Blizzard and Winter Storm in Oklahoma, March 27 to 28, 2009

Name: Blizzard and Winter Storm in Oklahoma, March 27 to 28, 2009
Start: 2009-03-27T01:00
End: 2009-03-28T15:00
Location: Oklahoma

March 27 to 28, 2009 · NWS OUN · 42 events in 28 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 42 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 2
Injuries: 5
Property damage: $1.9 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 42

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS OUN wrote it up.

A strong, late-season winter storm moved through parts of Oklahoma, producing record setting snowfall over western and northwest Oklahoma. A cold front moved into northwest Oklahoma just after midnight of the 27th, dropping temperatures into the 20s and 30s and winds gusting over 40 mph. Snow began early in the day, but did not begin to really accumulate until late afternoon. By early evening, some locations had already picked up over six inches of snow. Blowing and drifting snow was also an issue with north to northwest winds well over 40 mph. The snow became more widespread, with thunder-snow developing over some areas. Snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour were reported, resulting in a large area of northwest Oklahoma receiving one to two feet of snow by sunrise. Farther south into western Oklahoma, less snow was reported, although impressive totals of around six to nine inches were reported over west-central Oklahoma, and two to four inches over southwest Oklahoma. A sharp cut-off of snowfall accumulation was seen from north-central into central Oklahoma as a pronounced dry slot aloft moved over the area. Snowfall totals of up to two inches were reported as far east as Oklahoma City. Almost all roads over northwest Oklahoma were snow packed, with almost all impassable. Several roofs collapsed under the weight of the heavy, wet snow pack. Numerous accidents occurred over the area as well, resulting in mostly minor injuries. However, two indirect fatalities occurred in weather-related accidents. At least 6000 people lost power during the peak of the winter storm, with some areas not seeing power restored until the 29th.

More heavy snow developed during the late morning and early afternoon hours of the 28th, as the storm system moved over central Oklahoma. Snowfall totals of four to five inches were reported in Payne, Lincoln, and Noble counties, with lesser totals of a trace to one inch in and around Oklahoma City metro area. No damage was reported with the additional snowfall. Monetary damages were estimated.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Norman, OK wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 26, 10:21 PM CST, 2 hours 39 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 26, 10:21 PM CST, 2 hours 39 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
1121 PM CDT THU MAR 26 2009

.AVIATION...
IFR/LIFR TO PREVAIL THROUGH THE PERIOD ALTHOUGH A FEW SUCKER HOLES
WILL BE AROUND EARLY. COLD FRONT NOW MOVING THROUGH PANHANDLES
WILL ARRIVE GAG/WWR AROUND 09Z AND TO OKC/OUN/SPS BEFORE 18Z
FOLLOWED BY NE WINDS BACKING TO N AND COLDER AIR FORCING A
MIX/CHANGEOVER FROM RA TO SN. STILL LOOKING FOR PERIODS OF 1/4SM
+SN/BLSN AT ANY TIME AFTER CHANGEOVER MAINLY W/N OK BUT FOR
SIMPLICITY WILL NOT INCLUDE TEMPO GROUPS MOST AREAS BEYOND FIRST 8
HR OR SO.

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 955 PM CDT THU MAR 26 2009/

UPDATE...
A FEW SHOWERS/STORMS AFFECTED SE PORTIONS OF FA THIS EVENING.
ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT WILL BE POSSIBLE IN THIS AREA OVERNIGHT AS
WARM FRONT LIFTS NEAR/INTO THE AREA AND LOW LVL JET DEVELOPS. COLD
FRONT BEGINNING TO MOVE ACROSS THE PANHANDLES THIS EVENING. COLD
AIR WILL CONT TO MOVE INTO THE REGION OVERNIGHT. PRECIP WILL
EXPAND ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE FA OVERNIGHT WITH RAIN CHANGING TO
SNOW IN NW PORTIONS OF FA EARLY FRIDAY MORNING. WILL KEEP CURRENT
WINTER HEADLINES AS THEY ARE AND LET LATER SHIFTS ANALYZE AS ADDITIONAL
MODEL DATA COMES IN. SOME ACCUMULATING SNOW MAY BEGIN IN NW OK
BEFORE THE WARNING BUT EXPECT THE HEAVIER SNOW ACCUMULATIONS TO
DEVELOP FRIDAY MORNING. SOME PATCHY FOG AND/OR DRIZZLE WILL BE
POSSIBLE ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE FA... WITH VISIBILITIES GENERALLY
1 TO 5 MILES. ADJUSTED POPS FOR THIS EVENING AND TWEAKED HOURLY
GRIDS AND SKY COVER TO SHOW CURRENT TRENDS. WILL SEND UPDATES SHORTLY.

