Icy Weather Snarls Traffic On I-40 Near Weatherford

Some roads and highways in western Oklahoma are icy and hazardous following a second round of freezing rain and ice.  Gov. Mary Fallin has issued a state of emergency for all 77 counties in the state. A complete, comprehensive list of closures can be found on the website of our severe weather partner, KOCO News.

Updated January 14, 2017 at 10:15 a.m.

A fatal semi-truck accident stopped traffic in both lanes of I-40 near Weatherford, Oklahoma early Saturday morning. At this time, traffic is now moving again on the highway.

Road condition on I-40 in west Oklahoma, between approximately Elk City to the Canadian River, are considered "severe," according to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Highway Road Condition map. The map categorizes road conditions on a three tier system of "moderate," "severe" and "closed." Road roads in Custer, Washita and Caddo counties are also listed as severe. 

Most roads in central Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma City metro area, are considered in moderate condition. Road in northeastern Oklahoma and the Tulsa metro area are also in moderate condition. Drivers are advised to avoid travel if all possible due to the slick conditions.

An Ice Storm Warning remains in effect for much of the northern half of Oklahoma. For areas along and near I-40, the warning will expire at 6:00 p.m. and be replaced by a freezing rain advisory. For areas farther north, the Ice Storm Warning will be in effect until noon Sunday.

Updated January 13, 2017 at 3:39 p.m.

Temperatures should remain fairly steady tonight, so areas that are above freezing this afternoon should remain so during the overnight hours. National Weather Service forecasters say heavier precipitation will move into central Oklahoma late Friday and early Saturday morning. Forecasting models currently show this area to be near the I-40 corridor, including the Oklahoma City metro area. 

The freezing line will move to the north on Saturday, so some areas will receive liquid rain on Saturday instead of the frozen variety. Once temperatures go above freezing this weekend, they will likely remain so.

Updated January 13, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.

The National Weather Service has added several counties to its Ice Storm Warning, including the Oklahoma City metro area.

The Ice Storm Warning will be in effect until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Ice accumulation of one-quarter of an inch is possible, though some areas may receive more. Temperatures may be warm enough Saturday the forecasters will be able to cancel the warning before 6:00 p.m.

The University of Oklahoma announced that its Norman campus will be closing at 3:30 p.m. today due to the weather.

Updated January 13, 2017 at 12:57 p.m.

A freezing rain advisory remains in effect for much of central Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma City metro area, until 6:00 p.m. Saturday. Areas to the north and northwest of Oklahoma City are in an ice storm warning until Sunday morning.

Ice accumulation between one-tenth to one-quarter of an inch is possible in areas under the freezing rain advisory. Locally higher amounts are possible. Ice accumulation Friday night and Saturday morning may be significant enough to cause some power outages. Bridges, overpasses and secondary roads could become slick and hazardous.

Updated January 13, 2017 at 6:26 a.m.

The storm system is causing isolated slick areas on state highways and interstates, according to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Crews are treating bridges and overpasses with sand and salt in central and northeastern Oklahoma, including in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. 

The National Weather Services forecasts light freezing rain today near and northwest of I-44. The intensity of the precipitation will increase as the day progresses. Many parts of the state, especially northwestern and northern Oklahoma, will see significant accumulations of ice. 

An ice storm warning is in effect for northwestern and northern Oklahoma, while areas to the southeast of the warning area are in a freezing rain advisory.

Credit National Weather Service.

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National Weather Service.

Travel problems are expected, as well as power outages dues to downed trees and power lines. 

Original post:

Governor Mary Fallin declared a state of emergency Thursday evening for all 77 counties in Oklahoma in anticipation of a three day ice storm expected to affect the state beginning overnight Thursday.

TheNational Weather Service forecasts northwest Oklahoma is expected to receive the brunt of the storm with potential powerline and tree damage, while most of the state could see travel issues.

Fallin’s disaster emergency order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases related to disaster relief. An additional executive order signed by the governor waives licensing requirements for vehicles assisting with storm relief.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has prepositioned industrial generators across the state. According to a statement by Governor Fallin’s Office, the generators will be available to power water treatment plants and shelters.

The state’s Emergency Operations Center will be activated at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow. The OEM, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma National Guard, and Oklahoma Department of Transportation will use the center to respond to emergencies and implement the collaborative stranded motorist plan.

Will Rogers World Airport says flight disruptions will be likely. American, Delta, Southwest and United Airlines are waiving fees to change reservations from January 13 to 15.In a statement,airport officials say operations are not expected to shut down, however airlines make the final decisions whether or not to fly in icy conditions.

Several large school districts in Oklahoma City have canceled classes for Friday, January 13. According to KOCO News, Oklahoma City Public Schools, Moore, Norman, and Yukon Public Schools have canceled classes.

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