Updated 5:18 a.m.
After a delayed arrival, a winter storm dumped several inches of snow and coated roads and surfaces with a thin layer of ice Wednesday.
School districts canceled classes for a second day in a row Thursday, and most major universities have delayed openings and classes until later in the morning or early afternoon.
The University of Oklahoma will open at 10 a.m., faculty and staff should report to the University of Central Oklahoma at 10 a.m. in time for the first classes at 11 a.m. Oklahoma City University will open at 11 a.m., and Oklahoma City Community College will open at 1 p.m.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation cleared roads overnight and early Thursday morning, and plan to continue salting and sanding until all highways are clear from snow and ice. Bridges, ramps, and overpasses can be especially slick, with the potential for black ice in areas where snow did not accumulate.
We have 28 salt trucks and two one-ton trucks out at this time salting and plowing. The streets are fair, but slick in spots. #okwx
— City of OKC (@cityofokc) March 5, 2015
"Leave early, don't drive too fast. Even four-wheel drives can have trouble on icy roads," says Rick Smith, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Norman Forecast Office. "Make sure you have all the ice and snow cleaned off your car by the time you leave, before you get on the road, and just be very, very careful if you're driving on roads impacted by snow and sleet."
Central Oklahoma's Regional Snow Routes
To check the current road conditions in Oklahoma, the Department of Public Safety has set up a hotline at (888) 425-2385.
Out-of-state road conditions:
- Arkansas: (800) 245-1672
- Colorado: (303) 639-1111
- Kansas: (866) 511-5368
- Missouri: (888) 275-6636
- New Mexico: (800) 432-4269
- Texas: (800) 452-9292
Updated 12:21 p.m.
Most area schools and universities canceled classes Wednesday ahead of an anticipated winter storm.
National Weather Service meteorologist Doug Speheger says precipitation will likely transition over to sleet as the cold front moves from north to south across the state.
"Conditions will become worse through the morning and early afternoon across the area, but the heaviest precipitation is expected to begin mid-afternoon and continue into Wednesday evening, which will create significant travel problems as roads become more slick and hazardous," Speheger said.
Anywhere from one to three inches of snow and sleet accumulation is expected. Temperatures will continue to fall Wednesday, arriving in the low-to-mid 20s by the evening hours.
Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Edmond, Mid-Del, Deer Creek, Mustang, Putnam City and Yukon Public Schools all canceled classes Wednesday, along with the University of Oklahoma, Rose State College, Oklahoma City Community College, the University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma City University, and Oklahoma State University.
OKC roads are currently clear. Crews are monitoring conditions and are ready for winter weather. http://t.co/Sak9pe5WU1 #okwx
— City of OKC (@cityofokc) March 4, 2015
Early Wednesday morning the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and local officials were monitoring road conditions, and are prepared to apply sand and salt to interstate and highway bridges as conditions deteriorate.
Updated March 3, 11:19 a.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for most of the day Wednesday across much of central and northwestOklahoma.
Much of the state is due for a warm up Tuesday before another shot of winter weather overnight and through Wednesday.
Rain chances will increase through the day as highs climb to about 58 degrees with moderate southerly wind gusts.
NWS meteorologist Michael Scotten says a strong cold front moving into the region overnight means snow, freezing rain, and sleet could start to fall beginning at midnight near Woodward, and possibly arrive around 3 a.m. Wednesday in the Metro.
“Generally the highest snow totals are forecast in northern Oklahoma, while the highest ice totals are forecast in southern Oklahoma and western north Texas,” Scotten said. “Regardless, travel will likely be affected across the entire area.”
So far preliminary totals indicate northwest Oklahoma could see up to two inches of mainly snow, while the Metro could receive anywhere from a dusting to an inch of sleet and snow, and possibly 0.10 inch of ice.
“Thursday morning will be a very cold one, so any ice and snow accumulations will remain on roads that are untreated, and outdoor surfaces,” Scotten said. “However, as we go through the day on Thursday, temperatures are forecast to warm above freezing, which will allow for some significant melting of any snow and ice.”
Once this round of winter weather passes, it should feel much more seasonal. Skies should be sunny from Thursday through next week, and temperatures will be close to 60 degrees Saturday and Sunday.
-----------------------------------
KGOU relies on voluntary contributions from readers and listeners to further its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. To contribute to our efforts, make your donation online, or contact our Membership department.
