By Bailey Coyle, Fox23 News
TULSA, Okla. — As snow begins moving into northeastern Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation says crews have been preparing for days and will be working around the clock to keep highways passable.
ODOT spokesperson T.J. Gerlach said that crews statewide began pretreating roads earlier in the week, with those efforts wrapping up ahead of the storm.
Once snow and ice begin falling, ODOT says crews will work 12-hour shifts for the duration of the storm, and beyond.
“We’re not done when the snow and ice stop falling,” said Gerlach. “We’ll stay out there until all highways are considered clear and dry.”
In the Tulsa metro, ODOT has 25 to 30 trucks ready to respond, while more than 500 pieces of equipment are available statewide.
Gerlach said treatment methods depend on conditions and temperature.
Snow-covered roads are primarily cleared using plows, while icy conditions are treated with a mix of salt and sand. However, when temperatures drop below about 15 degrees, salt becomes less effective.
“At that point, we switch to more sand so drivers can get traction,” said Gerlach.
ODOT prioritizes high-traffic highways, emergency routes and access to hospitals and emergency services, though Gerlach noted that every roadway is considered important.
Heavy snowfall or icing can slow progress, as snow can quickly accumulate again after plows pass through. Extremely cold temperatures can also affect equipment, requiring repair crews to stay on standby.
Depending on how long the storm lasts, ODOT expects treatment to continue into Tuesday, with isolated slick spots possible into Wednesday. Drivers are also urged to watch for black ice, especially early and late in the storm.
ODOT urges drivers to avoid travel if possible. For those who must drive, officials stress caution, especially near snowplows.
Drivers should:
- Stay at least 200 feet behind snowplows (about four to five school buses).
- Slow down and allow extra following distance.
- Be especially cautious on bridges, which can become slick quickly.
- Expect inside lanes on highways to be cleared later than outside lanes.
If your travel is unavoidable, ODOT recommends planning ahead by packing blankets, fully charged cell phones, letting someone know your route and giving yourself plenty of space on the road.
