Latest update as of 6 a.m. Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Norman, OK – A significant winter storm is expected to impact western Oklahoma Friday night through the weekend, with Beckham, Custer, Washita, and Roger Mills counties likely seeing some of the most impactful conditions. Elk City, Clinton, and Weatherford are all expected to experience hazardous travel, heavy snow, and dangerously cold temperatures.
Timing and impacts
The storm is expected to begin Friday night into early Saturday morning with light freezing drizzle and light sleet. Western Oklahoma could see light snow develop by Friday night, especially in Beckham, Roger Mills, and western Custer counties. Slick spots are possible during the Friday evening commute and through the evening, particularly on bridges and overpasses.
Road conditions are expected to worsen significantly Friday evening as precipitation becomes heavier. Heavy snow is forecast to set in Friday night and continue through the entire day Saturday, creating very difficult to near impossible travel at times.
Snow potential in western Oklahoma
Current forecasts continue to show widespread snow totals of 4 to 8 inches across much of western Oklahoma, including Elk City, Clinton, and Weatherford. Some isolated higher totals, potentially near or above 10 inches, remain possible if heavier snow bands set up over the area. Snow is expected to fall steadily from Friday night through Saturday.
Sleet and ice concerns
While the highest sleet and ice totals are expected farther southeast, western Oklahoma is not completely in the clear. Light sleet and freezing drizzle are possible Friday morning, which could create slick roads before snow becomes the dominant precipitation type. Even small amounts of ice can make untreated roads hazardous.
Dangerous cold
Arctic air will arrive Friday morning and settle in through the weekend. Temperatures in Beckham, Custer, Washita, and Roger Mills counties are expected to drop below freezing Friday morning and stay there for several days. Overnight lows near zero are possible, with daytime highs only in the single digits and teens.
Wind chills of 10 to 20 degrees below zero are expected, creating dangerous conditions for anyone spending time outdoors. Temperatures may not rise above freezing again until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.
Road conditions and travel
Slick spots are expected Friday night, with conditions steadily worsening through the evening. The worst travel is expected Friday night and Saturday, especially on rural roads and secondary routes. Snow routes will be plowed, but reaching those roads could be very difficult in parts of western Oklahoma. Hazardous travel could continue into Monday or Tuesday due to persistent cold and compacted snow.
Watches in effect
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday, January 23 at noon through Sunday, January 25 at 6 a.m. An Extreme Cold Watch is also in effect from midnight to noon on Saturday, January 24.
Residents in western Oklahoma are urged to prepare now by limiting travel plans, protecting pets and livestock, and ensuring homes and vehicles are ready for prolonged cold and winter weather conditions.
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