MAXWELL

PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 653 PM CDT THU MAR 26 2009/

AVIATION...
LOWER CIGS WILL SPREAD BACK SW INTO SW OK AND NW TX THIS EVENING.
ALL TAF SITES LIKELY TO THEN REMAIN IFR/LIFR THROUGH 00Z/28.
CHANGEOVER TO SNOW LIKELY TO BE EARLY MORNING AT KGAG/KWWR...
WORKING SE WITH MIX BEGINNING KOKC/KOUN/KSPS TOWARD END OF THE TAF
CYCLE. WILL KEEP IT RELATIVELY SIMPLE WITH PREVAILING 1SM -SN BLSN
BUT OCCASIONAL M1/4SM +SN BLSN VV002 PROBABLE ON FRIDAY
KGAG/KWWR/KCSM/KHBR.

PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 302 PM CDT THU MAR 26 2009/

DISCUSSION...
COMPLEX AND DYNAMIC SITUATION SETTING UP ACROSS THE AREA FOR THE
NEXT 48HRS OR SO. INITIALLY CONCERN IS WITH SEVERE WX POTENTIAL
ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE AREA TONIGHT. MULTIPLE SURFACE AND NEAR SFC
BOUNDARIES IN THE VICINITY WILL ACT A FOCI FOR TSTM DEVELOPMENT
LATER TODAY AND CONT THROUGH MUCH OF THE NIGHT. IT APPEARS THAT MOST
OF THE AREA WILL BE NORTH OF WHERE THE STRONGEST SFC-BASED STORMS
WILL BE... BUT WILL BE CLOSE ACROSS RED RIVER VALLEY THIS EVENING.
IN AND NEAR THIS BOUNDARY THERE WILL BE A SLIGHTLY BETTER CHANCE OF
SUPERCELLS WITH TORNADIC POTENTIAL WITH ELEVATED HAILERS FARTHER
NORTH.

BY LATE TONIGHT ATTENTION TURNS TO STRONG WINTER STORM THAT WILL
AFFECT THE AREA. SNOW LOOKS TO BEGIN ACROSS NORTHWEST OKLAHOMA VERY
LATE TONIGHT. WITH THIS IN MIND HAVE CANCELLED THE WATCH FOR
SECOND HALF OF TONIGHT ACROSS THE NORTHWEST WITH BETTER CHANCES OF
ACCUMULATING SNOW OCCURRING AFTER 12Z FRIDAY. WILL ALSO ADJUST WINTER
STORM WARNING/WATCHES FARTHER EAST/SOUTHEAST. SNOW SHOULD BE
CONFINED TO WESTERN THIRD OF AREA THROUGH MUCH OF THE DAY FRIDAY
BEFORE SHIFTING INTO CENTRAL THIRD BY SUNSET OR JUST BEFORE.
ACCUMULATING SNOW WILL CONT THROUGH FIRST PART OF THE DAY ON
SATURDAY BEFORE SHIFTING NORTHEAST OF THE AREA SAT AFTN.

EXACT TRACK WILL DETERMINE MUCH WITH RESPECT TO WHERE THE SOUTHERN
BOUNDARY OF HEAVIER SNOW WILL OCCUR. AS IS USUALLY THE CASE THE I-44
CORRIDOR APPEARS TO BE THE AXIS OF INTEREST WITH BEST CHANCES ALONG
AND NORTH... WITH THE MOST EXTREME CONDITIONS ACROSS NORTHWEST
FRIDAY... PERHAPS SHIFTING INTO NORTH CENTRAL OKLAHOMA FRIDAY
NIGHT/SATURDAY. ALTHOUGH WITH VERY STRONG WINDS IT WILL BE DIFFICULT
TO GET A REAL ACCURATE SNOWFALL READING... 12+ INCHES OF SNOW IS NOT
OUT OF THE QUESTION IN FAR NORTHWEST OKLAHOMA WITH EVEN HIGHER
DRIFTS. THE DRIFTING WILL CREATE ROADWAY PROBLEMS... ESPECIALLY
ALONG EAST-WEST ROADWAYS. ANOTHER CONCERN IS THAT THIS SNOW WILL BE
A VERY WET HEAVY SNOW AND PARTS OF THE AREA HAVE SEEN TREES BEGIN TO
LEAF OUT AND THIS COULD CAUSE TREE LIMBS TO COME DOWN AND POSSIBLE
POWER OUTAGES AS WELL.

