Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews are reporting continued snowfall in Eastern Oklahoma leading to snow-packed lanes on rural highways. Even in areas where snowfall has stopped, drivers continue to be hampered with low visibility due to blowing snow. Crews are continuing plowing operations and treating highways in this half of the state, particularly in Tulsa, Rogers, Craig, Mayes, Ottawa and Delaware counties.
Meanwhile, conditions are clearing in Central and Southcentral Oklahoma with a few remaining slick spots north of SH-152 in Caddo County, in Hughes, Lincoln, Logan, Canadian, Noble, Garfield, Kay, Kingfisher, Payne, Okfuskee, Pottawatomie, Seminole counties and along I-40 near Shawnee. Crews also continue plowing operations in the Oklahoma City metro area to address remaining slick spots, particularly on interstate ramps.
Highways in Western Oklahoma remain slick in spots with light snow coverage, particularly in Beaver, Harper, Ellis, Major, Woods, Dewey and Woodward counties.
The I-44/Will Rogers Turnpike remains closed northeast of Miami due to a significant multi-vehicle crash. Westbound I-44/Will Rogers is diverted at the Missouri/Oklahoma state line and eastbound I44/Will Rogers is diverted at Afton (mm 302).
The westbound I-44/Turner Turnpike is narrowed to one lane at Chandler (mm 166) due to a multivehicle crash. Motorists can expect delays in the area. Eastbound I-44/Turner Turnpike remains narrowed to one lane just east of Bristow at mm 202 as clean-up continues on a separate crash.
Motorists are advised that conditions will continue to change into the evening across the state. With temperatures remaining extremely low, motorists will need to be more alert to possible slick spots and black ice conditions. Drivers should delay travel if possible, but if they must go out they should closely follow the forecast and check current road conditions on the interactive travel map at www.okroads.org or through the Drive Oklahoma mobile app. For those who must travel: call ahead to your destination to ensure safe arrival, slow down, wear your seat belt and have your emergency car kit fully stocked and ready.
REMEMBER during snowy and icy conditions, motorists are asked 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.
NOTE: Additional advisories will be sent from this office as conditions change.
To check CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS in Oklahoma, call
ROAD CONDITIONS HOTLINE at 844-4OK-HWYS (844-465-4997) or go to www.okroads.org or follow ODOT on Twitter @OKDOT and OTA @OKTurnpike