Conditions improving, but refreezing likely
Ponca City Now - January 3, 2019 4:32 pm
Highways conditions improving statewide, but motorists should watch for new slick spots forming this evening as temperatures drop
Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews report improving highway conditions across the state with many roadways still wet due to ongoing precipitation.
There is potential for refreezing this afternoon into the evening as temperatures drop again. Motorists should be alert to changing weather conditions heading into the evening rush-hour commute and use caution on bridges, overpasses and within narrowed work zones.
Some areas remain slick in spots such as Osage County in northeastern Oklahoma, portions of central Oklahoma and across several counties in southwestern Oklahoma including I-40 between Clinton and Elk City. Motorists also should use caution on the southern half of I-35 as snow and rain continue to fall in that area.
Crews continue to sand and salt highways as needed and will monitor conditions into the evening.
Motorists are encouraged to check driving conditions on www.okroads.org, which features the department’s new snow plow cameras. Camera views for the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas are available at www.oktraffic.org. Both websites may be accessed via ODOT’s new mobile app for iPhones.
REMEMBER during snowy and icy conditions, motorists are asked to:
• Stay at least 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. For turnpike information, call the
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority at 877-403-7623 or go to www.pikepass.com.
If drivers must travel out of state they are urged to check area road conditions before heading out.
Out-of-State Road Conditions
Arkansas 501-569-2374 www.idrivearkansas.com
Colorado 303-639-1111 www.cotrip.org
Kansas 866-511-5368 511.ksdot.org
Missouri 888-275-6636 www.modot.org
New Mexico 800-432-4269 www.nmroads.com
Texas 800-452-9292 www.drivetexas.org
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