I think we are officially out of the 90-degree temperatures for the rest of 2017 (but don’t be too sure cause it’s crazy Oklahoma!) and we can enjoy these cooler temperatures in the Sooner State. We’ve seen the winter weather forecasts predicting a colder winter this year, and one thing we all wish for is “NO ICE!” Anyone else have flashbacks to December 2007 anytime they hear “ice storm?” It was one of the worst in Oklahoma history and it will never be forgotten. Let’s take a look back at this massive ice storm that froze the state for days.
Bundle up because this may get a little chilly as we travel back to 2007.
S. Carter/Flickr
In early December 2007 Oklahoma received a significant amount of freezing rain that accumulated on trees, power lines and pretty much everything. The state was under a layer of ice that measured 3 inches thick in some areas.
S. Carter/Flickr
Over 600,000 Oklahomans lost power for days and the state was crippled. Power poles and lines were snapping right and left and power companies were working overtime to restore heat and electricity, as we sat inside doing everything we could to stay warm.
LynnK827/Flickr
Millions of trees suffered major damage as ice snapped them in half. It was a constant noise of crackling outside, as one tree after another fell to the ground.
Paul L. McCord Jr/Flickr
The National Weather Service said the ice storm was the result of “persistent widespread rain that fell into a shallow layer of below-freezing air. This allowed the rain to freeze upon contact with exposed objects.”
Bobby Acree/Flickr
Most of us couldn’t even leave our homes because the roads were so slick. Hundreds of auto accidents were reported that week, along with many damaged buildings.
Paul L. McCord Jr/Flickr
Twenty-nine deaths were linked to the storm and the damage to private homes was estimated at over $780 million.
LynnK827/Flickr
The forecast for the storm included “a bit of ice,” not a major event." It’s a good reminder to be prepared this winter with extra food, water and supplies…because we never know what the weather will do in Oklahoma.
April-Moore Harris/Flickr
If you have a story to tell about this massive ice storm, we’d love to hear it. Share it in the comments section.
S. Carter/Flickr
LynnK827/Flickr
Paul L. McCord Jr/Flickr
Bobby Acree/Flickr
April-Moore Harris/Flickr
For a more in-depth look at the 2017 winter weather prediction for Oklahoma, click here.
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