Winter Storm — Tulsa, Oklahoma

2009-12-24 to 2009-12-25 · Tulsa, Oklahoma

Event narrative

Four to eight inches of sleet and snow fell across the county. An auto accident resulted in 3 (indirect) fatalities during the storm near Sand Springs.

Wider weather episode

A strong upper level low pressure system moved from the Southern Rockies across the Southern Plains on the 24th. Widespread precipitation developed as this system approached. Arctic air gradually spread into the region behind a strong cold front changing the rain to sleet over much of northeastern Oklahoma during the morning hours and then to snow during the afternoon. Many locations received between one half and one and a half inches of sleet over the northeastern portion of the state. Periods of heavy snow followed resulting in at least four inches of snow along and north of I-40. Heavier bands of snow between eight and twelve inches fell along a Pawnee to Pawhuska line and along an Okmulgee to Vinita line. Many roads were snow covered and closed across the region, including interstate highways and turnpikes. Numerous automobile accidents occurred during this storm as roads became treacherous. These accidents resulted in three (indirect) fatalities and numerous injuries. The Tulsa International Airport was also closed during the storm with numerous flights into and out of the airport cancelled. Very strong wind with frequent gusts above 35 mph caused very low visibility in blowing snow and near blizzard conditions. Snow drifts of several feet occurred across portions of northeastern Oklahoma.

A major disaster declaration was approved for 29 counties in Oklahoma to help with the $18 million spent in response and recovery efforts as a result of this storm. The declaration included the following counties in eastern Oklahoma: Nowata, Craig, Ottawa, Tulsa, Rogers, Delaware, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Muskogee, and Sequoyah.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 208379. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.