WINTER WEATHER: Highway Conditions Alert 10-27-20 as of 4 p.m.
Mike Seals - October 27, 2020 6:51 pm
Heading into the evening, Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews continue round-the-clock salt/sand and plowing operations throughout much of the state due to icy precipitation and freezing temperatures.
Motorists are discouraged from traveling as highways remain slick and hazardous in the Panhandle and northwestern Oklahoma. While conditions have improved somewhat in north-central, western and southwestern Oklahoma, including the I-40 corridor west of Oklahoma City, drivers should use extra caution if travel is necessary this evening as water and slush on roadways can refreeze.
As icy conditions persist, drivers should be alert to fallen tree limbs or downed power lines across highways. Highways reported as closed due to downed power lines include US-81 just north of Pocasset in Grady County and SH-156 east of Lucien in Noble County. Drivers are reminded to never attempt to drive over fallen power lines.
Roadways are mostly wet in central and southern Oklahoma; however, drivers should remain alert as conditions can quickly change as the sun goes down. Crews continue to treat these areas, including I-35 and I-40.
Crews are continuing to closely monitor conditions in northeastern and eastern Oklahoma, as highways are mostly wet. Some slick spots have been reported in Osage County.
If travel is necessary, drivers should closely follow the forecast and check current road conditions on the interactive travel map at www.okroads.org or through the Drive Oklahoma smart phone app.
NOTE: Additional advisories will be sent from this office as conditions change.
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
