Blizzard — Delaware, Oklahoma

2011-02-01 · Delaware, Oklahoma

Event narrative

Twelve to eighteen inches of snow fell across the county. Docks on Grand Lake were destroyed by the weight of the snow, which resulted in numerous boats being damaged or destroyed.

Wider weather episode

A very strong storm system moved across the Southern Rockies into the Southern Plains on the 31st of January and 1st of February. Cold air had surged into the region ahead of this system on the 30th and 31st. Precipitation developed into eastern Oklahoma during the evening of the 31st, beginning as freezing rain and sleet. Most places transitioned to snow fairly quickly although some locations in northeastern Oklahoma and east-central Oklahoma received between one quarter and one half inch of sleet before the transition. Other locations received about one quarter of an inch of ice before changing over to snow. Heavy snow fell during most of the day resulting in more than four inch accumulations north of a Sallisaw to McAlester line. A large portion of northeastern Oklahoma received more than ten inches of snow and a swath of 20 inch snows were measured across Osage, northern Tulsa, Rogers, and Ottawa Counties.

Strong winds frequently gusting to more than 35 mph resulted in near zero visibilities and snow drifts up to about five feet across northeastern Oklahoma. The storm had a crippling impact on the region with interstate highways impassable and closed, the Tulsa International Airport closed, and many businesses shut down for a couple days during and following the storm.

A couple schools experienced collapsed roofs from the weight of the snow as did a casino in the Tulsa area. Boat docks on Grand Lake were destroyed by the weight of the snow, damaging or destroying a number of boats. Damage estimates for that area alone were at $30 million.

The storm's effects on the area lasted days. Hundreds of traffic accidents occurred and numerous vehicles were stranded in the snow. The most notable accident occurred in Ottawa County on February 3rd, the day I-44 was reopened, when an SUV slid on a bridge near Miami, tumbled over the guard rail, and fell over 100 feet into the river below. Three indirect fatalities occurred in this accident along with five indirect injuries.

This storm resulted in a disaster declaration.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 286901. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.