Sunday, November 24th 2013, 8:13 am
A winter storm has already delivered up to a foot of snow in the western and southwestern parts of the state Sunday morning.
The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a winter storm warning for Beckham County, Caddo County, and Washita County. The warning is in effect until 6 p.m.
According to News 9 Meteorologist Nick Bender, heaviest snowfall totals so far have been across western and southwestern Oklahoma, where 8" to 12" of snow has already accumulated in Altus, Mangum and Hobart. Road conditions here are very poor, and travel is discouraged.
Here in central Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City metro, we've been dealing with periods of sleet and very light snow. Temperature and moisture profiles (dry air) haven't been as favorable for accumulating snow as they have been south and west of Oklahoma City. This will change throughout Sunday morning and afternoon, as heavier periods of sleet and eventually snow move southwest to northeast across Oklahoma City.
Road conditions are slick and hazardous now on those bridges and overpasses, and overall road conditions (secondary streets and main highways/interstates) may become slick and hazardous as sleet and ice begins to accumulate on them.
Conditions will begin to improve some late this afternoon as sleet & snowfall rates begin to taper off.
At 8:11 a.m. News 9 StormTracker Marty Logan measured nine and half inches of snow in Granite.
Oklahoma City should see a mixture of snow and sleet and up to two to four inches of this mix before Monday morning.
Officials say snow and ice on the roadways will result in hazardous driving conditions. They are asking Oklahomans to drive with caution.
Stay updated with winter weather warning, advisory
A winter weather advisory is also in effect for 23 Oklahoma Counties, including Oklahoma County, Canadian County and Cleveland County.
Road Conditions
ODOT crews in the Panhandle, southwestern and southcentral Oklahoma say they are seeing snow and sleet and continue to plow areas and treat bridges, overpasses, interstates and highways. The precipitation and low temperatures are creating slick and hazardous conditions in these areas. Travel is highly discouraged.
Oklahoma City metro crews have been on standby and are now mobilizing across the metro. This precipitation will create slick and hazardous conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses. Again, travel is highly discouraged today as the storm moves into the area. If travel is unavoidable, drivers must slow down for conditions and allow extra time.
Crews will continue to address these issues 24/7 until conditions are favorable.
During snow and/or ice conditions, motorists are asked to:
• Be aware of "black ice," which looks wet on the roadway, but is actually a thin layer of ice.
• Stay at least 200 feet behind road-clearing equipment; crews need room to maneuver and can engage plowing or spreading materials without notice. • Check road conditions before getting out on the roads.
• Allow extra space between vehicles, so there is adequate distance for braking in wet and icy conditions.
• Please be patient, plan trips ahead and allow extra time to reach destinations
Out-of-State Road Conditions:
Arkansas 800-245-1672
Colorado 303-639-1111
Kansas 866-511-5368
Missouri 800-222-6400
New Mexico 800-432-4269
Oklahoma 888-425-2385
Texas 800-452-9292
To check current road conditions, call the Department of Public Safety's road conditions hotline at (888)-425-2385, or click here.
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is reporting slick and hazardous conditions on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike as of 7:30 a.m.
Mike Roy, Operations Supervisor of EMSA, says paramedics have responded to several wrecks in the metro area Sunday morning. No one was seriously injured.
Brian Stanland with the Oklahoma City Fire Department says firefighters have responded to six collisions with injuries in Oklahoma City as of 10 a.m. They encourage people to stay inside and off the roads.
Will Rogers Airport Flight Status
Karen Carney with the Will Rogers Airport says the airport is open. Crews have been out all morning cleaning the primary runways. Right now, several American Airlines flights out of Dallas have been delayed. Travelers are encouraged to check flight status.
Make sure to send your winter scene and snow pictures to pics@news9.net. Stay with News 9 and News9.com for updates.
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