Below is my winter forecast which I presented back in November. It's for December, January and February. Note that so far we've had 16" of snow, a blizzard (December),1 major ice storm (January), and temperatures as cold as 25 degrees below normal. Very close so far:

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My Winter Forecast

I see two things that could influence this year's season: a strong El Nino and this year's cool summer.

El Nino is when the Pacific Ocean is warmer than usual. For us, El Nino usually results in a wet winter. That's because the storm track will stay south of Oklahoma putting us on the cold wintry side of storms. We would be in the strike zone for ice and snow. This will worsen by January and February.

In past years, cool summers have sometimes been followed by harsh winters with several snow and ice storms. I see that happening this year.

From December to February, our average low temperature is 27 degrees while our average high is 51 degrees. I expect temperatures to be colder than that this season.

Each winter we average 7 inches of snow. You might remember that earlier this year we had a record setting snowfall. But it wasn't in winter, ten inches of snow fell on March 28^th, the most we've ever had in spring! I predict this year we'll get another 10 inches of snow, but this time during the months of January and February.

Everyone's biggest winter worry seems to be ice. For the last three years we've had a significant ice storm. Since the year 2000, we've had as many as seven major ice storms, all in December and January. I'm forecasting at least one major ice storm this winter. All it takes is an inch of ice to result in power outages, travel delays and school closings for days.

 My thoughts on this Winter Storm:

First it was a ice storm, then a snow storm. A two parter!

 Officially, and as forecasted, we received .60" of ice in Tulsa. .75" in Henryetta, .70" in Jenks.

As far as snow, we received 6'-7" in Tulsa, 7" in Skiatook, Owasso, and Tahlequah. 6" fell in Bartlesville, Pawhuska, Hominy, Okemah, Checotah, Chelsea, Wagoner, Glenpool, Bixby and Broken Arrow.

The ice and snow will stay on the ground through as temperatures will remain very cold. Watch out for slick spots on roads and sidewalks.

Be safe......Frank.

The fog last week was especially dense in the morning hours which can be dangerous for those driving to work or school. In other parts of the country the fog has proved deadly. When driving in fog it's best to use your low beam lights, reduce your speed and watch your speedometer as fog can create the illusion that you are driving slower than you actually are, listen for traffic that you cannot see, use your wipers and defroster if necessary, and use the right edge of the road as a guide. If your car stalls or becomes disabled, turn off your engine and all car lights. Other drivers tend to follow headlights and break lights in the fog. And finally, be patient! Your safety is the most important thing!