AFTER SNOW ENDS SAT AFTN WILL STILL AFFECT MUCH OF NORTHWEST HALF OF
AREA WRT TO TEMPS BOTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AND HAVE LOWERED TEMPS IN
THESE AREAS THROUGH SUNDAY.

ANOTHER STRONG STORM MOVES THROUGH THE PLAINS EARLY NEXT WEEK... BUT
THIS ONE LOOKS MOISTURE STARVED WITH ANOTHER LATE NEXT WEEK. MAIN
FOCUS WILL REMAIN IN SHORT-TERM WITH LITTLE CHANGES BEYOND SUNDAY.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
OKLAHOMA CITY OK  42  44  29  39 /  70  90  90  60
HOBART OK         39  39  28  39 /  50  80  80  30
WICHITA FALLS TX  47  51  34  43 /  40  60  40  10
GAGE OK           29  29  26  38 /  90  90  90  40
PONCA CITY OK     38  46  31  37 /  70  90  90  70
DURANT OK         55  58  36  44 /  60  70  40  40

&&

.OUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
OK...WINTER STORM WATCH FROM 7 AM CDT FRIDAY THROUGH SATURDAY
     AFTERNOON FOR OKZ008-013-018>020-022>026-033>036.

     WINTER STORM WARNING FROM 7 AM FRIDAY TO 1 PM CDT SATURDAY FOR
     OKZ004>007-009>012-014>017-021.

TX...WINTER STORM WATCH FROM 7 AM CDT FRIDAY THROUGH SATURDAY
     AFTERNOON FOR TXZ083.

&&

25/24/01

Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 26, 10:31 PM CST, 2 hours 29 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
1131 PM CDT THU MAR 26 2009

OKZ004>048-050>052-TXZ083>090-271300-
HARPER-WOODS-ALFALFA-GRANT-KAY-ELLIS-WOODWARD-MAJOR-GARFIELD-NOBLE-
ROGER MILLS-DEWEY-CUSTER-BLAINE-KINGFISHER-LOGAN-PAYNE-BECKHAM-
WASHITA-CADDO-CANADIAN-OKLAHOMA-LINCOLN-GRADY-MCCLAIN-CLEVELAND-
POTTAWATOMIE-SEMINOLE-HUGHES-HARMON-GREER-KIOWA-JACKSON-TILLMAN-
COMANCHE-STEPHENS-GARVIN-MURRAY-PONTOTOC-COAL-COTTON-JEFFERSON-
CARTER-JOHNSTON-ATOKA-LOVE-MARSHALL-BRYAN-HARDEMAN-FOARD-WILBARGER-
WICHITA-KNOX-BAYLOR-ARCHER-CLAY-
1131 PM CDT THU MAR 26 2009

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK COVERS NORTHERN...WESTERN...
CENTRAL...AND SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA...AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT...

THUNDERSTORM OUTLOOK...
THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS OVERNIGHT ACROSS
PORTIONS OF OKLAHOMA.

LOCATION...
THE SLIGHT RISK AREA IS SOUTH AND EAST OF A CHANDLER... TO EL RENO
AND DUNCAN OKLAHOMA LINE.

TIMING...
THE MOST LIKELY TIME FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE THROUGH 3 AM.

IMPACTS...
MAIN RISKS WILL BE HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF QUARTERS AND WIND GUSTS TO
60 MPH.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS...
STORM SPOTTER GROUPS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL ACROSS THE
RISK AREA SHOULD PLAN FOR SEVERE WEATHER OPERATIONS THROUGH
3 AM.

