Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority crews will continue winter weather operations overnight as the winter storm makes it way out of state early Wednesday. Crews are treating slick and hazardous conditions in north central, northeast, central, eastern, southern and southwestern Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas. Highways remain slick in spots in northwest, western and southeast Oklahoma, especially on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses. Drivers should avoid travel if possible. If travel is unavoidable, slow down and drive for conditions.

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority crews are treating and plowing all turnpikes and will continue to treat as necessary and as weather moves farther south. The Cherokee, Cimarron, Creek, Muskogee and I-44/Will Rogers Turnpikes in northern and northeastern Oklahoma are snow covered and considered slick. All other turnpikes remain slick in spots. Crews will switch from a mixture of salt/sand to strictly sand to assist with traction overnight.  

With extreme lows overnight and temperatures remaining below freeing for several days, any sunshine will help warm pavement temperatures to activate salt on the surface to help melt ice and snow. Both ODOT and OTA crews will remain active after the storm moves through until all highways, interstates and turnpikes are considered clear and dry.

Drivers are reminded to stay 200 feet behind road clearing equipment – that’s about the length of four school buses – for their safety and the safety of the truck drivers. Give trucks plenty of room to maneuver.

Check current road conditions on the interactive travel map at www.okroads.org or through the free Drive Oklahoma mobile app.

REMEMBER during winter weather, motorists need to:

  • Stay about 200 feet behind road clearing equipment; crews need room to maneuver and can engage plowing or spreading materials without notice.
  • Allow extra space between vehicles to provide adequate distance for braking.
  • Be aware of “black ice,” which looks wet on the roadway but is a thin layer of ice.
  • Be patient, plan trips ahead and allow extra time in reaching destinations.

To check CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS in Oklahoma, call  844-4OK-HWYS (844-465-4997),
visit www.okroads.org or download the Drive Oklahoma mobile app.

If drivers must travel out of state they are urged to check area road conditions before heading out.

Out-of-State Road Conditions
Arkansas                 501-569-2374         www.idrivearkansas.com
Colorado                 877-315-7623          www.cotrip.org
Kansas                     866-511-5368         www.Kandrive.gov or download KanDrive App
Missouri                  888-275-6636         www.modot.org
New Mexico            800-432-4269         www.nmroads.com
Texas                        800-452-9292         www.drivetexas.org

Get Local News!

you might also like