By John Dobberstein, Editor
An approaching system is expected to bring freezing rain to the Tulsa metro beginning early this evening.
Forecasters warn the weather could create treacherous driving conditions tonight and for Monday morning’s commute. Many schools and universities are doing remote learning and keeping their campuses closed Monday. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information.
Tulsa and Wagoner counties are under a winter weather advisory through noon tomorrow, when temperatures are expected to rise above freezing.
The first areas to receive ice will be in eastern Oklahoma from 6-9 p.m., and then ice potential will spread east to Arkansas, mainly after 9 p.m.
The storm continues overnight and into Monday morning. Storm total accumulation will vary significantly and uncertainty remains high.
Generally, amounts should be less than a quarter of an inch in the far northern and southern portions of eastern Oklahoma, with a quarter to a half inch of ice possible elsewhere, especially in west-central Arkansas.
Any lingering freezing rain will turn to all rain by Monday afternoon as temperatures warm into the upper 30s.
For the latest road conditions call 1-844-465-4997 or go to okRoads.org.
The Tulsa Police Department issued these tips for drivers:
Expect delays: Give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Roads will be slow, and stopping distances will be much longer.
Drive with caution: Take it slow and steady. Even if the roads look clear, they could be icy in shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses.
Avoid distractions: Put your phone down and focus on the road. Every millisecond of reaction time counts.
Increase following distance: Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. Sudden stops are a recipe for disaster on ice.
Pump your brakes gently: Don’t slam on the brakes! This will just lock up your wheels and cause you to skid.
Turn smoothly: Avoid sharp turns and lane changes. Make all movements deliberate and gentle.
Use cruise control sparingly: Cruise control can lock your car into a constant speed, making it harder to react to changing road conditions.
Check your tires: Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have good tread depth. Worn tires lose traction in the cold and snow.
Stay informed: Monitor weather reports and traffic updates before you head out.
Remember, safety is the top priority. If you can avoid driving altogether, that’s the best option. But if you must head out, please follow these tips and drive defensively.
Stay safe out there!
Additional tips:
Share this post with your friends and family!
If you see someone driving dangerously, avoid being near them.
Be patient and courteous to other drivers. We’re all in this together!
By working together, we can make sure everyone gets through this winter weather safely.
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As you get ready to head out of the house, you can check the traffic conditions and see what the roads look like, check out this link.
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