Highway Conditions Alert 2-16-21 as of 8 p.m.

As new snowfall, ranging from light to heavy, sweeps across a majority of the state tonight, highways are becoming snow covered, slick and hazardous again. Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews are out clearing snow accumulation and applying materials to slick areas as needed.

This new snowfall is causing travel conditions to deteriorate in much of the state, including the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas, and is expected to continue throughout the evening and into Wednesday. Snow-packed, slick highways and interstates are reported in all counties except Cimarron County.

Dangerous and life-threatening situations could occur should drivers become stranded in this winter weather event. Travel remains is highly discouraged at this time.

Interstates and major corridors such as I-35, I-40, I-44, US-75 and US-69 continue to have slick spots persist. Drivers who must travel should be prepared for quickly deteriorating conditions and should not become overconfident as the melt and refreeze cycle can produce black ice and slick patches, especially on bridges and overpasses, that are difficult to see from a distance. This will continue overnight as temperatures remain low and fall further.

Slowing down, driving defensively and continuing to use extra caution are advised for those who absolutely must travel. Conditions are not expected to improve until temperatures rise.

Crews will continue around-the-clock operations this evening, overnight and until all highways and interstates are clear, which will take time. Drivers should keep at least 200 feet behind ODOT’s mobile plowing operations.

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, if travel is absolutely necessary, drivers should:

• 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 patient and allow extra time in reaching destinations.

Next update will be at 5 a.m. Wednesday.

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.