Winter storm arrives overnight, dangerously cold temps

Oklahoma faces its coldest week of the season! Expect record-breaking lows, dangerous wind chills (-30°F), and heavy snow starting Tuesday. Meteorologist David Payne has the latest forecast.

Tuesday, February 18th 2025, 4:58 am

By: News 9


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A significant winter storm is moving into the area, bringing a combination of freezing rain, sleet, and snow.

The forecast warns of serious risks like hypothermia and frostbite for anyone caught unprepared, so be sure to bundle up if you plan to be outside.

Winter weather timeline

Precipitation begins around midnight in northern Oklahoma. Freezing rain and sleet will make it to I-40 and Oklahoma City between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.

Time of arrival.

Roads get slick quickly, and we will see freezing rain, sleet, and eventually all snow. Winds will be howling out of the north.

This will create blizzard-like conditions, especially up north. Precipitation ends late Tuesday. Still some light flurries overnight. 

Winter precipitation totals

Totals will range from 1-3 inches across the Oklahoma City metro, with most on the north side.

If we see more sleet, precipitation totals could be less.

There will be some folks in the northern part of the state who could see 4-7 inches, and possibly up to 10 inches. Drifts up north could be measured in feet.

How cold will it get?

Dangerous temperatures begin on Tuesday. We will likely shatter record lows and record cold highs.

We will likely stay below freezing from Tuesday morning until Saturday, over 100 total hours.

This could mean a pipe-bursting scenario for many residents, especially with highs in the single digits and low teens.

Wind chill feel-like temps.

Wind chills will be brutal. Frostbite and hypothermia are a concern with wind chills down to 25 below zero.

SEE ALSO: Oklahoma health experts warn of frostbite as temps drop below freezing

Our team of trackers will be out for you and we will bring you live updates. Stay safe and warm!

What to Expect

  1. Tuesday: A winter storm will sweep through, bringing a wintry mix before transitioning to snow across much of the state.
  2. Accumulation: Several inches of snow are possible in northern Oklahoma, with central areas, including OKC, on the edge of heavier snowfall.
  3. Extreme Cold: Temperatures will plummet into the single digits by Wednesday, with wind chills as low as -30°F in some areas.
  4. Dangerous Conditions: “This is a multi-day record cold event,” Adams said. “Expect below-zero mornings and brutally cold afternoons.”

Prepare for the Arctic Blast 🥶

  1. Roads: Slick spots are likely, especially early in the week. Drive carefully!
  2. Pipes: Protect pipes from freezing by dripping faucets and insulating exposed lines.
  3. Pets & People: Limit time outdoors. Frostbite can set in within minutes in these conditions.

The worst of the cold will last through Friday morning before temperatures slowly rebound over the weekend. Stay with News 9 for the latest weather updates.

📉 Timeline & Temperatures

  1. Monday: A brief warm-up into the 40s and 50s before the real deep freeze.
  2. Tuesday-Thursday:
  3. Heavy snow is possible from I-40 north
  4. Freezing rain & sleet in central Oklahoma
  5. Rain transitioning to ice & snow in the south
  6. Wind chills between -15°F to -30°F 🥶
  7. Wednesday: Forecasted high of just 9°F—potentially a record-breaking cold day.

🌨️ Snowfall & Ice Impacts

  1. Up to 1 inch of snow is expected in OKC Saturday night.
  2. More than 5 inches are possible in northern Oklahoma on Tuesday.
  3. Treacherous road conditions, power outages, and school closures are likely.

WINTER WEATHER PREP:

  1. 3 Ways To Save Money On Energy Bills During The Winter
  2. Q&A With OKC Fire Captain On Ways Homeowners Can Prevent, Prepare For Winter Fires
  3. OG&E Shares Winter Readiness And Power Outage Tips
  4. Space Heater Safety Tips For The Winter Season
  5. Tips On How To Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder And The Winter Blues

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Follow our meteorologists!

Meteorologist David Payne

Meteorologist Lacey Swope

Meteorologist Jed Castles

Meteorologist Justin Rudicel

Meteorologist Andrew Adams

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