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Winter storm enters Oklahoma, roads slick
OKLAHOMA CITY — A winter storm has begun moving into Oklahoma — leaving roads in parts of the state slick and hazardous.
Several accidents were reported Thursday morning — but Oklahoma Highway Patrol Capt. Chris West said none appeared serious. The patrol reports slick and hazardous driving conditions in the southwestern corner of the state while roads and bridges are slick in spots in the remainder of the western half of the state.
Freezing rain, sleet and snow were falling in the western half of the state and is to move eastward across the state through the day. The National Weather Service says 2 to 4 inches of snow is possible — and strong winds blowing the snow were creating near white-out conditions in western Oklahoma.
Will Rogers World Airport shut down one runway and reported on its Web site that flights to Chicago, Denver and Newark, N.J., were canceled as are flights later today from Dallas and San Francisco have been canceled. Tulsa International Airport reported a a flight to and from Dallas has been canceled. To check for later flights today, call your airline or go online at www.flyokc.com.
ODOT crews continue to apply sand and salt to bridges and roadways throughout most of the state, particularly in western and northern regions.
In central Oklahoma, conditions are rapidly deteriorating and motorists are urged to plan extra time into their travel and to be cautious particularly on bridges and overpasses. Conditions are rapidly changing and drivers are urged to drive accordingly, ODOT stated.
The National Weather Service said Thursday night would be windy, continuing to blow snow, and occasional snow will continue falling in eastern Oklahoma. Lows are to fall into the teens and 20s.
Skies are to become partly cloudy for Christmas Day with cold temperatures from the mid 20s to the mid 30s.
Saturday is to be mostly cloudy and cold with highs reaching the 30s statewide while overnight lows range from near 10 degrees to around 20.
Edmond residents who may experience a power outage should call Edmond Electric at 359-4655 to report any outages and for more information.
Oklahoma County Sheriff's spokesman Mark Myers announced this morning that all jail visitation is canceled due to the inclement weather. This cancelation is part of a larger closure of all Oklahoma County offices today due to the weather event.
To check current road conditions before venturing out, call the Department of Public Safety's Road Conditions Hotline at 888-425-2385.
For out-of-state road conditions:
Arkansas - 800-245-1672
Colorado - 303-639-1111
Kansas - 866-511-5368
Missouri - 800-222-6400
New Mexico - 800-432-4269
Oklahoma - 888-425-2385
Texas - 800-452-9292
