WINTER WEATHER: Highway Conditions Alert 2-9-21 as of 11 a.m.

Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews are reporting a mixed bag of highway conditions this morning across Oklahoma with some areas improving and nearly dry while other portions of the state are battling new precipitation from light snow to freezing mist and fog. Highways are becoming slick and hazardous in spots again throughout northwestern, western, northeastern and eastern Oklahoma. Motorists are advised to use extra caution, especially on bridges, overpasses and elevated ramps.

Highway conditions across south-central and southeastern Oklahoma have deteriorated this morning with crews treating slick and hazardous spots across several counties and warning motorists to delay travel in these areas, if possible. This includes the US-69 corridor, which remains congested from earlier crashes and slick and hazardous due to intermittent light mist and drizzle.

The southern I-35 corridor is reported as slick and hazardous from near Paoli to Thackerville at the Oklahoma/Texas state line. I-40 in western Oklahoma is clear at this time, but light flurries and fog in some counties may impact conditions into the afternoon. Highways just north of I-40 are primarily damp with isolated slick spots in the eastern portion of the state.

The Tulsa and Oklahoma City metro area highways are mostly dry and clear at this time, but motorists are advised to be cautious as isolated slick spots remain and conditions can rapidly change. 

Drivers who must be out are reminded to plan extra travel time, drive for conditions and lower their speed. Many locations may appear to be clear but are actually slick with a thin coating of ice, especially on bridges and overpasses. Crews are continuing around-the-clock emergency operations for this winter storm and will be working until all roadways are clear.  Motorists should remain alert to quickly weather deteriorating conditions. Check road conditions at https://www.okroads.org or on the Drive Oklahoma mobile app.

REMEMBER during snowy and icy conditions, motorists are asked to:

• Stay about 200 feet behind road clearing equipment; crews need room to maneuver and can engage plowing or spreading materials without notice. 

• Allow extra space between vehicles to provide adequate distance for braking.

• Be aware of "black ice," which looks wet on the roadway but is a thin layer of ice.

• Be patient, plan trips ahead and allow extra time in reaching destinations.