DISCUSSION...
A WARM FRONT WILL MOVE NORTH AND STALL NEAR THE RED RIVER. A
MID-LEVEL DISTURBANCE WILL MOVE ACROSS THE REGION OVERNIGHT. A LOW
LEVEL JET WILL ALSO DEVELOP. THE LIFT ASSOCIATED WITH THE LOW LEVEL
JET AND DISTURBANCE MAY BE ENOUGH FOR ADDITIONAL SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS TO DEVELOP IN PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN
OKLAHOMA OVERNIGHT. IN ADDITION... THE APPROACH OF AN UPPER-LEVEL
STORM WILL SUFFICIENTLY COOL THE MID LEVELS OF THE ATMOSPHERE. IF
STORMS DEVELOP... A FEW SEVERE STORMS MAY BE POSSIBLE WITH LARGE
HAIL THE PRIMARY CONCERN.

PROBABILITY TABLE...
VALID THROUGH 700 AM CDT FRIDAY MAR 27.
PROBABILITY OF THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRING IN THE
              NWS NORMAN COUNTY WARNING AREA...60 PERCENT.
PROBABILITY OF SEVERE STORMS IF STORMS OCCUR...20 PERCENT.

OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER...
RAIN MAY BEGIN TO CHANGE TO SNOW EARLY FRIDAY MORNING IN PORTIONS OF
NORTHWEST OKLAHOMA.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY...

THUNDERSTORM OUTLOOK...
THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FRIDAY MORNING IN
SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER...
A DEVELOPING MAJOR STORM IS EXPECTED TO CAUSE ACCUMULATING SNOW OVER
NORTHERN AND WESTERN OKLAHOMA FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT. SNOW ALSO MAY
ACCUMULATE IN PARTS OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS
FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY. HEAVY SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE IN NORTHERN
AND WESTERN OKLAHOMA. STRONG NORTH WINDS WILL BE LIKELY CAUSING
CONSIDERABLE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. ACROSS PORTIONS OF NORTHERN
AND NORTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA A WINTER STORM WARNING IS EFFECTIVE FROM 7
AM FRIDAY THROUGH MID-DAY SATURDAY. A WATCH IS IN EFFECT FARTHER
SOUTH ACROSS PORTIONS OF CENTRAL INTO SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA AND A SMALL
PART OF WESTERN NORTH TEXAS FOR THE SAME TIME PERIOD.

30/25

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Mar 26, 7:32 PM CST, 5 hours 28 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
832 PM CDT THU MAR 26 2009

OKZ050-270200-
LOVE OK-
832 PM CDT THU MAR 26 2009

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY...

THIS SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY IS FOR LOVE COUNTY.

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED 4 MILES SOUTHWEST OF THACKERVILLE
AT 831 PM CDT...MOVING EAST AT 20 MPH.

PEOPLE IN FAR SOUTHERN LOVE COUNTY... INCLUDING AREAS IN AND NEAR
THACKERVILLE... SHOULD MONITOR THE WEATHER SITUATION CLOSELY. LISTEN
FOR WARNINGS AND REMAIN ALERT FOR THREATENING WEATHER CONDITIONS.

24

Special weather statement, Mar 26, 7:39 PM CST, 5 hours 21 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
839 PM CDT THU MAR 26 2009

OKZ043-270215-
COAL OK-
839 PM CDT THU MAR 26 2009

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY...

THIS SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY IS FOR COAL COUNTY.

A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED OVER OLNEY AT 839 PM CDT...MOVING
NORTHEAST AT 25 MPH.

STORM INTENSITY IS INCREASING AND SEVERE WEATHER MAY DEVELOP RAPIDLY.

PEOPLE IN COAL COUNTY SHOULD MONITOR THE WEATHER SITUATION CLOSELY.
LISTEN FOR WARNINGS AND REMAIN ALERT FOR THREATENING WEATHER
CONDITIONS.

24

Special weather statement, Mar 26, 8:09 PM CST, 4 hours 51 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
909 PM CDT THU MAR 26 2009

OKZ043-270230-
COAL OK-
909 PM CDT THU MAR 26 2009

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY...

THIS SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY IS FOR COAL COUNTY.

A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED 5 MILES NORTH OF COALGATE AT 909 PM
CDT...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 20 MPH.

SMALL HAIL AND BRIEF HEAVY RAIN WILL BE LIKELY.

24

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

21 blizzard, 13 winter weather, 8 winter storm. Local standard time, as filed.

