Emergency Crews Helped Drivers In Norman As Winter Storm Rolled Through Metro

Emergency crews in the south metro responded to several crashes Thursday afternoon into the evening. Interstate 35 stayed relatively clear with occasional slick spots.   

Side streets in Moore and Norman started worsening shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. EMSA officials said they responded to more than 30 crashes in the metro and have taken at least 10 people to metro hospitals. 

Emergency management officials coordinated with those hospitals to ensure everyone was ready, especially if more people needed medical attention. Chief nursing officer at Norman Regional Hospital Brittni McGill said they were ready to care for people and help neighboring communities. 

“The state of Oklahoma does have an emergency management system. We frequently will provide mutual aid to other communities that may not have the resources that we have,” McGill said. “If there are significant events, we communicate very well to make sure that patients get the care they need and transported to the facility that can provide that care.”  

EMSA officials reminded drivers to dress for the cold weather and to bring extra blankets and clothing in case they get stranded. It will not take long for hypothermia to kick in with these conditions. 

EMSA offered some ways for people to spot signs of hypothermia. Some of those symptoms include slurred speech, shallow breathing, lack of coordination, drowsiness, and confusion.