Central Oklahoma is grappling with hazardous road conditions caused by freezing rain and drizzle, resulting in icy bridges and a series of rollover crashes. As of Monday morning, the freezing drizzle is tapering off, but the effects are still evident across the Oklahoma City metro area.
Currently, all lanes of northbound I-35 are closed at I-40 due to an accident, leading to significant delays for commuters. Many schools in the region, including Harrah Public Schools, have announced closures due to severe weather and power outages affecting over 11,000 customers in Choctaw and Harrah, with Harrah experiencing around 4,200 outages. Choctaw-Nicoma Park Public Schools have also opted for closure, while Oklahoma City Public Schools decided to remain open but warned families to anticipate delays in bus services.
Meteorologists are expressing concern over the rapidly deteriorating conditions. Jonathan Conder pointed out that the sudden shift from light freezing rain to icy bridges has heightened the risk for drivers. Describing road conditions as “extremely dangerous,” meteorologist Michael Armstrong emphasized the danger posed by ice-covered surfaces, especially for drivers who may not reduce their speed while approaching these hazardous areas.
As the situation unfolds, a winter weather advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. Temperatures are currently at 29 degrees in Oklahoma City and 30 degrees in Enid, with wind chills dropping to about 19 degrees. Forecasters anticipate that temperatures will rise above freezing around 10 a.m., with a possibility of light snow accumulating later in the day.
In light of these weather challenges, the KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team, celebrated for providing the most accurate forecasts in Oklahoma City for 13 consecutive years, continues to keep the public informed and safe. The dedication to delivering reliable weather updates underscores the importance of being prepared for such conditions, instilling a sense of hope that the situation will improve as temperatures rise throughout the day.