Snow blows through metro

Staff and Wire Reports

Snow fell across much of Oklahoma early Thursday as a cold front plodded across the state, with some portions of northern Oklahoma receiving more than 4 inches of snow.

"It's coming down pretty heavy," said Alfalfa County Sheriff Charlie Tucker from his office in Cherokee, where some of the heaviest snowfall was reported early Thursday. "I'd say we've got 3 inches out there on the ground now, and it's still coming down."

A snow and blowing snow advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

Snow is expected to develop across southwest and central Oklahoma Thursday morning. Precipitation will begin as rain in most locations, but will likely change over to snow by midday.

Accumulations of one to three inches are expected over the area before the snow tapers off late in the day.

A strong cold front moving through the area this morning will usher in strong north winds gusting 25 to 30 mph. The high winds will result in considerable blowing and drifting of snow. Despite relatively light snow accumulations, much higher drifts will be possible. East- and west- oriented roadways will be affected the most by the drifting snow.

A snow and blowing snow advisory means that visibilities will be limited due to a combination of falling and blowing snow. Use caution when traveling, especially in open areas. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts on the developing winter weather.