State agencies are working in tandem today to respond to severe winter weather impacting Oklahoma. As heavy snow and freezing temperatures continue to affect communities statewide, 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.

"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

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 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 Thursday and Friday, with employees stationed in heavily impacted areas including in 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. 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

The Oklahoma Department of Energy continues 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.

Road Clearing, Treatment, and Maintenance

ODOT crews are actively plowing and treating severely slick and hazardous roads across the state, with focused efforts in the Southwest and Southcentral regions, including I-35. Additionally, crews are addressing slick spots on roads and overpasses across Oklahoma as the storms progress. Though highways, interstates, and overpasses are being plowed and treated, slick spots remain.

OTA crews are plowing and treating major turnpikes, including the H.E. Bailey, Chickasaw, and Indian Nation turnpikes, and addressing slick spots on the John Kilpatrick, Kickapoo, and Turner turnpikes. Drivers are urged to remain cautious of refreeze overnight, causing black ice. Crews are working around the clock and will remain deployed until conditions are clear.

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. Drivers are encouraged to use the following safety tips and resources:

For Drivers:

• 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