Blizzard conditions possible in Oklahoma; snowfall predictions increased

Blizzard conditions are likely early Tuesday in the Oklahoma City area with drifts of three to five feet possible due to strong north winds and a cold blast of air, forecasters said. The overnight low tonight in the metro is expected to be about 14 degrees with winds of up to 25 mph, and Tuesday's high temperature is expected to be about 18 degrees with similar winds.

The weather service also expanded the area it predicts will receive at least two inches of snow to virtually the entire state. Western Oklahoma is expected to receive between 2 and 8 inches of snow, with projected snowfall totals increasing from west to east. A swath of southern and central Oklahoma extending from near Ardmore to Ada and further northeast also could be affected by accumulations of up to 1/4 inch of ice.

Most of the Interstate 35 corridor is expected to receive at least 4 inches of snow, with 4 to 6 inches expected as far south as Ardmore, 8 to 10 inches expected near Norman and up to a foot expected from the north Oklahoma City area to the Kansas state line.

A winter storm warning for a large part of central Oklahoma was replaced with a blizzard warning Monday afternoon. The blizzard warning is effective10 tonight to 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Roads may be impassable in some parts of the state by Tuesday morning, the weather service warns. Power outages are possible. Officials urge state residents to prepare for the storm by stocking up on nonperishable food items, water and medication and to check on relatives, friends, neighbors and pets who may be especially vulnerable to the weather.