Ice & Snow Now Added to the Oklahoma Arctic Freeze Forecast

It's amazing how fast the forecast can change in Oklahoma. Yesterday the state was bracing for two rounds of frigid arctic air. As the first passed last night into today, the second round has picked up another chance for snow in the places that got none last night.

Here is my local forecast in Southwest Oklahoma through the weekend... but it's similar across almost all of the other Sooner State towns I checked out of curiosity.

Normally, Okies take the forecast with a grain of salt--especially this far out, but even the National Weather Service is calling for widespread snow events.

Granted, totals are expected to be low, and it should wrap up with our usual here today/gone tomorrow snow tendencies, but the second round of winter weather should hit most of the state through the weekend.

Do I need to grab bread and milk?

It's hard to say. The snow forecast for the panhandle was 7-10 inches last night, they woke up to 2"-4" this morning. Irritating but a totally manageable amount.

Since the six-day forecast is pointing to light snow throughout the state with the slightest chance for ice and freezing rain, we're likely at Braum's DefCon 4... If the forecast elevates, so will the Braum's DefCon chart.

Bread and milk aren't a priority, yet.

You still need to plan accordingly.

If you're working those days, leave yourself enough time to safely get there.

You know how driving in any weather other than clear skies is like in Oklahoma. Doesn't matter if it's rain, snow, sleet, ice, etc... the traffic will be slow going.

You'll also want to leave yourself enough time to clear your vehicle of ice and snow. The windshield and windows are a must, but if you have snow on your hood, roof, trunk, etc... you need to clear that off too as it has a tendency to fly off in traffic and disrupt every other driver behind you.

You can also catch a fat ticket for negligence and be liable for someone else's vehicle damage if you cause it. Grab a broom, it literally takes a minute or two.

Cold weather essentials.

Since you have a few days to plan for it, and with the warm tornadic winds of spring still two months away, you might as well plan for the rest of winter while you can.

Toss a few essentials in your vehicle to ensure you won't be the unlucky driver who failed to plan accordingly.

The basics like a good ice scraper. The long type with the brush on them pull double-duty to clear your vehicle of snow too. Jumper cables, a flashlight, granola/snack bars, etc. Water would be a good idea, but with the temperatures so cold, there's a risk it might freeze... just take some with you when you drive. A blanket or two is also completely reasonable to have in your vehicle this time of year.

If you are one of the unlucky Oklahomans that ends up stuck, try to relax. The Oklahoma Redneck Army will surely be by at some point to pull you out.

While the forecast will likely change, there's no guarantee it will get any better. Best of luck to you. May the odds be ever in your favor.