A severe winter storm is approaching the area.
Substantial accumulations of freezing rain, ice and snow are expected throughout the state.
“When people wake up Thursday morning, it will be mostly a rain event,” said Jenifer Bowen, meteorologist at the Norman National Weather Center. “That afternoon, it should quickly switch over to freezing rain. Later, that should turn into snow and sleet.”
Bowen said Norman should expect at least a quarter inch of ice and two to six inches of snow. Wind speeds are expected to be 25 to 30 miles per hour, with winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour, she said.
“Power outages are more or less a possibility,” Bowen said. “If there are any heavy ice accumulations on power lines when these winds are blowing, power outages are likely.”
Bowen said different systems are coming together in the region that have caused the winter weather.
“We have an upper-level system coming off the coast of southern California, along with arctic air dropping down from Canada,” Bowen said.
She said in addition to those two weather events, moisture from the Gulf of Mexico will also enter the state.
Bowen said the ground is a little warm, but the rain before the winter weather will help cool down area roads.
“The freezing precipitation will accumulate on any wet surfaces especially ground surfaces like roads,” Bowen said. “If you are going to travel, be sure you are prepared and have the necessary supplies in your vehicle.”
Dianne Clay, OU Health Sciences Center spokeswoman, issued a warning about the dangers of cold weather Wednesday.
“When temperatures dip below 40 degrees, Oklahomans should pay attention to more than snow forecasts and slippery streets to stay safe,” Clay stated in a press release.
Clay stated ongoing research at the Health Sciences Center has shown that once the temperature dips below 40 degrees, the body responds by constricting blood vessels to conserve heat in as quickly as 10 minutes after you go outside.
“Your body senses cold temperatures and sends a message to your brain, which responds by shrinking blood vessels. This is very dangerous for people with hypertension and heart diseases. It can make the conditions more severe,” stated Zhongjie Sun, blood pressure expert at the OU College of Medicine. “Exposing any part of your body to cold temperatures is enough to send your blood pressure up. It’s very difficult to completely avoid the effects of cold weather, but you should minimize exposure.”
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mcwpdl 2 years, 3 months ago
i just waxed my car......
TheAntiTrevorClark 2 years, 4 months ago
Well, crap.
mull1773 2 years, 3 months ago
Everyone just remember to check on those friends and family that don't have a way to get around or that might need your help with this bad weather coming in to Norman, especially the elderly. I had a friend who went without electricity for four days last time and she has trouble getting around (can't walk very far). She had friends who brought her some hot food because she couldn't cook anything or get out of her neighborhood.
P.S. And make sure to have some fun in the snow!!!
moor4442 2 years, 3 months ago
Keep in mind that there are plenty of states to the north that face this sort of thing on a regular basis, and somehow those with hypertension survive. Why? Because they reasonably decide to bundle up. It is quite possible to stay warm when the weather is below 40 degrees as long as one is sensible enough to wear enough warm clothing. So enjoy the fun, frosty weather while you can, Oklahoma. Just wear a jacket and some mittens.