Ice Storm — Tulsa, Oklahoma

2007-12-08 to 2007-12-10 · Tulsa, Oklahoma

Event narrative

Up to two inches of ice accumulated on trees, power lines, and other exposed surfaces.

Wider weather episode

Arctic air spread into the region ahead of a strong storm system over the desert southwest. Several disturbances translated from the low pressure area across the Southern Plains, resulting in several periods of precipitation, including thunderstorms. Freezing rain was the dominant precipitation type during the event; the thunderstorms resulted in an increased rate of ice accumulation. One to two inches of ice accumulated on trees and power lines within a 40 mile wide band along a Bristow-Tulsa-Vinita-Miami line and one to one and a half inches of ice accumulated on exposed surfaces along a Welty-Coweta-Jay line.

Nearly one million people were estimated to be without power in eastern Oklahoma after this event, some of which remained without power for up to two weeks. Early estimates indicate that this storm could be the most costly weather-related disaster in Oklahoma history. A number of indirect related injuries and fatalities were attributed to this storm in eastern Oklahoma, including seven fatalities in automobile accidents on treacherous roads; one carbon monoxide fatality due to improper use of a heat source indoors; and six fatalities due to house fires that were started by temporary heat or light sources during the power outages. There were also three direct fatalities, including one in which a male was killed in Tulsa when a utility pole fell on his vehicle due to ice weighting; and two hypothermia deaths, one in Tulsa on the 15th and one in Skiatook on the 18th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 63389. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.