Cold and rainy weather blowing through the Sooner State

(AP) _ Oklahomans will be reaching for their winter coats today. Others will be reaching for their umbrellas. <br/><br/>The first major winter storm of the season blew into Oklahoma overnight, bringing

Tuesday, November 23rd 2004, 5:50 am

By: News On 6

(AP) _ Oklahomans will be reaching for their winter coats today. Others will be reaching for their umbrellas.

The first major winter storm of the season blew into Oklahoma overnight, bringing a chance of snow and rain to the state.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Oklahoma Panhandle today. A winter storm watch was issued for northwest Oklahoma through tonight.

Accumulations of 6 to 8 inches of snow are likely in the Panhandle. Strong northerly winds of up to 25 miles per hour will bring the threat of blowing and drifting snow and create wind chills in the teens.

Elsewhere, a flood watch was issued for 17 western, central and southern Oklahoma counties. Officials say rainfall amounts of up to three inches are likely.

...Meanwhile, dense fog will make driving hazardous today.

The National Weather Service has issued a dense fog advisory for much of the state. It will remain in effect until early today.

Forecasters say area of dense fog have developed and will become more widespread overnight.

Fog across northern Oklahoma was light last night but dense fog was expected to form after midnight.

Visibilities are expected to be about one mile, but certain areas will have visibilities of only about one-quarter of a mile.

Authorities cautioned motorists to drive slowly.