Governor's Office Provides Preparedness Update Ahead of Winter Storm Event
As snow, sleet, ice, and freezing temperatures are expected to impact communities statewide, Oklahoma state agencies are actively mobilizing resources to protect public safety and maintain essential services.
“Keeping Oklahomans safe is our top priority this weekend. The State of Oklahoma stands prepared as this winter storm approaches,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “We're coordinating closely with our partners and making sure everyone has the resources needed to get through it safely. I'm thankful for the men and women working around the clock.”
State Emergency Operations Center Coordination
The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated at Level 2 beginning Friday to support state response activities and any possible resource requests from local jurisdictions. The State EOC is in contact with local emergency managers, state and federal partners, and voluntary agencies to coordinate resource requests as conditions evolve. Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has boosted staffing levels to support the activation, including field staff stationed in all regions of the state Oklahoma should support be needed or requested.
Stranded Motorist Assistance Recovery Teams
The Governor has authorized the deployment of Stranded Motorist Assistance Recovery Teams, to include Oklahoma National Guard members and equipment. Seven teams, operating under the direction of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, consist of approximately 8 Guardsmen each, utilizing Humvees, wreckers, and Light Medium Tactical Vehicles. These teams will be based in Woodward, Weatherford, Ardmore, Vinita, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Durant. The teams will collaborate with local first responders as well as Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to aid stranded motorists and assist residents in the hardest hit areas.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol are removing stranded vehicles from along highway shoulders to ensure the roadway is open and clear during the storm.
Road Clearing, Treatment, and Maintenance
ODOT crews started pre-treating efforts across the state on Tuesday. Crews statewide will continue to monitor the approaching weather system. Statewide winter resources for ODOT include more than 500 multi-use trucks, including approximately 50 in Oklahoma City and 25 in Tulsa.
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority crews began pre-treating turnpikes, bridges and overpasses Wednesday. Pre-treatment work continues today across the turnpike system. OTA has 100 trucks with plows ready, which includes 17 tow plows that plow multiple lanes at a time.
Both ODOT and OTA crews are closely monitoring weather as it approaches the state and will work around the clock and remain deployed until road conditions are clear. The agencies have plenty of materials stocked across the state to treat snowy and icy conditions through the duration of this winter weather event.
Transportation Waivers in Place
The state has preemptively approved waivers for the temporary suspension of size and weight limits for oversized vehicles and equipment responding from out of state to assist with power restoration efforts. These waivers, provided through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, have been in place since Wednesday, January 21 to ensure quick mobilization from utility partners.
DPS has also issued declaration that relaxes state administrative rules to allow dealers of liquified petroleum to more easily refill tanks.
The waivers will be in effect until 11:59 p.m. CST on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Other Activities
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is activating its Public Health Emergency Operations Center to monitor the winter weather event and coordinate response efforts. Health officials will work closely with regional and local emergency partners to track facility status and share regular situation reports with the State Emergency Operations Center, where OSDH serves as the lead agency for health and medical support.
Local county health department staff are proactively contacting long-term care facilities to confirm readiness, including backup power, oxygen supplies, and emergency plans. OSDH also urges Oklahomans to take precautions during potential power outages, including using generators safely, properly handling food and medications, and checking with local officials to ensure drinking water is safe.
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has been proactively coordinating with drinking water and wastewater facilities to help ensure they are fully prepared for extreme cold and potential power outages. DEQ remains ready and available to support these facilities and provide assistance as needed throughout this weather event.
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) is hosting a daily call with utility providers to coordinate preparedness & response efforts. This will help ensure utilities are staged with the appropriate equipment to respond to any outages as quickly as possible, as well as provide assistance throughout the event as needed. OCC is working to protect consumers from any potential repeat effects experienced during Winter Storm Uri in 2021.
Oklahoma Department of Food and Forestry and Oklahoma Forestry Services will have multiple crews and equipment on standby to aid in emergency response, if needed. They are encouraging Oklahomans to take extra steps to protect livestock and pets during the winter storm.
Public Safety Reminders and Safety Tips for Motorists
Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel. If travel is unavoidable, exercise extreme caution on roadways as conditions can change rapidly. Drivers are encouraged to use the following safety tips and resources.
For Drivers:
• Equip your vehicle with emergency supplies such as blankets, water, a flashlight and mobile phone charger.
• Stay at least 200 feet behind road-clearing equipment and avoid passing; crews need room to operate safely.
• Make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.
• Allow extra space between vehicles to ensure safe braking distances.
• Watch for black ice, which can appear as wet spots on the road but is a thin layer of ice.
• Plan trips ahead, be patient, and allow extra time to reach your destination.
Additional Recommendations and Resources:
• Check on friends, family, and neighbors, especially the elderly, disabled, or those living alone.
• Monitor weather updates through trusted sources, including local news.
• View live road conditions here or look for road conditions on the Drive Oklahoma mobile app.
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