After days of relentless winter weather that blanketed Okmulgee County in snow, sleet, and dangerous cold, a gradual thaw is finally underway. Still, officials caution that winter is far from finished, with another stretch of frigid temperatures expected through the weekend.
The recent storm system, one of the most severe the county has faced in recent years, brought a mix of heavy snow, sleet and ice beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend. Total precipitation across the county ranged from 8-10 inches, depending on location, creating treacherous road conditions and forcing widespread disruptions to daily life.
Temperatures plunged to as low as 4 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chill values dropping near -10 degrees, pushing infrastructure, emergency services and residents to the limit.
— Emergency proclamation issued As forecasts worsened late last week, Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore, after consulting with the Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners and reviewing updated weather data, issued an Emergency Proclamation for all of Okmulgee County.
The proclamation was prompted by forecasts calling for an additional 4-6 inches of sleet and snow, combined with extreme cold warnings and temperatures not expected to rise above freezing for up to seven days.
The declaration activated the Okmulgee County Emergency Operations Plan, allowing the county to access additional assistance from state and federal agencies and to utilize mutual-aid agreements with surrounding jurisdictions.
Officials warned the storm could result in power outages, utility disruptions and dangerous road conditions, and those concerns that quickly became reality as sleet and snow accumulated faster than crews could clear it.
— Roads remain hazardous
By Sunday morning, emergency management officials confirmed another round of overnight sleet and snow, with accumulations ranging from 4-8 inches across the county.
Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews and all three local districts worked throughout the storm and into the recovery phase, plowing, sanding and treating roads as conditions allowed. Still, officials emphasized patience and caution.
Roadways remained slick and hazardous, with multiple reports of vehicles stuck in medians or sliding while attempting turns. First responders also faced delays, forced to navigate the same icy conditions as the public.
“Please be patient while these crews work their hardest to clear the roads for our responders and citizens,” officials urged. “If you do not have to be out, please stay home.”
— Schools shift to virtual learning
Due to continued hazardous travel conditions and extreme cold, county schools shifted to virtual learning on Monday and Tuesday. Administrators expressed hope that in-person classes could resume by Wednesday, pending improved conditions.
School officials cited student safety, staff travel concerns, and lingering ice as key factors in the decision.
— Community steps up As temperatures dropped and power concerns mounted, warming centers were opened in Okmulgee and Henryetta, providing a safe and heated space for residents in need.
Churches, local organizations, volunteers, and donors stepped up in remarkable fashion – braving icy roads to deliver supplies, prepare meals and ensure no one faced the cold alone.
Emergency officials extended heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers and organizations who worked behind the scenes, often in dangerous conditions, to care for neighbors and strangers alike.
Special recognition was given to Double B Construction Company LLC for clearing sleet and snow from the warming center parking lot at the Rowe Center not once, but twice.
Crews cleared pathways ahead of the storm’s second wave and returned again afterward, ensuring safe access for those seeking warmth.
“Thank you for serving our community when you didn’t have to,” officials said. “You instantly made room in your busy schedule to take care of people who needed warmth.”
City crews, such as Henryetta Public Works, worked practically round-the-clock to ensure roads were passable, and a big thanks goes to all the workers and city officials for keeping the safety of residents at the forefront.
Highways are mostly clear thanks to Oklahoma Department of Transportation who were ready with equipment and sand and salt mixtures to keep the roadways open after storms subsided.
— First responders provide tireless efforts
Throughout the storm, Okmulgee County Emergency Management worked continuously to keep the public informed and coordinate with local agencies, fire departments, law enforcement, EMS providers and utility crews.
Emergency updates were issued regularly as conditions evolved, emphasizing preparedness, patience and safety.
County officials also acknowledged the long hours logged by first responders, road crews, dispatchers, utility workers, healthcare staff and volunteers – many of whom traveled treacherous roads to ensure essential services never stopped.
“These individuals drove the same slick roads, faced the same brutal cold, and continued working so others could stay safe,” officials said.
— What’s Ahead: Cold Persists
While daytime temperatures will slowly rise later in the week, cold weather remains firmly in place through the weekend.
According to the latest forecast:
• Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 41°
• Thursday Night: Low around 14°
• Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 29°, gusty north winds
• Friday Night: Low near 3°
• Saturday: Sunny, high near 26°
• Saturday Night: Low around 10°
• Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 39°
• Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 47° Officials urge residents to remain cautious, especially during overnight and early morning hours when refreezing is likely.
— Staying Prepared
Emergency management officials continue to stress preparedness as recovery continues. Residents are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors, protect pets and pipes, limit travel when possible and remain alert for updates.
Though the worst of the storm has passed, Okmulgee County remains in recovery mode – leaning on the strength of community, the dedication of emergency personnel and the resilience of its residents.
As the thaw begins, county leaders say the response to the storm has once again shown what makes Okmulgee County strong: neighbors helping neighbors, even in the coldest of times.
