OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt announced on Thursday that state agencies are working to respond to severe winter weather impacting the state.
The Oklahoma National Guard (OKNG), Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS), Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA), Department of Transportation (ODOT), and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) are actively mobilizing resources to protect public safety and maintain essential services as heavy snow and freezing temperatures continue to affect communities across the state, the announcement said.
“Oklahoma is prepared to tackle this winter storm head-on,” said Governor Stitt. “Our state agencies and emergency responders are working around the clock to keep our highways clear, assist stranded motorists, and protect our communities. I urge Oklahomans to stay safe by avoiding unnecessary travel and check on their neighbors as the storm passes.”
State Emergency Operations Center Coordination
According to the announcement, the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated at Level 3 for increased readiness.
“OEM has boosted staffing levels at the State EOC and deployed personnel to heavily impacted areas, including Southeast Oklahoma,” the announcement said. “The EOC remains in contact with local emergency managers and state and federal partners, ready to coordinate resource requests as conditions evolve.”
Coordinated Response Teams
OEM has increased staffing in the field on Thursday and Friday, the announcement. Employees will be stationed in heavily impacted areas, including southeast Oklahoma, should support be needed or requested.
“The Governor has authorized the deployment of Oklahoma National Guard to join Stranded Motorist Recovery Teams in southeast Oklahoma,” the announcement said. “These teams, operating from McAlester and Durant under the direction of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, consist of approximately 10 Guardsmen each, utilizing Humvees, wreckers, and Light Medium Tactical Vehicles. OKNG is collaborating with local first responders to aid stranded motorists and assist residents in the hardest hit areas.”
Oklahoma Department of Energy
According to Stitt’s announcement, the Oklahoma Department of Energy is continuing to monitor the state’s power grid and is not aware of any widespread outages at this time.
“Oklahomans are encouraged to check with their local utility providers for more up-to-date information,” the announcement said.
Road Clearing, Treatment, and Maintenance
ODOT crews are actively plowing and treating severely slick and hazardous roads across Oklahoma, the announcement said. Efforts are focused in southwest and southcentral regions of the state, including I-35.
As the storms progress, crews are also addressing slick spots on roads and overpasses across the state.
“Though highways, interstates, and overpasses are being plowed and treated, slick spots remain,” the announcement said.
OTA crews are and treating major turnpikes, including the H.E. Bailey, Chickasaw, and Indian Nation turnpikes. They’re addressing slick spots on the John Kilpatrick, Kickapoo, and Turner turnpikes.
Drivers are also urged to remain cautious of refreeze overnight, which causes black ice.
“Crews are working around the clock and will remain deployed until conditions are clear,” Stitt said in the announcement.
Public Safety Reminders and Safety Tips for Motorists
Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel.
“If travel is unavoidable, exercise extreme caution on roadways as conditions can change rapidly,” the announcement said.
Drivers are encouraged to use the following safety tips and resources:
- Equip your vehicle with emergency supplies such as blankets, water, and a flashlight.
- Stay at least 200 feet behind road-clearing equipment and avoid passing; crews need room to operate safely.
- Make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.
- Allow extra space between vehicles to ensure safe braking distances.
- Watch for black ice, which can appear as wet spots on the road but is a thin layer of ice.
- Plan trips ahead, be patient, and allow extra time to reach your destination.
Additional Recommendations and Resources:
- Check on friends, family, and neighbors, especially the elderly, disabled, or those living alone.
- Monitor weather updates through trusted sources, including local news.
- View live road conditions here or look for road conditions on the Drive Oklahoma mobile app.
Social Media Feeds for Further Updates:
- Oklahoma National Guard
- Department of Emergency Management
- Oklahoma Department of Transportation
- Oklahoma Highway Patrol/DPS