WHAT TO EXPECT

The storm will be a mixture of ice and sleet.

“The roads warmed up a little bit today, but we can expect that once the freezing rain starts that things will get slick,” said Christine Reily, meteorologist at the Norman National Weather Center. “Thursday morning there will be a rain event, and then that afternoon it will quickly change over to freezing rain. Later into the night, there will be sleet and snow.”

Reily said power outages are expected and winds will not blow as strong as first predicted, but will still be heavy.

She said wind speeds will be between 20 and 30 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

“It will mostly be an ice and sleet event,” Reily said.

Reily said Friday will be mostly overcast and very cold.

“We could see some flurries that morning but it will be dry for the most part of that day,” she said.

WHAT TO DO FOR FOOD AND FUN

Couch Restaurants and the Huston Huffman Center will remain open if OU closes due to weather today, Housing and Food Marketing and Public Relations Director Lauren Royston stated in an e-mail.

“During this inclement winter weather, the first dining priority for Housing and Food Services is to open Couch Restaurants based on available staff,” Royston stated.

Royston stated additional food service operations might be open depending on the severity of the weather conditions and the amount of available staff.

Crossroads manager April Buchanan-Sandlin said, as of now, Crossroads will remain open if the university closes due to inclement weather.

Common areas in the residence halls will remain open and equipment checkout for pingpong and pool tables will be available.

“If OU shuts down due to weather, students will be able to utilize Huston Huffman from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.,” Royston stated.

HOW TO GET PREPARED

Housing and Food Services is committed to the safety and wellness of its residents, Royston stated.

“While a power outage is not expected for on-campus residential committees, we encourage residents to make use of winter weather clothing they may have, as well as blankets and other linens to stay warm,” Royston stated.

Xcetera evening supervisor Michele Hummingbird said the on-campus store is selling out of merchandise, especially food items students can cook in a microwave oven.

“People are buying bread, milk, cereal, ramen and water,” Hummingbird said. “Students are just making sure they have what they need in case they can’t get out.”