Winter Storm Update: Sharp Snow vs. Sleet Line Expected Near I-40

Winter Storm Update: Sharp Snow vs. Sleet Line Expected Near I-40

A significant winter storm is expected to impact Oklahoma, with a clear divide shaping up along Interstate 40. The latest forecast data indicates that north of I-40 will see predominantly snow, while south of I-40 will see increasing sleet and possible ice, reducing overall snow totals but increasing travel hazards.

North of I-40: Heavier Snow Likely

Communities north of Interstate 40 are currently in the favored zone for heavier snowfall. This includes:

• Tulsa

• Muskogee

• Wagoner

• Pryor

• Miami

• Bartlesville

• Stroud

• Oklahoma City

• Weatherford

• Woodward

• Enid

These areas are looking at 6 to 12 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible depending on where the heaviest snow bands set up. A small shift north or south could significantly change totals in individual towns.

Along and Just South of I-40: Transition Zone

A corridor stretching from Altus to Norman to Henryetta is expected to be right in the transition zone. This area currently has the highest uncertainty but is forecast to receive:

• 4 to 8 inches of snow

However, sleet mixing in at times could lower totals and create hazardous road conditions, especially during periods of heavier precipitation.

Southern Oklahoma: Less Snow, More Sleet and Ice

As you move farther south, snow totals decrease while sleet and ice become more dominant, increasing the risk for power outages and dangerous travel.

• Lawton to Fort Smith:
  3 to 6 inches, mixed with sleet

• Ada, McAlester, Poteau, Davis:
  2 to 4 inches, primarily sleet with some snow

• Ardmore, Durant, Idabel:
  1 to 2 inches, with a greater emphasis on sleet and possible icing

While snowfall amounts may be lower in southern Oklahoma, this region faces the greatest ice storm potential depending on how temperatures evolve.

Oklahoma Panhandle

The Panhandle is expected to see 3 to 8 inches of snow, depending on storm track and band placement.

Bottom Line

• I-40 currently appears to be the dividing line

• North of I-40: Mainly snow, higher accumulations

• South of I-40: Less snow, more sleet and ice

• A small shift in the storm track could dramatically change local impacts

Conditions remain highly dynamic, and ONWN will continue to monitor this system closely and provide updates as new data becomes available.