Travis And Stacia's Digital Exclusive: A Tulsa Winter Weather Timeline

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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Early Season Flurries (October - November): A Look Back

The Tulsa winter weather season didn't exactly start with a bang, but it did offer a few early warnings. October and November brought several minor snowfall events, reminding us that even early winter can bring unexpected challenges. These early season flurries, while not severe, provided valuable lessons in preparedness for the more significant events to come.

• October 27th: A light dusting of snow (less than an inch) coated Tulsa, primarily impacting higher elevations. No significant disruptions were reported.
• November 12th: Another light snowfall event brought approximately 0.5 inches of accumulation. Some minor traffic delays were reported during the morning commute. Social media buzzed with early winter photos, showcasing the picturesque, yet fleeting, beauty of Tulsa snow.
• November 28th: A slightly heavier snowfall of approximately 1.5 inches resulted in a few school delays but no widespread closures. News reports highlighted the increased caution needed on slick roadways during the morning commute.

The December Blizzard: A Deep Dive into Tulsa's Major Snowfall

The major event of the winter season arrived in December. This blizzard brought the harshest Tulsa winter weather we saw all season. The significant snowfall and high winds caused substantial disruption across the city.

• December 15th – 17th: The blizzard hit Tulsa hard, unleashing a relentless barrage of snow and high winds.
• Total Snowfall: Accumulation varied across the city, with some areas recording over 8 inches of snow. This Tulsa snow brought city life to a near standstill.
• Wind Speeds: Sustained winds reached up to 35 mph, creating dangerous wind chill factors and further reducing visibility.
• Impact: Major highways were closed, schools were shut down, and many businesses were forced to close due to the hazardous conditions. Power outages impacted thousands of homes across the region. Local emergency services were stretched thin, responding to numerous accidents and assisting stranded motorists. Images of snow-covered streets and stranded vehicles dominated local news channels and social media.

January's Icy Mix: Freezing Rain and its Challenges

While the December blizzard brought significant snowfall, January's icy mix presented a different set of challenges. Freezing rain is often more dangerous than snow, creating extremely hazardous road conditions.

• January 8th – 9th: A prolonged period of freezing rain coated surfaces with a layer of treacherous ice.
• Impact: Road closures and accidents soared. The ice accumulation led to significant damage to power lines, causing widespread power outages that lasted several days for some residents. Economic impacts were significant, as businesses remained closed and transportation was severely hampered. This is a stark reminder that Tulsa winter weather can take many forms.
• Safety: Local authorities issued repeated warnings urging residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary. Safety tips for dealing with icy conditions were widely disseminated through news media and social media.

Comparing the Storms: A Comparative Analysis of Tulsa’s Winter Weather Events

To better understand the unique challenges posed by each Tulsa winter weather event, a comparative analysis is crucial.

• Snowfall Totals: The December blizzard significantly surpassed the snowfall amounts of the October, November, and January events.
• Wind Speeds: The December blizzard also featured the highest wind speeds, exacerbating the already challenging conditions.
• Duration: The January freezing rain event lasted longer than the individual snowfall events, leading to prolonged hazardous conditions.
• Overall Impact: While all events caused disruptions, the December blizzard and January freezing rain events resulted in the most significant economic and social impacts due to prolonged power outages, road closures, and widespread damage. We used charts to clearly illustrate these differences.

Conclusion

This Tulsa winter weather timeline highlights the variety and intensity of winter storms our city experienced. From early season flurries to a major blizzard and a dangerous icy mix, Tulsa faced significant challenges. The December blizzard and January’s freezing rain demonstrated the critical need for preparedness and awareness regarding Tulsa winter weather conditions. The unpredictable nature of Oklahoma weather underscores the importance of having emergency plans in place, including sufficient supplies and awareness of potential hazards.

Call to Action: Stay informed about Tulsa winter weather forecasts and prepare for upcoming seasons with Travis and Stacia’s expert insights. Check back regularly for updated Tulsa winter weather information and preparedness tips. Subscribe to our newsletter for future updates on Tulsa snow and ice predictions and to receive expert advice on how to prepare for and stay safe during future Tulsa winter storms! (Include links to relevant resources).