Mayor Issues Emergency Declaration Ahead of Winter Storm; City Provides Winter Weather, Extreme Cold Updates Jan. 23

Mayor Issues Emergency Declaration Ahead of Winter Storm; City Provides Winter Weather, Extreme Cold Updates Jan. 23

1/23/2026

Additional Volunteers Needed at New CREOKS Emergency Shelter

This afternoon, Mayor Monroe Nichols issued an emergency declaration ahead of the winter storm expected to start moving through the area later this evening.

The emergency declaration allows the City to activate its Emergency Operations Plan, streamline coordination across departments and partner agencies, and take proactive steps to protect public safety and critical resources. Ultimately, the emergency declaration allows and directs the City to start tracking and documenting emergency-related expenses in the event reimbursement is needed, in addition to allowing the City to enter into emergency contracts should they be needed.

All mission-critical City personnel are on standby to respond to the storm and cold weather as it comes in.

Streets Response

The City of Tulsa is in the final stages of preparation for a multi-day snow event. Brine (salt/water mixture) crews were out all last night treating bridges, hills and overpasses so that snow melt can happen more quickly. Brine crews will continue the treatment of all major intersections throughout the afternoon.

Once the snow comes in this evening and tonight, City crews will be out in full force treating all of Tulsa's main roads until they become passable. In Downtown, crews will plow to the center of the road (instead of to the curb like everywhere else) to allow for snow removal. This technique hasn't been used in more than 15 years, but given the forecasts for major snowfall, it is likely needed to allow for Downtown traffic into next week.

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.

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: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/winterpreparedness

Street Closures

• S. Elwood Ave. by Turkey Mountain - Closed Until Further Notice

Shelter Volunteers Needed

A Way Home for Tulsa (AWH4T) is looking for additional volunteers at the new CREOKS winter weather shelter. Volunteers will help keep the shelter open and operating at increased capacity throughout the event.

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, sign up online.

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, are continuing to get vulnerable residents inside during this dangerous cold period.

Outreach teams have been out all day helping 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.

1. John 3:16 Mission, 506 N. Cheyenne Ave.
2. Salvation Army Center of Hope, 102 N. Denver Ave.
3. Tulsa Day Center, 415 W. Archer St.
   Pets accepted (limited capacity)
4. CREOKS Winter Shelter, (new winter weather shelter) 7216 E. Admiral Blvd.
   Pets accepted
   Capacity 250 (from Friday - Sunday night)
   Additional volunteers needed
5. 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.

Cold Weather Safety 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

Protect Your Pipes & Property

Extended cold weather can lead to waterline breaks and frozen lines.

Residents can:

• Check the City's Waterline Break Board at www.cityoftulsa.org/breakboard
• Report unlisted breaks by calling (918) 596-9488

Tips to stay protected include:

• Open cabinets under sinks
• Unhook water hoses and cover all outdoor water faucets
• Allow water to flow through the house by opening water faucets for a slow and continuous stream
• Pre-locate your City water meter can in case of frozen or busted pipes, as the snow can make meter cans hard to find
• Pre-locate your personal water shutoff (oftentimes in a closet or in your garden bed) in the event you have a break
• Turn off all water sprinkler systems

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.

Stay Informed

Residents are encouraged to monitor the City of Tulsa website, https://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