Tulsa's Winter Weather: A Digital Exclusive Timeline Featuring Travis And Stacia

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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Remembering Tulsa's Most Significant Winter Storms

Tulsa's history is punctuated by periods of severe winter weather, from crippling ice storms to substantial snowfalls. Understanding these historical events helps us better prepare for future challenges. Using historical weather data from Tulsa, we've highlighted some of the most impactful winter storms:

• The Great Blizzard of 1912: This blizzard dumped over 18 inches of snow on Tulsa, paralyzing the city for days. Transportation ground to a halt, businesses closed, and residents faced perilous conditions. Newspapers of the time describe scenes of snowdrifts reaching rooftops and widespread power outages. The storm highlighted the city's vulnerability to severe winter weather and spurred improvements in infrastructure and emergency response.

• The Ice Storm of 1989: This devastating ice storm coated Tulsa and surrounding areas in a thick layer of ice, causing widespread power outages and significant tree damage. The weight of the ice brought down power lines, leaving thousands without electricity for days, even weeks in some cases. Transportation was severely disrupted, and the economic impact was substantial. This event underscored the need for improved grid resilience and preparedness for prolonged power outages during severe winter weather in Tulsa.

• The 2011 Winter Storm: This storm brought a combination of heavy snow, freezing rain, and high winds, creating hazardous conditions across Tulsa. Significant snowfall accumulations led to school closures, traffic accidents, and widespread travel delays. The storm also caused damage to property, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive winter storm preparedness.

(Include images or video clips of past winter storms in Tulsa if available)

Travis and Stacia's Personal Accounts: Surviving Tulsa Winters

To add a human element to this digital exclusive timeline, we've included personal accounts from long-time Tulsa residents, Travis and Stacia. Their experiences offer valuable insights into surviving Tulsa's challenging winters.

• Travis's story about the 2011 Winter Storm: "The worst part wasn't the snow itself, but the ice that followed. Driving was treacherous, and we were without power for almost 48 hours. We learned the hard way to have a well-stocked emergency kit."

• Stacia's experience during the 1989 Ice Storm: "The community spirit was incredible. Neighbors helped neighbors, sharing food and checking on each other. It showed the resilience of Tulsa in the face of adversity. We learned the importance of having extra blankets and non-perishable food in case of power outages."

(Include photos of Travis and Stacia (with permission))

"Our best advice for winter preparedness?" says Travis. "Stock up on essentials, check your vehicle’s winter readiness, and make sure your family knows what to do in case of an emergency." Stacia adds, "Don't underestimate the power of community. Checking on your neighbors can make all the difference during a severe winter storm."

Preparing for Tulsa's Winter Weather: A Guide for Residents

Winter weather in Tulsa can be unpredictable and severe. Taking proactive steps to prepare can significantly reduce risks and ensure your safety and well-being.

• Essential items for a winter emergency kit: Flashlights, batteries, first-aid kit, blankets, non-perishable food, water, hand and foot warmers, medications, and a battery-powered radio.

• Safe winter driving practices in Tulsa: Check road conditions before traveling, reduce speed, increase following distance, and ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires or chains if necessary. Keep your gas tank at least half full.

• Steps to take before, during, and after a winter storm: Prepare your home by insulating pipes, bringing in outdoor plants, and charging electronic devices. During a storm, stay indoors, monitor weather reports, and avoid unnecessary travel. After a storm, check for property damage, clear snow and ice, and be cautious of downed power lines.

• Tulsa's snow removal procedures: Familiarize yourself with the city's snow removal procedures and routes to better understand when and how streets will be cleared. The city's website typically provides updates during severe winter weather.

• Relevant resources: [Links to relevant resources (e.g., Tulsa city website, National Weather Service)]

Conclusion

This digital exclusive timeline of Tulsa's winter weather, featuring the personal accounts of Travis and Stacia, highlights the importance of preparedness and community resilience. From the Great Blizzard of 1912 to more recent storms, Tulsa has faced its share of severe winter weather challenges. By understanding the past and learning from these experiences, we can better prepare for future winter storms and ensure the safety and well-being of our community. Share this digital exclusive timeline of Tulsa's winter weather with your friends and family to help everyone stay prepared! Don't forget to share your own Tulsa winter weather stories using #TulsaWinterStories! Check back for future updates on Tulsa's weather and preparedness information.