Frigid Temperatures Arrive In Green Country

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK --A powerful cold front has northeastern Oklahoma in its sights.  The cold air mass behind this front is expected to bring frigid temperatures to a large portion of the state. 

The News On 6 WARN Weather Team is watching the front very closely.

News On 6 meteorologist Alan Crone says temperatures across northeast Oklahoma may drop below zero on Friday and Saturday mornings. 

Crone says wind chill values will be dropping into the critical category. 

"I encourage viewers to make sure children and adults are properly protected if they must be outside for any length of time Thursday and Friday," Crone said. 

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"Exposed skin could become frostbitten within a 30 minute time period.  I encourage you to keep extra blankets in your vehicle incase you become stranded.  Also double check that pets and livestock have a non frozen source of water and protection from the wind."

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Ahead of the cold temps, snow is expected to begin falling later tonight and early Thursday morning. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Thursday. In addition, a Wind Chill Advisory is in effect from midnight Wednesday to 6 p.m. Friday.

Snowfall accumulations of a half an inch to 1 inch will be likely near Tulsa with accumulations from 1 to 2 inches possible across northeastern Oklahoma, southeastern Kansas and southwestern Missouri. 

In addition to the snow, wind speeds are expected to be between 20 and 30 mph. 

School Closings Announced

Several area schools are closing in anticipation of the bitter cold temperatures. Tulsa Public Schools, Oklahoma City Public Schools and numerous other smaller districts have canceled classes.

1/6/2010 Related Story: Tulsa Public Schools To Close For Rest Of Week 

State Superintendent Sandy Garrett is urging all parents to take every precaution that their school-aged children are prepared for Thursday and Friday's forecasted frigid temperatures.

Garrett said if students are not properly dressed and/or are out in the elements for a length of time, they are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

"I want to urge all parents to make sure their students - especially if they rely on bus transportation or must walk to and from school - are layered and dressed warmly for as long as this weather is upon on us," Garrett said.

"Heavy coats, gloves, hats - students cannot be overdressed for the type of temperatures forecasted for this state for the next two days."

See NewsOn6.com's complete list of school closings.

You can track weather with WARN Interactive Radar and get safety tips in our Storm Zone Section.

You can get the latest WARN Team forecast in the NewsOn6.com Weather section.

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