01/22/2026
The City of Tulsa is preparing for a prolonged period of extreme cold and a winter storm expected to impact the area beginning late Thursday night and continuing through the weekend.
Forecasts indicate temperatures are likely to remain below freezing for more than 80 consecutive hours starting late Thursday night, creating life-threatening conditions for anyone exposed to the elements - particularly individuals experiencing homelessness. In addition, a winter storm system is expected to move into the region beginning Friday and persist through the early morning hours of Sunday, bringing the potential for hazardous travel conditions.
Weather Outlook
• Extreme Cold: Late Thursday night through Monday - Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for an extended period, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Winter Storm: Friday through early Sunday morning - Precipitation may begin as a mix before transitioning to all snow late Friday into Saturday. Multiple inches of snow are possible, and travel conditions may rapidly deteriorate.
• Travel Impacts: Even with proactive and continuous treatment efforts, travel will be hazardous during periods of snowfall, especially when snowfall rates are heavy. Residents are strongly encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
Street Preparations
City of Tulsa Public Works crews are closely monitoring forecast updates and preparing for winter operations.
• Crews may begin treating roadways with brine as early as Thursday night, depending on the timing and type of precipitation.
o If rain precedes winter precipitation, brine may not be used.
• Once the response starts, crews will be on 24-hour operations, working 12-hour shifts throughout the duration of event.
• As conditions warrant, crews will transition from pretreatment operations to plowing and continuous snow response efforts.
Residents should remember that during winter storms, road conditions can remain hazardous regardless of treatment efforts. If you see City plows or treatment vehicles, keep your distance and never attempt to pass them while they are working.
The City of Tulsa is responsible for all clearing snow and ice from:
• All arterial (main) streets, including bridges, hills and overpasses
• Gilcrease Expressway (excluding the Turnpike section)
• L.L. Tisdale Expressway
Other highways (i.e. 169, BA Expwy, I-244, Creek Turnpike) are maintained by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Additionally, Tulsa's neighborhood streets are generally left untreated (excluding hospital access streets) due to the focus on main roads and emergency routes.
For a complete list of the City's assets to combat winter precipitation, in addition to a map of the City's snow and ice routes, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/winterpreparedness
Homeless Outreach & Shelter Operations
The City of Tulsa, in coordination with the A Way Home for Tulsa Continuum of Care (AWH4T), Housing Solutions, and local shelter partners, is ramping up efforts to protect vulnerable residents during this dangerous cold period.
Outreach teams will deploy throughout the city to move individuals experiencing homelessness into shelters and out of life-threatening conditions. Metro Link Tulsa is partnering with Housing Solutions Tulsa to offer shuttle service to emergency shelter locations.
Winter Weather Shelters (Open 24/7)
The following shelters will be open 24/7 during this weather event. Pets are accepted where noted.
• John 3:16 Mission, 506 N. Cheyenne Ave.
• Salvation Army Center of Hope, 102 N. Denver Ave.
• Tulsa Day Center, 415 W. Archer St.
Pets accepted (limited capacity)
• CREOKS Winter Shelter (new winter weather shelter), 7216 E. Admiral Blvd.
Pets accepted
Capacity 250 (from Friday – Sunday night)
• Tulsa Dream Center West (emergency shelter), 4122 W. 55th Pl.
Pets accepted
Capacity 150 (from 2 p.m. Friday - Sunday night)
AWH4T and Housing Solutions will work with each shelter to assess needs and capacity. City/County emergency management operations will work in close coordination with shelter providers and partners throughout the duration of the event.
Metro Link Tulsa will offer free fare service on Saturday and Sunday pending ability to operate service.
Animal Safety
City ordinances require that when temperatures fall below 25 degrees, animals must be provided with shelter capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of 40 degrees. Tulsa Animal Services strongly recommends bringing pets indoors during periods of extreme cold.
If indoor space is limited, animals may be sheltered in areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or garages to protect them from exposure.
Cold Weather Safety & Preparedness Reminders
Residents are encouraged to:
• Limit time outdoors and dress in layers when exposure is unavoidable
• Use space heaters safely and never leave them unattended
• Operate generators outdoors only
• Never use ovens or grills as heating sources
• Check on neighbors, especially older adults and those with limited mobility
To protect property and improve safety, residents should:
• Pre-locate their City water meter can in case of frozen or busted pipes, as the snow can make meter cans hard to find
• Turn off all lawn water sprinkler systems
Extended cold weather can also lead to waterline breaks. Residents can:
• Check the City’s Waterline Break Board at www.cityoftulsa.org/breakboard
• Report unlisted breaks by calling (918) 596-9488
For more safety tips, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/weather
Service Impacts
• Trash & Recycling
While there are no service impacts, yet, the timing of winter weather and the effect it has on neighborhood streets late Friday (and lingering snow into the next week) could affect our haulers' ability to safely make collections. Keep an eye on the City's social media channels and website for updates as the winter storm progresses.
• Bulky Waste Service
Friday, January 23 - Service is rescheduled to Friday, Jan. 30
Monday, January 26 - Service is rescheduled to Saturday, Jan. 31
Facility Hours & Closings
No closings or hours adjustments have been determined, yet, for Tulsa City Hall, the Tulsa Animal Services Shelter, Tulsa Parks' Community Centers, or Tulsa Municipal Court. Keep an eye on the City's social media channels and website for updates as the winter storm progresses.
• Tulsa Mulch Site
The Tulsa Mulch Site will be closed for drop-offs on Saturday and Sunday.
• Household Pollutant Collection Facility
Closed on Saturday. The facility will reopen on the next operating day (Wednesday, Jan. 28).
Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to monitor the City of Tulsa website, www.cityoftulsa.org, and official City social media channels for:
• Weather and travel updates
• Service impacts (i.e. trash/recycling, closings)
• Shelter and warming stations information
• Situational updates
