Blizzard — Woodward, Oklahoma

2009-03-27 to 2009-03-28 · Woodward, Oklahoma

Event narrative

Snowfall accumulated 18 inches in Woodward and Alabaster Caverns and from 16 to 18 inches in Mooreland. The precipitation began as freezing rain and sleet. Up to a quarter inch of ice accumulated on elevated surfaces before switching to all snow. The weight of the snow caused numerous roofs on outbuildings and barns to collapse. Highway 270/183 was closed for much of the event from Seiling to Woodward. All county roads were shut down. Bulldozers had to be called out to clear the highway due to the deep snow pack, and even they struggled to keep up with the one to two inch per hour snowfall accumulation. At least six roll-over accidents were reported around the county. Several motorists became stranded in their cars, with some remaining there for almost twelve hours. One injury was reported with a weather-related accident. Winds gusted over 40 mph for several hours, with reported visibilities down to less than a quarter of a mile. Power was out for almost the entire county at one point or another during the storm. Monetary damages were estimated for the entire county.

Wider weather episode

A strong, late-season winter storm moved through parts of Oklahoma, producing record setting snowfall over western and northwest Oklahoma. A cold front moved into northwest Oklahoma just after midnight of the 27th, dropping temperatures into the 20s and 30s and winds gusting over 40 mph. Snow began early in the day, but did not begin to really accumulate until late afternoon. By early evening, some locations had already picked up over six inches of snow. Blowing and drifting snow was also an issue with north to northwest winds well over 40 mph. The snow became more widespread, with thunder-snow developing over some areas. Snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour were reported, resulting in a large area of northwest Oklahoma receiving one to two feet of snow by sunrise. Farther south into western Oklahoma, less snow was reported, although impressive totals of around six to nine inches were reported over west-central Oklahoma, and two to four inches over southwest Oklahoma. A sharp cut-off of snowfall accumulation was seen from north-central into central Oklahoma as a pronounced dry slot aloft moved over the area. Snowfall totals of up to two inches were reported as far east as Oklahoma City. Almost all roads over northwest Oklahoma were snow packed, with almost all impassable. Several roofs collapsed under the weight of the heavy, wet snow pack. Numerous accidents occurred over the area as well, resulting in mostly minor injuries. However, two indirect fatalities occurred in weather-related accidents. At least 6000 people lost power during the peak of the winter storm, with some areas not seeing power restored until the 29th.

More heavy snow developed during the late morning and early afternoon hours of the 28th, as the storm system moved over central Oklahoma. Snowfall totals of four to five inches were reported in Payne, Lincoln, and Noble counties, with lesser totals of a trace to one inch in and around Oklahoma City metro area. No damage was reported with the additional snowfall. Monetary damages were estimated.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 161803. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.