Whether you’ve braved the snow or rocked pajamas since Friday, here is how Winter Storm Fern impacted the Tulsa area by the numbers.
Tulsa’s ninth-largest snowfall event
Steve Cobb, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Tulsa office, said this weekend’s storm ranks as the ninth-largest snowfall event in Tulsa’s history.
“We’re going with 8.7 (inches). That will put it ninth all-time,” Cobb said.
Matthew Rada, another meteorologist at NWS, said they received several reports of six to seven inches of snow in south Tulsa.
“On the north side of town we had some higher amounts, generally ranging between seven to nine (inches),” Rada said. “We had one report of nine and a half (inches) over in Skiatook.”
EMSA responds to ‘about double’ the expected falls over weekend
Kimberly Querry, a spokeswoman for EMSA, said in a statement to the Flyer paramedics and EMTs are responding to an increasing number of cold-exposure emergencies and falls.
“Since winter weather moved into Oklahoma on Friday afternoon, EMSA crews in the Tulsa service area have responded to a total of two carbon monoxide incidents and 13 cold‑exposure emergencies. In all, six patients have been transported to hospitals for additional treatment,” Querry said.
She said EMSA crews have responded to 22 traffic accidents in the Tulsa area since Friday night, which she said was “slightly more than average.”
During the same time period, EMSA paramedics and EMTs have also responded to 50 reports of falls. She said that is “about double what would typically be expected.”
Querry urged Tulsa residents to take the following precautions as temperatures remain dangerously low:
- Ensure all home heating equipment is functioning properly.
- Never operate generators indoors.
- Dress in warm layers when spending time outside.
- Check on elderly relatives, neighbors and those who may be especially vulnerable to the cold.
TFD: Fewer crashes but more shoveling and cold injuries
Andrew Little, a spokesman for the Tulsa Fire Department, reminded Tulsans to be careful even when they’re not on the roads in extreme weather.
“While we’re thankful traffic accidents have remained manageable, we’ve seen an increase in medical calls related to shoveling, cold exposure, breathing problems, chest pain and carbon monoxide concerns,” he said.
On top of that, Little says cold weather can increase the risk of slips, falls and overexertion.
“We encourage residents to dress warmly, take frequent breaks when working outside, use heating sources safely and ensure carbon monoxide alarms are working properly,” he said. “A little caution goes a long way in keeping our community safe.”
Since 10 p.m. Friday, the Tulsa Fire Department has responded to 371 calls to 911, including:
- 45 calls related to breathing problems
- 41 calls related to chest pain
- 18 calls related to unknown problems/person down
- 15 lift assists
- 12 motor vehicle accidents
- 11 calls related to carbon monoxide
- eight calls relate to cold exposure
- two apartment fires
- one house fire
Closures
Tulsa Public Schools, Union Public Schools, Jenks Public Schools and other districts have announced traditional snow days for Monday while some opted for distance learning. The University of Tulsa has also canceled classes Monday.
Tulsa City Hall, Tulsa Municipal Court and Tulsa Animal Services will all be closed Monday. Additionally, all Tulsa Health Department locations will be closed Monday.
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