A winter storm is pushing its way across the state this morning and has already covered some highways and interstates with several inches of snow, causing hazardous driving conditions. The weather is expected to worsen throughout the day and drivers are urged to avoid travel if possible.

In western Oklahoma, several inches of snow are reported along with slick and hazardous driving conditions. Visibility is low in some areas including the Panhandle due to blowing snow. In central Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma City metro, snow is accumulating with slick and hazardous conditions developing. A band of snow is moving into northeast Oklahoma at this time, which will cause roadway conditions to quickly deteriorate.

Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews started highway and interstate plowing operations in the impacted areas early this morning and will continue this around-the-clock along with salt and sand treatments. However the amount of expected accumulations along with extremely frigid temperatures can rapidly cause roadways to become impassable.

Drivers are encouraged to delay travel during the storm and until after highways are clear again, which potentially could be a significant amount of time. Dangerous and life-threatening situations could occur should drivers become stranded in the storm. If travel is absolutely necessary during this extreme weather event, drivers should closely evaluate weather conditions in their areas and take all safety precautions.

Current highway and interstate conditions can be viewed with an interactive map at https://www.okroads.org and also on the Drive Oklahoma mobile app.

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.