Highway Conditions Alert 2-8-21 as of 8 p.m.
Mike Seals - February 8, 2021 10:50 pm
Travel remains highly discouraged going into the overnight hours, with slick and hazardous conditions reported across much of the northern portions of the state. Extremely low temperatures and freezing drizzle continue to quickly cause ice-coated highways and interstates to refreeze, and roadways which are wet have the potential to develop black ice conditions tonight.
Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews are continuing around-the-clock emergency operations for this winter storm and will be working overnight and until all roadways are clear. Due to the extremely slick conditions, trucks applying salt and sand may be driving slower and drivers should be alert to these operations and give them ample room to work.
Slick and hazardous conditions are reported throughout northeastern Oklahoma including the Tulsa metro. In central Oklahoma, icy conditions continue including in the Oklahoma City metro and along I-35. In western Oklahoma, areas remain slick including in the I-40 corridor and the Panhandle.
Areas in the southern half of the state report isolated slick areas and crews are closely monitoring for any black ice conditions to develop and will treat as needed. If travel is necessary in these areas, drivers should be alert to quickly weather deteriorating conditions especially at bridges and overpasses. Check road conditions at https://www.okroads.org or 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.
NOTE: The next advisory will be sent at 5 a.m. Tuesday.
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.