The good news is we are getting rain that will help us overcome the D1 Drought conditions.
The bad news is “ICE STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON CST SATURDAY” http://1.usa.gov/1MTh00S
Watch the Oklahoma Mesonet wind indicators stop as they ice over at http://mesonet.org/. There will be "measles" on the screen too as the stations fail.
With the air temperature forecast to fall below freezing Friday evening and park there through Sunday morning, the brisk winds will drive the wind chills into the teens and low 20s. Bundle up, if you are working outside.
“Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.” http://rdcrss.org/1lLWAjJ
The period when most of the freezing rain is expected is from noon Friday through Saturday morning. Total freezing rain of .2 inches is forecast through Sunday.
One of the tools to come from my FIRST ice storm was the SPIA Index. Yes, the “Sperry-Piltz Ice Accumulation Index” http://bit.ly/1Smi7JZ is known Nationwide and used by electric utilities to work to over come these sort of challenges. Both Sid Sperry and Steve Piltz are professionals in their respective disciplines.
As you can see, from the graphic, the icing is forecast to be worse to our North and West.
Your Oklahoma MesoNet soil temperature graphic also offers good news.
With temperature at 59 degrees two inches down, this does not look to be a crop-freezing event and the ground temperature will remain around or above freezing. In other words, elevated surfaces will freeze first.
TRAVEL will be over WET roads. Bridges and overpasses will freeze first. Travel wisely.
Use http://www.dps.state.ok.us/cgi-bin/weathermap.cgi and OK 888-425-2385 AR 800-245-1672 CO 303-639-1111 KS 866-511-5368 MO 800-222-6400 NM 800-432-4269 TX 800-452-9292 to plan your travel. Do NOT call 911 to ask about slick roads, please.
Check http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/ and your favorite broadcast source for updates through the weekend.
In summary, expect ice which MAY lead to some power outages in the area. I have confidence in our City Electric Department. Bundle up against the wind chill. Plan your travel well and, if you don't HAVE to go to Braum's at 3 a.m., don't. Expect this to be a short event compared to the 2010 ice storm.
Above all, enjoy Thanksgiving with your friends and neighbors as well as celebrate “Good Grief Day”. http://bit.ly/1MEgNkb
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