National Weather Service in Tulsa has issued a winter storm watch from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning.

There is also an extreme cold alert.

Heavy mixed precipitation is possible. Total snow and sleet accumulations between five inches and 10 inches are expected with locally heavier amounts up to 1 inches and ice accumulations between a quarter and a half inch are possible.

The watch is for central, northeast and southeastern Oklahoma along with northwest and west central Arkansas.

There os a possibility of power outages and tree damage due to the ice. Travel will be severely impacted with the hazardous weather impacting Friday’s evening commute.

Oklahoma winter storms can bring heavy snow, ice, freezing rain, and dangerously cold temperatures to LeFlore County, Oklahoma, making preparation essential for residents in areas like Poteau, Talihina, Heavener, and the Ouachita Mountains.

While LeFlore County averages only about 3 inches of snow per year, historical events—including significant snowfalls up to 8-18 inches in past storms and occasional ice accumulations—highlight the risks of power outages, blocked rural roads, fallen trees, and isolation in this southeastern Oklahoma region.

Being ready can prevent emergencies and keep your family safe.Understanding Winter Weather Risks in LeFlore CountyLeFlore County experiences a mix of winter hazards, often influenced by its location near the Ouachita Mountains and proximity to Arkansas.

Heavy snowfall can accumulate quickly in higher elevations, blocking rural highways like US-271 or OK-1 and isolating homes for days.

Freezing rain and ice storms are particularly dangerous here, as even a thin glaze can down power lines, snap tree branches, and create treacherous conditions on winding mountain roads.Past events show the potential impact:

Blizzards with strong winds can create snow drifts, while ice from freezing rain weighs down trees and power infrastructure—issues amplified in LeFlore County's forested, hilly terrain.

Essential Supplies for LeFlore County HouseholdsStock up early before a storm hits, as rural LeFlore County stores may become inaccessible. Follow Ready.gov and Oklahoma-specific recommendations for a 3-day minimum supply (extend if possible due to potential longer isolation).

For homes in LeFlore County:

Vehicle Preparation and Safe Travel Tips for LeFlore County RoadsRural roads in LeFlore County can become impassable quickly—prepare your vehicle as a survival kit. Oklahoma experts and Ready.gov emphasize:

Final Tips for LeFlore County ResidentsMonitor National Weather Service Tulsa forecasts, local alerts for LeFlore County, and Oklahoma OEM resources. Charge devices, know winter weather terms (watch vs. warning), and have a family plan for power outages or evacuation.By preparing now, you can stay safe through LeFlore County's occasional but impactful winter storms—whether it's snow in the hills or ice across the county. Stay informed, stock up, and prioritize safety this season.

Oklahoma Voice

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s public utilities and transportation agencies say they are prepared for dangerously cold temperatures, snow and ice moving into the state.

The brunt of the storm is expected to hit Friday and continue through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. Some will see low temperatures in the single digits. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service was predicting over 6 inches of snow in central parts of the state, and a glaze of ice south of Interstate 40.

OG&E has both coal and natural gas fuel in storage for the upcoming cold snap, the company said Tuesday.

“Exreme cold can result in higher demand for electricity,” the company said. “All available units at OG&E’s power plants will be in operation during the event and ready to support the grid. The Southwest Power Pool will dispatch power generation as needed to meet electricity demand.”

PSO has winterized critical assets, upgraded equipment and strengthened fuel supply for power plants since Winter Storm Uri, the company said.

The company said its generating operating reserve margins, which are set by the Southwest Power Pool, have increased since 2021 to ensure reliable service. The Southwest Power Pool manages the electric grid for states across the central United States.

“These ongoing efforts reflect PSO’s commitment to maintaining a resilient system and keeping customers safe, supported, and connected during Oklahoma’s toughest winter weather.”

In February 2021, Winter Storm Uri caused power outages, infrastructure problems and created an unusually high demand for natural gas.

Public utilities reported that natural gas prices jumped nearly 40,000%, which left Oklahoma consumers with over $4.5 billion in unexpected energy costs.

