WINTER WEATHER OUTLOOK

For UKB tribal members, families, and everyone in our community across the United Keetoowah Band's jurisdictional area—including all or parts of the 14 counties in the Cherokee Reservation in Oklahoma: Adair, Cherokee, Craig, Delaware, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Nowata, Ottawa, Rogers, Sequoyah, Tulsa, Wagoner, and Washington.

I'm sharing this update to help keep our people safe and prepared. A major winter storm is heading our way, and from my years in the field responding to these, they can shut down rural roads, power, and daily life fast—especially in our spread-out communities. Let's get ahead of it while we can.

Latest from National Weather Service Tulsa (as of January 22, 2026):

Storm Timeline and Arrival:

• The storm moves into our area tomorrow (Friday, January 23) afternoon.

• A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from noon Friday through 3 PM Sunday for eastern Oklahoma, covering our full 14-county jurisdictional region (and northwest Arkansas).

• Wintry precipitation (heavy snow, sleet, and possible mixed types) could start as early as noon in northeast areas, but the heaviest, most disruptive stuff kicks in Friday evening and continues through the weekend.

Outlook for Friday (1/23) through Sunday (1/25):

• Friday (1/23): Warning active noon to 3 PM Sunday. Wintry mix builds afternoon, heaviest precipitation evening into overnight. Temps drop into the teens/single digits, with subzero wind chills (potentially -10°F to -20°F or colder in exposed/windy spots). Winds gusting 20-35 mph may cause blowing snow and near-zero visibility.

• Saturday (1/24): Heavy snow and sleet at times, with accumulations building significantly. Highs in upper teens, lows near or below zero. Extremely dangerous subzero wind chills—frostbite risk in minutes. Travel extremely hazardous; expect impassable roads, closures, and possible power outages from ice/snow weight on lines.

• Sunday (1/25): Precipitation tapers by afternoon, with some lingering light snow possible. Daytime temps rise to low-mid 20s, but early morning stays brutally cold with subzero wind chills. Hazards linger into early next week as the arctic air sticks around.

• Overall Impacts: High-impact event. Snow/sleet totals potentially 6-12+ inches (higher in northern/northeast spots; lighter totals with more ice possible farther south). Travel nearly impossible during peak times, isolated power outages likely, extreme cold dangers for elders, children, those with health issues. An Extreme Cold Warning starts Friday night through Monday morning for dangerously low temps and wind chills.

This storm means business—I've worked plenty like it, and preparation saves lives and reduces headaches. Stock up and plan to hunker down.

Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist—Get This Done Today While Roads Are Clear:

• Stock Up on Essentials: 3-7 days of non-perishable food (canned goods, peanut butter, crackers, energy bars), bottled water (at least 1 gallon per person/pet per day), extra prescription meds, baby/infant/pet supplies, and cash in small bills.

• Power and Heat Prep: Fully charge phones, tablets, backup batteries. Stock flashlights, extra batteries, safe candles (if needed), battery-powered/hand-crank radio. Test primary heat; have safe backup space heaters (never unattended or near flammables). Gather extra blankets, layered warm clothes, sleeping bags. Insulate/wrap exposed pipes to prevent freezing/bursts.

• Home Safety: Secure loose outdoor items against wind. Clear vents/chimneys/exhausts if safe to do so. Install/test carbon monoxide detectors (critical with alternative heat). Never run generators, grills, or vehicles in enclosed spaces.

• Vehicle and Travel: If out today, fill gas tank, check battery/tires/antifreeze/wipers. Assemble car emergency kit: blankets/extra clothes, snacks/water, shovel, ice scraper, traction material (sand/kitty litter), jumper cables, first-aid, flashlight. Best plan? Avoid driving Friday-Sunday—roads in our 14 counties will be slick, snow-covered, and dangerous.

• Family and Community: Review/create family emergency plan (including contact methods if power/phones fail). Check on elders, those with medical needs, single parents, neighbors—offer/ask for help with supplies, rides, or welfare checks. Bring pets indoors with food, water, warm bedding.

• Stay Informed: Monitor NWS Tulsa (weather.gov/tulsa), local news, UKB announcements/tribal services. Sign up for emergency alerts/texts/calls if available. Download weather apps for push notifications.

If the storm hits hard and you or someone in our community needs help—welfare check, resources, emergency support—reach out to UKB tribal services, Lighthorse Police, or your local county emergency management. We're stronger together and look out for one another like family.

Stay warm, stay smart, stay safe.

Jarrod Brown

UKB Lighthorse Tribal Police