Winter storm brings ice, snow to much of state

Oklahoma Ice Storm 2000

As Oklahoma continues to experience hazardous winter weather conditions, travel is discouraged throughout most of the state where icy roads are slick and hazardous. Schools and many businesses are closed. All state agencies are also closed due to freezing rain, sleet and snow falling throughout much of Oklahoma. Residents are urged to stay home and check on neighbors, especially the elderly, and take care of their pets. 

If you must drive, please allow plenty of extra time, slow down and keep enough distance between you and other vehicles, especially road crew vehicles as they apply sand and salt. Also, before leaving for your destination, let someone know your travel plans, including the route you will be taking. That way they can retrace your path if you fail to arrive at your destination.

Travelers are also encouraged to have the following items with them in their vehicle:

• Ice Scraper
• Booster cables
• Sack of sand or cat litter
• Shovel
• Blankets
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Non-perishable food
• Bottled water
• Colored piece of fabric (to tie on vehicle so responders can locate if stranded in deep snow)

In addition to dangerous travel conditions, icy wintry weather can also deliver power outages. To keep you and your family safe, make sure your disaster supply kit contains the following:

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• NOAA weather radio -- (including a fresh back-up battery so you can continue to receive weather updates if you lose electric service)
• Non-perishable food
• Bottled water
• Salt or sand -- a deicer for the sidewalks and steps