility and less impact from the snow compared to the northwestern Panhandles.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1155312. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.