WINTER WEATHER: Highway Conditions Alert 2-23-22 as of 8 p.m.

Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority crews significantly cleared highway and turnpike lanes as precipitation slowed Wednesday afternoon. However, slick and hazardous conditions remain in Northeastern, Eastern, Southeastern, South-central and Central Oklahoma this evening.

Highways in the Oklahoma City metro area are partially clear with ramps remaining covered and slick spots throughout. Tulsa metro highways have at least one clear lane in each direction with adjacent lanes and ramps still sleet covered.

Turnpikes statewide are mostly clear but some lanes still have a thin layer of sleet. Crews will continue treating these areas overnight. Motorists are reminded to use caution when traveling.

A back up continues on northbound US-69 north of McAlester in Pittsburg County due to stalled vehicles after an earlier crash. Motorists may use US-270 as an alternate route.

Drivers should continue to use extreme caution through the evening and overnight hours and to expect potentially very slick and hazardous conditions early Thursday morning. It will take time to clear accumulated ice due to low temperatures and more winter precipitation in the forecast. ODOT and OTA crews will continue plowing and treating remaining sleet overnight and address new precipitation as it impacts roadways.

Motorists should closely follow the forecast and check current road conditions on the interactive travel map at www.okroads.org or through the free Drive Oklahoma app.

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.

• 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         www.Kandrive.org
  Missouri                  888-275-6637         www.modot.org
  New Mexico            800-432-4269         www.nmroads.com
  Texas                      800-452-9292         www.drivetexas.org

  Please click everyone’s seat belt each and every time you drive. Check www.oktraffic.org for real-time traffic information. ODOT and OTA strongly discourage texting or tweeting while driving.