Blizzard, Harper

When: March 27, 1:00 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Harper forecast zone
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.789, -99.667 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 25 inches six miles north of Fort Supply, with snow drifts over five feet deep. The roofs of one home, two businesses, and the Ft. Supply school gym collapsed. No injuries were reported. Frequent wind gusts over 40 mph caused near zero visibility. Monetary damage estimates were unavailable.

Blizzard, Harper

When: March 27, 1:00 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Harper forecast zone
Injuries: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Property damage: $400,000
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 36.789, -99.667 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals of 23 inches were reported two miles south of Buffalo, with 24 inches in Laverne. Some of the snow drifts were well over six feet deep. The weight of the snowfall on roofs caused roofs of some buildings to collapse in the Laverne and Buffalo areas. Although much of the damage was reported to outbuildings and barns, a partial roof collapse of the Grace Living Center nursing occurred. No injuries were reported at the nursing home. Power was knocked out for several hours. A few power poles were knocked down by winds that gusted well over 40 mph for several hours. Visibilities were less than a quarter of a mile for several hours, with some areas reporting near zero visibility due to the blowing snow. Roads were closed across the county, as road crews struggled to keep up with the one to two inch an hour snowfall rates. Accidents were few, as most residents stayed off the roadways. However, there was one injury in an automobile accident. Monetary damages were estimated for the entire county.

Blizzard, Ellis

When: March 27, 1:30 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Ellis forecast zone
Injuries: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 36.218, -99.755 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 22 inches in Arnett. The weight of the wet snow caused some minor roof damage to buildings in town. A few automobile accidents occurred, with one minor injury reported. Monetary damages were estimated for the entire county.

Blizzard, Ellis

When: March 27, 1:30 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Ellis forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 36.218, -99.755 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 18.4 inches in Fargo.

Blizzard, Roger Mills

When: March 27, 3:00 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Roger Mills forecast zone
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.688, -99.696 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 10 inches in Roll.

Blizzard, Roger Mills

When: March 27, 3:00 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Roger Mills forecast zone
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.688, -99.696 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow and sleet accumulated 6 inches in and around Cheyenne.

Blizzard, Woodward

When: March 27, 6:00 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Woodward forecast zone
Injuries: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Property damage: $1.5 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.423, -99.265 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 18 inches in Woodward and Alabaster Caverns and from 16 to 18 inches in Mooreland. The precipitation began as freezing rain and sleet. Up to a quarter inch of ice accumulated on elevated surfaces before switching to all snow. The weight of the snow caused numerous roofs on outbuildings and barns to collapse. Highway 270/183 was closed for much of the event from Seiling to Woodward. All county roads were shut down. Bulldozers had to be called out to clear the highway due to the deep snow pack, and even they struggled to keep up with the one to two inch per hour snowfall accumulation. At least six roll-over accidents were reported around the county. Several motorists became stranded in their cars, with some remaining there for almost twelve hours. One injury was reported with a weather-related accident. Winds gusted over 40 mph for several hours, with reported visibilities down to less than a quarter of a mile. Power was out for almost the entire county at one point or another during the storm. Monetary damages were estimated for the entire county.

Blizzard, Woodward

When: March 27, 6:00 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Woodward forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 36.423, -99.265 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 11 inches in Mutual.

Blizzard, Woods

When: March 27, 7:00 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Woods forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 36.767, -98.865 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 9 inches in Helena. Frequent winds gusts over 40 mph were common for several hours, causing substantial blowing and drifting snow.

Blizzard, Woods

When: March 27, 7:00 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Woods forecast zone
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.767, -98.865 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 24 inches in Freedom and Alva. Most roadways in the county were shut down due to the deep snow pack. Frequent winds gusts over 40 mph were common for several hours, causing substantial blowing and drifting snow.

Blizzard, Major

When: March 27, 8:00 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Major forecast zone
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.312, -98.536 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 9 inches in Fairview.

Blizzard, Dewey

When: March 27, 8:00 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Dewey forecast zone
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.988, -99.008 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 13 inches in Vici.

Blizzard, Dewey

When: March 27, 8:00 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Dewey forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 35.988, -99.008 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 6 inches in Taloga and 5 inches in Leedey.