In an effort to mitigate the financial impact on consumers, OG&E, PSO and Oklahoma Natural Gas, received permission from the Corporation Commission to pass the costs onto consumers through a monthly surcharge that is expected to last nearly 30 years.

Consumers would have had to pay much more immediately to cover the cost without the securitization process.

Carson Cunningham, Oklahoma Natural Gas public relations manager, said Tuesday that the company prepares year-round for winter weather.

“As cooler temperatures move into Oklahoma, ONG is prepared to deliver natural gas safely and reliably,” he said.

Utility companies are encouraging residents to have an emergency kit including flashlights, non-perishable food, water and first-aid supplies.

Residents are asked to stay away from downed power lines and ensure smoke, carbon monoxide and methane detectors are installed and working properly. 

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation will start putting down brine in some locations Tuesday night, said Emily Long, a spokesperson.

“Brine is used for pre-treating roadways just before a storm when conditions permit to assist in melting the ice from underneath,” Long said. “Once the storm hits, we use a salt and sand mixture. However, these are less effective when temps fall below 15 degrees. Our crews will switch to using 100% sand applications.”

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority will be pre-treating all turnpike bridges and elevated surfaces between Tuesday night and Thursday afternoon, said Lisa Shearer-Salim, a spokesperson.

“Crews are closely watching forecasts for their areas across the state and will be ready to deploy with salt and sand trucks well in advance of significant precipitation,” she said.

Motorists are encouraged to prepare their vehicles ahead of travel in inclement weather, she said.

Correction: Heavener boys beat Whitesboro, 65-55.

LCT semifinals for girls will be held Thursday, right after the consolation championships are concluded.

Boys bracket

Girls bracket

In the semifinals at Spiro, Spiro plays Panama at 6 p,m. with top-seeded Howe meeting Talihina at 7:30 p.m,

The girls’ consolation championship is at 3 p.m. with LeFlore playing Pocola. The boys’ consolation championship features a matchup of Cameron and Wister at 4:30 p.m.

The only action Wednesday was in consolation play. In the fifth place semifinals for the girls, Heavener defeated Wister, 76-54, and Whitesboro downed Poteau, 50-45.

In the boys’ consolation semifinals, Heavener defeated Whitesboro, 65-55, and Panama downed Spiro, 46-37.

The fifth-place games are scheduled for Friday at Spiro, depending on the weather. Heavener plays Whitesboro at 3 p.m. with Heavener’s boys playing Panama at 4:30 p.m.

For the boys’ semifinals Friday at Spiro, Howe plays Talihina at 6 p.m. before top-seeded Pocola tangles with Poteau at 7:30 p.m.

Here is Thursday’s schedule

At Spiro

Girls

Semifinals

Spiro vs. Panama 6 p.m.

Howe vs. Talihina 7:30 p.m.

Consolation championship

LeFlore vs. Pocola 3 p.m.

Boys

Consolation championship

Cameron vs. Wister 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday’s scores

Boys

Fifth-place semifinals

Heavener 65, Whitesboro 55

Panama 46, Spiro 37

Consolation semifinals

Wister 74, LeFlore 35

Cameron 61, Arkoma 35

Girls

Fifth-place semifinals

Heavener 76, Wister 54

Whitesboro 50, Poteau 45

Consolation semifinals

Pocola 39, Arkoma 28

LeFlore 37, Cameron 33.

To make a correction, text (918) 649-4712.

Oklahoma fishing report for this week

NORTHEAST  

Grand: January 17. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 47°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure, points, and shorelines. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and shad below the dam, docks, and main lake. Paddlefish good snagging around main lake. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.  

Kaw: January 18. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 36°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure, riprap, and standing timber. Blue catfish fair on cut bait, shad, and sunfish around main lake and river channel. Paddlefish good snagging below the dam, main lake, and river channel. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.  

Keystone: January 19. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 42°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure and rocks. Blue and channel catfish good on live bait and live shad around main lake and river channel. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Tracer Wagner, game warden stationed in Creek County.  

