Winter Storm Continues to Push Through Oklahoma

Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A major winter storm continues to make its way across Oklahoma.

A storm moved in early Friday morning blanketing the northwest with snow and producing blizzard-like conditions. The storm is on track to move into the Oklahoma City metro early Saturday morning.

Track when, where and how often snow falls on Oklahoma.  

Gov. Brad Henry has declared a State of Emergency for 50 counties in the state.

"Ice and snow resulting from this winter storm poses serious challenges to everything from roads to power lines, and so it is critical that we be prepared for the worst," Gov. Henry said.

The executive order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed for state and local responders.

Temperatures are below freezing and snow is falling in northwestern Oklahoma. The panhandle has received the brunt of the storm so far, said Oklahoma Highway Patrol Capt. Chris West.

Winter Storm Photos

"We're starting to get some very slick and hazardous roads," West said. "I wouldn't make any plans to go northwest or up in the panhandle."

View a complete list of road closings.

The storm knocked out power to nearly 1,000 customers of Northwestern Electric Cooperative Friday, mostly in and near the town of Buffalo in Harper County, said Sid Sperry, a spokesman with the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives. Outages also were reported in several small towns in Beaver and Ellis counties.

"It's classic Oklahoma winter weather -- thundersnow, sleet, winds between 50 and 60 mph,

More Winter Storm Pics

Saturday morning will start off with a morning freeze around 29 degrees with the snow ending on Saturday. Accumulations will range from over a foot possible in northwest Oklahoma, and a trace to 6 inches possible in the metro, with no accumulation expected in southeast Oklahoma.

Stay with NEWS 9 and News9.com, we'll keep you advised.

Watch how Oklahoma City is preparing for the winter weather.

Is it normal for Oklahoma to experience blizzards in March? Maybe more than you think.