Snow, sleet, and icy conditions are forecast to sweep across the state, prompting proactive measures by state agencies under Governor Kevin Stitt's directive. "Keeping Oklahomans safe is our top priority this weekend," the Governor announced, emphasizing the concerted efforts by state officials and gratitude towards those working tirelessly in anticipation of the storm. As a formidable winter storm sets its sights on Oklahoma, the Governor's office has released a detailed preparedness plan to keep citizens safe and infrastructure running smoothly, according to an update provided on the oklahoma.gov website.
As part of the preparedness strategy, the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is set to be at a heightened Level 2 activation as of Friday to help coordinate responses and fulfill resources requests from local jurisdictions, and the EOC is already linking up with various emergency managers, federal partners, and agencies for a streamlined approach, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) not only has increased staffing but also placed field staff in all regions of Oklahoma to provide on-the-ground support wherever it might be requested or necessary. In addition, Governor Stitt has authorized the deployment of the Stranded Motorist Assistance Recovery Teams, which includes personnel from the Oklahoma National Guard and equipped with vehicles suited for harsh conditions, like Humvees, to work alongside the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and local first responders in aiding residents and responding vehicle incidents across key areas such as Woodward, Weatherford, Ardmore, Vinita, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Durant.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) began their pre-treatment efforts days earlier, with an arsenal of more than 500 trucks, including specialized tow plows, at their disposal to keep the roads clear of snow and ice. Continuously monitoring the storm's progression, the teams stand ready to labor through the harsh weather until the state's thoroughfares return to optimal conditions. To facilitate the recovery process, transportation waivers have been executed ahead of time, allowing for a temporary suspension of size and weight restrictions on vehicles and equipment crucial for power restoration; these waivers will remain effective until Tuesday, January 27, 11:59 p.m. CST, according to oklahoma.gov.
Moreover, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are taking no chances, with the former activating its Public Health Emergency Operations Center and the latter coordinating with water facilities to ensure they withstand the imminent cold snap. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is also holding daily calls with utility providers to ensure the quick rectification of any power disruptions, simultaneously aiming to prevent a repeat of the hardships caused during Winter Storm Uri in 2021.
The state hasn't overlooked the safety of its motorists, with the Highway Patrol working to remove vehicles that might obstruct plowing and rescue efforts traffic encouragement is being given for citizens to stay off the roads if not necessary and, should they venture out to be well-prepared with emergency kits, to maintain safe distances from snow removal equipment, and look out for black ice—deceptive and dangerous patches that mimic wet asphalt. Up-to-the-minute weather updates and road conditions are available on the oklahoma.gov website and through the Drive Oklahoma mobile app, aiding residents in making informed decisions during the storm.