Blizzard, Garfield

When: March 27, 8:00 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Garfield forecast zone
Deaths: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Injuries: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.379, -97.783 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 4 inches four miles west of Hillsdale. Enid reported almost three inches of snow, but also reported sleet and at least a quarter of an inch of ice accumulation. Numerous wind gusts over 40 mph were common for several hours, causing blowing and drifting snow. The wind and precipitation caused several tree limbs to fall. Power outages were also common in the Hillsdale and Kremlin areas due to the wind, snow and ice. A few accidents were also reported. One accident occurred early in the event on Highway 412, five miles east of Enid. One person was killed and another was injured. No other injuries were reported. Monetary damages were estimated.

Blizzard, Custer

When: March 27, 11:00 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Custer forecast zone
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.639, -99.001 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated six inches in Thomas. Numerous wind gusts over 40 mph caused blowing and drifting of the snowfall.

Blizzard, Beckham

When: March 27, 11:00 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Beckham forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.269, -99.682 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 6 inches in Elk City. Wind gusts over 40 mph were common for several hours, causing substantial blowing and drifting of the snow.

Blizzard, Custer

When: March 27, 11:00 AM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Custer forecast zone
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.639, -99.001 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated four inches in Clinton. Numerous wind gusts over 40 mph caused blowing and drifting of the snowfall.

Winter Weather, Greer

When: March 27, 11:00 AM CST to March 28, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Greer forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 34.936, -99.561 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One and a half to two inches of snow accumulated in and around Moravia.

Winter Weather, Harmon

When: March 27, 11:00 AM CST to March 28, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Harmon forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.744, -99.846 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One and a half inches of snow accumulated in and around Hollis.

Winter Weather, Kiowa

When: March 27, 11:00 AM CST to March 28, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Kiowa forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.916, -98.981 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Three inches of snow accumulated near Gotebo, with two inches reported in Roosevelt and Hobart.

Blizzard, Alfalfa

When: March 27, 12:00 PM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Alfalfa forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 36.731, -98.324 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 9 inches one mile east-southeast of Helena. Sustained winds of 35 to 40 mph were common for several hours.

Winter Storm, Washita

When: March 27, 12:00 PM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Washita forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.290, -98.992 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Four inches of snow was reported in Cordell.

Blizzard, Alfalfa

When: March 27, 12:00 PM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Alfalfa forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 36.731, -98.324 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 12 inches in Cherokee. Sustained winds of 35 to 40 mph were common for several hours.

Winter Storm, Washita

When: March 27, 12:00 PM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Washita forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.290, -98.992 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Four inches of snow was reported in Sentinel.

Winter Weather, Custer

When: March 27, 12:00 PM CST to March 28, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Custer forecast zone
Injuries: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.639, -99.001 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two to three inches of sleet and snow accumulated in and around Weatherford. Three accidents were reported on I-40, mainly on the bridges. One injury was reported. Monetary damages were estimated.

Blizzard, Blaine

When: March 27, 12:30 PM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Blaine forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 35.875, -98.433 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated six inches in Okeene and five inches in Watonga. Numerous wind gusts over 40 mph caused blowing and drifting of the snowfall.

Winter Weather, Caddo

When: March 27, 3:00 PM CST to March 28, 9:00 AM CST
Where: Caddo forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 35.174, -98.375 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two and a half inches of snowfall accumulation was reported two miles east-northeast of Lookeba.

Winter Weather, Kay

When: March 27, 3:00 PM CST to March 28, 1:00 PM CST
Where: Kay forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.818, -97.144 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One to two inches of snowfall accumulation was reported in and around Braman.

Winter Storm, Kay

When: March 27, 3:00 PM CST to March 28, 1:00 PM CST
Where: Kay forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.818, -97.144 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Three to four inches of snow was reported in Newkirk.

Winter Storm, Kay

When: March 27, 3:00 PM CST to March 28, 1:00 PM CST
Where: Kay forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.818, -97.144 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain accumulated to a quarter of an inch in and to the east of Ponca City. Numerous four to five inch diameter tree limbs were downed throughout town. Power outages were also reported.

Winter Storm, Kay

When: March 27, 3:00 PM CST to March 28, 1:00 PM CST
Where: Kay forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.818, -97.144 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain accumulated to a third of an inch in Braman. The precipitation eventually switched over to heavy snow, where at least two inches was reported. The ice build-up on the limbs caused several to break, and power was out for a short time on the east side of Braman. Frequent wind gusts over 40 mph, combined with the heavy snowfall reduced visibilities to less than a quarter of an inch at times.

