Published: March 27, 2009 10:39 am      

Panhandle roads slick, hazardous

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews in counties throughout the panhandle and northwest portion of the state already are out clearing and treating roads. They will work in shifts around the clock, if necessary, until the storm passes, according to ODOT. Other crews across the state also are prepared with sand and salt supplies at or near 100 percent.

Freezing rain during the night has resulted in slick and hazardous roads in Woodward, Harper and Ellis counties, as well as Cimarron, Texas and Beaver counties in the panhandle, ODOT reports.

ODOT's Division 6 Headquarters in Buffalo, where power is out, reports blowing and drifting snow and extremely difficult visibility throughout Cimarron County. They also report the following road closures:

S.H. 285 from Boise City south to the Texas State line and north to the Kansas State line

U.S. 56 from Boise City southwest to the New Mexico State line and northwest to the Kansas State line

S.H. 325 from Boise City west to the New Mexico State line

S.H. 171 from Keyes south to the Texas State line

Travel is described as "treacherous" from Woodward County toward the west.

During snow and ice conditions, motorists are reminded to:

• Stay at least 200 feet behind road clearing equipment; crews need room to maneuver and can engage plowing or spreading materials without notice.

• Do not attempt to pass road-clearing equipment.

• Be aware that conditions are continually changing; drive cautiously and for the conditions on the roadway.

• Allow extra space between vehicles so there is adequate distance for braking in wet and icy conditions.

• Be aware of "black ice" conditions, which looks wet on the roadway but is a thin layer of ice.

• Please be patient, plan trips ahead and allow extra time in reaching destinations.

To check current road conditions, call the Department of Public Safety's Road Conditions Hotline at 888-425-2385.