OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A powerful storm was blowing through Oklahoma and the southern Plains on the first day of spring Saturday, bringing some heavy snow and strong winds that forecasters said could create blizzard conditions and make driving hazardous.
Officials said northerly gusts of up to 40 mph could create drifts of blowing snow and the weather might affect attendance at men’s and women’s NCAA tournament games scheduled Saturday and Sunday in Oklahoma City and Norman.
“Isn’t that how it always is with Oklahoma weather? Just wait a few minutes and the weather might change,” said Laura Kriegel, director of marketing and communications for the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We hope it passes by and we have some great basketball.”
On Saturday, Kansas plays Northern Iowa and Kansas State plays BYU in second-round games in the men’s tournament. In the women’s tournament in Norman, Oklahoma will host South Dakota State and Georgia Tech will take on Arkansas-Little Rock in first-round games on Sunday.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for much of the state, and said snowfall would range from 2 to 4 inches western Panhandle to 4 to 6 inches further east. The storm struck a day after temperatures reached the 70s in Oklahoma City and elsewhere across the state.
In Kansas, where 6 to 12 inches of snow was possible in some areas, rain began switching over to snow. Accumulations of one to 4 inches were forecast for north-central Kansas, but some places already had an inch on the ground by 7 p.m. Friday.
Authorities reported multiple wrecks near Salina amid heavy snow and high winds.
The storm is the third major winter storm to hit the state in the last three months, including a Christmas Eve blizzard that dropped more than 14 inches of snow in areas and stranded holiday travelers at airports and on snow-packed highways.
“We’re preparing for the worst,” said Michelann Ooten, spokeswoman for the state Department of Emergency Management.
The Department of Transportation urged motorists to stay off roads and highways but Ooten said the storm could surprise travelers who are returning from out-of-state trips during the annual spring break school vacation.
“Hopefully, Oklahomans will do all they can to heed warnings. If you’re asked to stay off the roads, please do so,” Ooten said.