Winter Weather, Canadian

When: March 27, 4:00 PM CST to March 28, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Canadian forecast zone
Deaths: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 35.542, -97.982 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two inches of snowfall accumulation was reported in and around Yukon, with one to two inches in Piedmont and El Reno. The precipitation began as a mixture of freezing rain and sleet, causing some roadways to become slick. Several accidents were reported as a result, and one person was killed on I-40 near El Reno. No other injuries were reported. Monetary damage estimates were not given.

Winter Weather, Oklahoma

When: March 27, 4:00 PM CST to March 28, 1:00 PM CST
Where: Oklahoma forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 35.552, -97.407 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One and a half inches of snowfall accumulation was reported in and around Bethany and northwest Oklahoma City, with one inch reported at Will Rogers World Airport.

Winter Weather, McClain

When: March 27, 4:00 PM CST to March 28, 1:00 PM CST
Where: McClain forecast zone
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 35.009, -97.444 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One and a half inches of snowfall accumulated two miles south-southwest of Blanchard.

Winter Weather, Kingfisher

When: March 27, 5:00 PM CST to March 28, 7:00 AM CST
Where: Kingfisher forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 35.945, -97.942 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Three inches of snowfall accumulation was measured in Kingfisher.

Winter Weather, Canadian

When: March 27, 5:00 PM CST to March 28, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Canadian forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 35.542, -97.982 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two inches of snow accumulated in and around Okarche.

Blizzard, Grant

When: March 27, 6:00 PM CST to March 28, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Grant forecast zone
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 36.796, -97.786 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall accumulated 8 inches two miles northeast of Nash. Four inches of snow accumulated two and a half miles northeast of Fay and in Jefferson. The precipitation began as freezing rain and sleet, with up to a half of an inch of ice accumulation on elevated surfaces. Numerous wind gusts over 40 mph were common for several hours. Medford reported trees and power lines down, which caused sporadic power outages. Several other locations were without power, especially in the Wakita and Pond Creek areas. Monetary damages were estimated.

Winter Weather, Grady

When: March 27, 6:00 PM CST to March 28, 9:00 AM CST
Where: Grady forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 35.017, -97.884 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One inch of snow accumulated in Chickasha.

Winter Weather, Logan

When: March 27, 7:00 PM CST to March 28, 2:00 PM CST
Where: Logan forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 35.919, -97.443 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Three inches of snowfall accumulation was measured one mile west of Crescent. One inch of snow was reported five miles southeast of Guthrie.

Winter Storm, Payne

When: March 27, 8:00 PM CST to March 28, 3:00 PM CST
Where: Payne forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.077, -96.976 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Five inches of snow was reported in Cushing.

Winter Storm, Lincoln

When: March 27, 8:00 PM CST to March 28, 3:00 PM CST
Where: Lincoln forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.703, -96.881 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Four inches of snow was measured three miles north of Stroud and 4 miles east of Agra. Much of the snow accumulated from 1000 am to 400 pm.

Winter Storm, Noble

When: March 27, 8:00 PM CST to March 28, 3:00 PM CST
Where: Noble forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.389, -97.230 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Four to four and a half inches of snow was measured five miles southeast of Red Rock and two miles north of Glencoe.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Blizzard, Garfield	2009-03-27		Male	Unknown	Indirect
Winter Weather, Canadian	2009-03-27		Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Indirect

What these are

Blizzard: Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or more with falling or blowing snow that cuts visibility below a quarter mile for three hours or longer.
Winter Weather: Snow, sleet or freezing rain below warning levels that still caused disruption, damage or casualties.
Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Oklahoma in 2009 Every state in 2009 This day in weather history Warnings in Oklahoma, March 2009

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 161798, 161799, 161800, 161801, 161836, 161837, 161803, 161821, 161819, 161840, 161825, 161829, 161830, 161832, 161811, 161823, 161862, 161865, 161875, 161877, 161810, 161856, 161858, 161861, 161866, 161831, 161872, 161873, 161878, 162072, 162073, 161869, 161871, 161874, 161868, 161870, 161822, 161876, 161867, 161845, and more.