Monday morning highway conditions

Motorists are urged to take extra precautions if driving today in northern, northeastern and south-central Oklahoma and in the Panhandle as highways remain either snow or ice covered or have slick, hazardous spots remaining from weekend precipitation. Conditions are expected to continue improving in these areas as temperatures slowly start to warm into the afternoon.

The Tulsa metro area along with all of northeastern Oklahoma are seeing improving conditions, but caution is still advised on highway ramps and bridges as slick areas remain.

Motorists especially should use caution along I-35 between Norman and Pauls Valley, near Ada in Pontotoc County and south of Chickasha in Grady County as crews continue operations in these areas with persistent ice and patchy snow still being treated.

Highways in the Oklahoma Panhandle are snow packed and remain slick and hazardous in spots as crews continue around-the-clock operations in Cimarron, Texas and Beaver counties and the northern half of Harper, Woods and Alfalfa counties remain slick in spots.

Drivers should check conditions before traveling today as low temperatures will continue to hamper snow and ice removal in many areas. Crews will continue sanding and removal operations in these areas throughout the day until all highways are dry and clear.

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.