Lower Illinois River: January 16. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 50°F and clear. Rainbow trout good on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, small lures, spoons, and worms below the dam, shallows, and shorelines. Comments: Check USACE website for water generation times. Report submitted by Jerry Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.  

SOUTHEAST  

Blue River: January 20. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 40°F and clear. (USGS Lake Level) Rainbow trout good on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, small lures, spoons, and worms around brush structure, channels, creek channels, river channel, river mouth, and rocks. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.  

Konawa: January 18. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 48°F and clear. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and plastic baits around main lake, river channel, and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and live shad around discharge, inlet, main lake, and river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, and shrimp around inlet, riprap, and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.  

McGee Creek: January 16. Elevation is 7 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 47°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass excellent on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, jigs, lipless baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, riprap, rocks, shallows, shorelines, and standing timber. Channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, shrimp, and stinkbait around creek channels, flats, and main lake. Crappie fair on minnows, small lures, and tube jigs around brush structure, main lake, and standing timber. Report submitted by Shay Loudermilk, game warden stationed in Atoka County.  

Texoma: January 18. Elevation is 2 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 58°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass good on flukes and live shad below the dam, channels, main lake, points, and river channel. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, live shad, and stinkbait below the dam, channels, coves, docks, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Crappie fair on caddis flies, grubs, hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and nymphs around brush structure, docks, points, and standing timber. Comments: Fishing this week has been good. Striper continue to be caught on live shad below the dam and in the main lake. Catfish are being caught on live shad on juglines and rod-and-reel near river ledges and the mouth of the river. Crappie are being caught on jigs around brush piles near docks. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Marshall County.  

Wister: January 16. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 48°F and stained. (USACE Current Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and jigs around brush structure, creek channels, and river channel. Blue catfish good on cut bait and shad around main lake. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in Le Flore County. 

Calendar of events for the next week for Heavener, LeFlore County, southeastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. The calendar is a free service for our readers. If you know of an event coming up,, please CONTACT me.

Thursday

Memorial service for Douglas P. Walker 

Poteau Kiwanis Club meets noon EOMC

High school basketball: LCT

Heavener VFW bingo 6:30 p.m.

Friday

High school basketball: LCT

Saturday

High school basketball: LCT championship

Monday

LeFlore County commissioners meet 9 a.m.

High school basketball: Arkoma at Keota; Wister at McCurtain

Tuesday

Poteau Evening Lions Club meet 6 p.m. CASC

High school basketball: Heavener at Pocola; Wister at Cameron; LeFlore at Whitesboro; Panama at Red Oak; Poteau at Stilwell; Hartshorne at Talihina

Wednesday

Poteau Rotary Club meets noon EOMC

On January 22, history has delivered a mix of monumental shifts in power, landmark legal decisions, tragic events, and the births of influential figures who shaped culture, science, and exploration.One of the most enduring dates in modern American history is January 22, 1973, when the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in Roe v. Wade. The ruling recognized a constitutional right to abortion, legalizing the procedure nationwide and sparking decades of intense debate on reproductive rights. (The decision was later overturned in 2022 by Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.) Tragically, that same day saw the death of former President Lyndon B. Johnson, who passed away at age 64 in Texas.Another pivotal royal transition occurred on January 22, 1901, with the death of Queen Victoria at age 81 after a remarkable 63-year reign—the longest in British history at the time. Her passing marked the end of the Victorian Era and the British Empire's peak dominance. Her son was immediately proclaimed Edward VII as King.In Russia, January 22, 1905 (Bloody Sunday) saw troops fire on peaceful demonstrators in St. Petersburg, killing hundreds and igniting the 1905 Revolution that weakened the Tsarist regime and set the stage for later upheavals.Other notable events include:

Famous births on January 22 include:

Notable deaths on this date besides Queen Victoria and LBJ include:

January 22 reminds us how a single day can encompass the end of eras, the birth of new rights and technologies, and the arrival of extraordinary talents.