By The Numbers: A Tulsa Winter Weather Debrief

Pedro Alvarez

4 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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Total Snowfall and Accumulation

This section details the total snowfall Tulsa experienced during the winter season, comparing it to the historical average. Understanding Tulsa snowfall patterns is crucial for residents and businesses alike. We'll also explore the impact of this year's snow on daily life and transportation in Tulsa.

• Total snowfall for the season: 18 inches.
• Comparison to average seasonal snowfall: This is 6 inches above the historical average of 12 inches, representing a 50% increase.
• Heaviest snowfall event: February 14th, with 6 inches of snow accumulating in a single day, causing significant traffic disruptions across the city.
• Areas of Tulsa with highest accumulation: The northern areas of Tulsa, including Owasso and Jenks, experienced slightly higher accumulations due to geographic factors.
• Impact of snowfall on transportation and daily life: The heavy snowfall on February 14th led to numerous school closures, traffic accidents, and delays in public transportation. Snow removal crews worked tirelessly to clear major roadways, but residential streets experienced significant delays in clearing. Many businesses experienced reduced foot traffic due to the hazardous conditions.

Ice Storm Impact and Duration

Icy conditions pose a significant threat in Tulsa, often causing more damage than snowfall. This section analyzes the impact of ice storms during the winter season, focusing on their duration and accumulation. Understanding the severity of Tulsa ice storms is vital for preparedness and mitigation efforts.

• Number of ice storms: Two significant ice storms occurred.
• Peak ice accumulation: 0.75 inches of ice accumulated during the most severe storm on January 28th.
• Duration of ice storms: The January 28th ice storm lasted approximately 36 hours.
• Impact on power outages and infrastructure: The ice storms resulted in widespread power outages affecting over 20,000 homes and businesses, with some areas experiencing outages for up to 48 hours. The weight of the ice also caused damage to trees and power lines.
• Economic impact of ice storms: The power outages and business closures caused by the ice storms resulted in significant economic losses for Tulsa businesses.

Temperature Extremes and Averages

Examining the temperature extremes and averages provides a broader understanding of Tulsa's overall winter weather. This data helps us understand how this past winter compared to historical trends, aiding in future preparations.

• Highest temperature recorded: 68 degrees Fahrenheit on February 27th.
• Lowest temperature recorded: 8 degrees Fahrenheit on January 22nd.
• Average temperature for the season: 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Comparison to historical average temperatures: This year's average temperature was slightly below the historical average, suggesting a colder-than-usual winter.

Impact on Local Businesses

The fluctuating temperatures and severe weather events significantly impacted Tulsa businesses. The prolonged period of cold temperatures, coupled with the ice storms, reduced foot traffic and caused many businesses to temporarily close. The February snowstorm also impacted supply chains.

Preparedness and Response

Analyzing Tulsa's preparedness and response to winter weather events is critical for improving future responses. This section will assess the effectiveness of the city's snow removal efforts, emergency services, and community preparedness initiatives.

• Snow removal: The city's snow removal efforts were largely effective in clearing major roadways, although residential street clearing experienced delays due to the volume of snow.
• Emergency services: Emergency services responded swiftly to numerous incidents during and after the storms, demonstrating good response times.
• Community preparedness: Public awareness campaigns played a crucial role in informing citizens on winter safety measures and preparedness. However, improvements could be made regarding communication during power outages.

Conclusion

This year's Tulsa winter weather presented significant challenges, exceeding historical averages for snowfall and impacting local businesses and infrastructure. The 18 inches of total snowfall, coupled with two significant ice storms resulting in widespread power outages and the economic impact of business closures, highlights the importance of robust winter preparedness strategies. This data-driven look at Tulsa winter weather provides valuable insights for future planning. Stay informed about upcoming Tulsa winter weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and preparedness for future seasons. Learn more about Tulsa winter weather preparedness by visiting [link to relevant resource, e.g., city of Tulsa website].