Areas of freezing drizzle and mist along with plummeting temperatures continue to move across the state Monday morning. Counties north of I-40 in the west and north of I-44 in the east, including the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas, are experiencing extremely slick highways, interstates, bridges and overpasses. Drivers must slow down and use extra caution on elevated surfaces. Black ice is causing hazardous conditions across the northern portions of Oklahoma and motorists are discouraged from traveling, if possible.

Salt and sand operations continue across the Panhandle, northwestern, central and northeastern counties with extremely slick roads reported on I-35 north of the OKC metro area and I-40 west of Oklahoma City to the Texas state line. Motorists also are advised to use extra caution on highways in northeastern Oklahoma where conditions are deteriorating this morning.

Freezing drizzle and fog also are moving south of I-40 in western Oklahoma where crews are sanding and salting highways. Crews in southern Oklahoma are monitoring conditions as the freeze line moves south and will apply materials as needed.

Drivers need to be aware of rapidly changing conditions before getting on the road, allow plenty of time to reach a destination and watch for slick spots to continue to form while precipitation continues and temperatures are dropping. Check road conditions before leaving at www.okroads.org or on the Drive Oklahoma mobile app.

NOTE: The next advisory will be sent at 4 p.m. today.

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

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.