01/22/2026
It appears we might be in for a doozy of a winter storm this weekend. We encourage everyone to be extremely cautious & be as prepared as can be. This kind of weather puts a strain on everyone including Emergency Services (fire/ems/police) longer response times, longer transport times, safety issues but we are here and have been preparing for this storm the best we can and will be ready should you need us.
From the Beckham County Sheriff Department:
Beckham County is under a winter storm warning from this Friday through the weekend. Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning said the possibility of ice, very heavy snow and bitter cold temperatures will make for an extremely dangerous situation for those caught out in the storm.
“I strongly urge everyone to get their necessary business done before Friday afternoon, and then stay at home if at all possible throughout the weekend,” Manning said. “If this storm occurs as forecasted, it will be dangerous and could be deadly.”
Manning said that all travel is being heavily discouraged, and crashes will only be part of the problem for those caught out in the storm. “The extremely low temperatures we’re expecting can make even a minor crash a life or death situation for someone who is in a disabled vehicle, even if they’re not injured,” he said. “Just being stuck in a ditch on a county road or highway in a vehicle that won’t start can get really dangerous if someone doesn’t get to you pretty quickly.”
Manning expressed his appreciation of several event organizers and school officials across the area who have recognized the danger and rescheduled events around the weather. “I’ve seen several sporting events moved up to miss the weather, and even a statewide choir event where they canceled their main activities on Saturday. Those are tough decisions to make with a lot of criticism sometimes and difficult logistical issues to be dealt with, and I applaud the people who make those decisions because they’re putting lives and safety first. They deserve credit for that.”
Manning said the best way to honor those decisions will be to avoid all other unnecessary travel.
The sheriff said BKSO will be out this weekend responding and assisting wherever they’re needed, and hopes that everyone else will enjoy a winter weekend indoors. “I know there are those who have to be out just like we do to provide the types of services that don’t stop because of the weather,” he said. “But, I’m hoping since this is hitting on a weekend and we’ve had plenty of warning, we’ll see a lighter traffic load than normal. I also hope that ice and freezing rain misses us and we just get snow, but we’ll be prepared for whatever comes. Please stay inside and stay safe, and check on your neighbors and loved ones often, especially the elderly and the isolated.”
Manning noted that the south part of the county is closer to the projected ice and freezing rain line and could experience power outages because of that, so southern Beckham County residents should prepare accordingly.
For a complete checklist of winter storm preparations, see the attached image from the National Weather Service.
