Winter storm takes aim at Southern Plains

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Winter weather is in the forecast for the Southern Plains later this week, with snow, sleet and freezing rain expected.

Despite temperatures in the 60s and 70s on Tuesday, it's supposed to get chilly on Wednesday. A winter storm watch was posted for parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas ahead of a storm that's forecast to arrive Thursday and Friday.

Snow is expected fall in south-central portions of Oklahoma starting Thursday— north of Lawton but south of Norman. South of that and into Texas, ice will be the main concern.

It was nearly 70 degrees in Oklahoma City on Tuesday afternoon, but some residents were already stocking up for a winter storm.

At a Buy For Less in northwest Oklahoma City, 62-year-old Kathy Hire was picking up dog treats, fruit, oatmeal, hot dogs, bread, canned beans and other items. The retired librarian lives alone and said she likes to be prepared ahead of time.

"It's supposed to be cold tomorrow and then with the snow and ice, I thought, 'Hey, I'll just get it now,'" she said.

Hire said she doesn't mind the changing weather because she keeps busy listening to Christmas music, watching movies and reading if she's stuck inside.

Groceries aren't the only thing Hire usually stocks up on ahead of a storm — she also makes sure to fill up the gas tank.

"I always fill up the car with gas just in case I need to rescue a friend or family member," she said.

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The Gayly - December 3, 2013 @ 5:15