Winter Weather Updates: Exercise caution on Oklahoma roadways as deep-freeze holds strong

As Oklahoma enters its second day below freezing, leaders across the state are urging residents to stay indoors.

The extreme cold front, which moved into the Oklahoma City metro on Tuesday, brought snow, ice, and strong winds which continue to make travel conditions hazardous.

LATEST FORECAST: OKC Winter Storm: Day 2 of below-freezing conditions'

3:03 p.m. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has made significant progress clearing snow and ice from I-44/Will Rogers Turnpike.

11:34 a.m. News 9's Jim Gardner reports that one semi has been removed from the crashes at I-35 southbound near 12th Street, opening one lane of traffic.

10:53 a.m. News 9's Tevis Hillis reported an injury crash involving a semi near I-35 and Shields Boulevard, causing multiple lane closures and slowing traffic.

10:52 a.m. Oklahoma City Police Department has reported that 14 injury accident have occurred since midnight Feb. 18 to present.

10:32 a.m. Oklahoma Highway Patrol has reported on their official twitter page multiple crashes involving two semis on I-35 southbound near 12th Street in Moore.

Our team of Meteorologists and Stormtrackers have been working to provide accurate and continued updates on what to expect if you do travel on Wednesday.

Interstate conditions improve, but drivers urged to stay cautious

8:30 a.m. News 9's Lisa Monahan joined Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Terry Hinkle for a ride-along as the agency monitors highways across the state.

RELATED: Oklahoma Highway Patrol continues to monitor hazardous roadways amid Arctic conditions

6:00 a.m. The City of Oklahoma City is urging residents to stay home, but if they must travel, to do so carefully and slowly.

As a result of the wreck, the semi-truck became jackknifed and departed the roadway.

Tinker Air Force Base Closure: Leaders at TAFB have chosen to extend the closure of the installation through 11 p.m. Wednesday.

The Tinker Main Gate and Gott Gate will remain open.

Road Crews and City Response

Oklahoma City Public Works reported that 30 salt trucks were deployed, with crews working 12-hour shifts on Tuesday until conditions improve. City officials urged residents to stay home unless travel is necessary.

Oklahoma City announced several closures for Wednesday, February 19, including:

1. City offices and municipal court
2. OKC gyms and OKC Animal Welfare

Road Conditions and Traffic Incidents

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) responded to a growing number of crashes throughout the day. As of Tuesday afternoon, troopers had reported:

1. 237 non-injury crashes
2. 59 injury crashes
3. 170 motorist assists

EMSA responded to 23 accidents, with six patients transported to local hospitals—a fivefold increase from normal response levels.

Multiple crashes involving semi-trucks and jackknifed vehicles were reported on I-40, I-35, Lake Hefner Parkway, and the Turner Turnpike.

Safety Alerts and Emergency Precautions

Officials issued several winter safety warnings, urging residents to:

1. Keep pets indoors; do not allow your animals to be outside for longer than 30 minutes in freezing temperatures.
2. Stay at least 200 feet behind salt trucks for safety.
3. Avoid roads unless necessary, conditions most likely worsened overnight as temperatures continued to drop.

Looking Ahead

As the winter storm continues, News 9 will provide ongoing coverage with the latest road conditions, closures, and weather forecasts. Stay tuned for updates from David Payne and the News 9 Storm Trackers.

WB I-40 conditions: Matt McCabe shows low visibility, strong winds

Turner Turnpike conditions: Jordan Fremstad shows steady traffic flow

SW OKC road conditions: Haley Weger shows I-240 plowed lanes

NE OKC road conditions: Deanne Steins shows treated I-35 lanes

Winter Storm Reaction: OKC leaders organize response to winter storm impact on roadways

SCHOOL CLOSINGS: School closings: Oklahoma schools close, move to virtual learning ahead winter storm

What should you do if someone has hypothermia?

1. CALL 911.
2. Gently move the person to a warm place.
3. Monitor breathing and circulation.
4. Give rescue breathing and CPR if needed.
5. Remove any wet clothing and dry the person.
6. Warm the person slowly by wrapping in blankets or by putting dry clothing on the person.
7. Hot water bottles and chemical hot packs may be used when first wrapped in a towel or blanket before applying.

o  Do not warm the person too quickly, such as by immersing him or her in warm water.

o  Warm the core first (trunk, abdomen), not the extremities (hands, feet)

What should you do if someone has frostbite?

1. Move the person to a warm place.
2. Handle the area gently; never rub the affected area.
3. Warm gently by soaking the affected area in warm water (100–105 degrees F) until it appears red and feels warm.
4. Loosely bandage the area with dry, sterile dressings.
5. If the person’s fingers or toes are frostbitten, place dry, sterile gauze between them to keep them separated.
6. Avoid breaking any blisters.
7. Do not allow the affected area to refreeze.
8. Seek professional medical care as soon as possible.

Be Prepared for Emergencies. Accidents happen – but you can be ready to help yourself and your loved ones with the free Red Cross First Aid app. It puts expert advice for common emergencies at your fingertips. Select English or Spanish language with an in-app toggle. Get it in app stores or text GETFIRST to 90999.