WINTER WEATHER: Highway Conditions Alert 12-31-20 as of 8 p.m.
Drivers are urged to carefully consider and limit their travel plans in the evening and overnight hours as a wintry mix moves into the state. Slick areas could also quickly develop on rain-soaked roads as temperatures fall, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews report some slick areas on highways in south-central Oklahoma, and salt and sand operations are underway. In northeast Oklahoma, crews are also out in Craig and Ottawa counties where sleet is falling. Conditions are being closely monitored with crews on standby in other areas of the state.
If travel is necessary, drivers should pay close attention to weather reports as conditions are expected to worsen into the overnight hours. Roadways which appear wet may actually have a thin coat of ice, and this "black ice" tends to rapidly develop on bridges and overpasses first. If traveling, stay at least 200 feet back from road clearing operations, leave additional space between other vehicles and slow down.
Download the free Drive Oklahoma smart phone app or visit www.okroads.org for a map of statewide current closures and snow plow cameras and www.oktraffic.org to view traffic conditions in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas before traveling.
NOTE: This office will provide a new update at 5 a.m. Friday.
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.
To check CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS in Oklahoma, call
ODOT's ROAD CONDITIONS HOTLINE at 844-4OK-HWYS (844-465-4997)
or go to www.okroads.org or follow ODOT on Twitter @OKDOT
For turnpike information, call the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority at 877-403-7623 or go to www.pikepass.com.
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 303-639-1111 www.cotrip.org
Kansas 866-511-5368 www.Kandrive.org
Missouri 888-275-6637 www.modot.org
New Mexico 800-432-4269 www.nmroads.com
Texas 800-452-9292 www.drivetexas.org
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