Situation Update

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
Situation Update 1
December 27, 2015 10:00 a.m.

Due to the hazardous weather conditions, the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated. A blizzard warning is in effect for northwest Oklahoma, with much of the rest of western Oklahoma under an ice storm warning and parts of central Oklahoma under a winter storm warning. In eastern Oklahoma, many counties remain under a flood or flash flood warning.

The State of Emergency declared by Gov. Mary Fallin on November 29 remains in effect for all 77 counties. Under the Executive Order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. The declaration also marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports more than 8,000 power outages statewide. The largest outage area is Lawton.

Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews are out in the western part of the state as highways are slick and hazardous from Woods County, south to Beckham and Greer counties and east to Canadian County due to winter precipitation. This includes I-40. Crews are treating highways and bridges with salt and sand and continue to monitor conditions, including the Oklahoma City metro.

Drivers are urged to use extra caution in these areas, especially on bridges and overpasses as precipitation continues. Allow plenty of extra travel time and check local weather conditions before traveling.

• Stay at least 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.

In eastern Oklahoma, a number of highways are closed due to flooding. ODOT recommends drivers check www.oktraffic.org for real-time traffic information and “Know B4 U Go.”

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