Bracing for impact, the City of Tulsa is under an emergency declaration issued by Mayor Monroe Nichols in preparation for a predicted winter storm. According to an announcement from the Mayor's office, the declaration aims to prepare for a storm anticipated to hit the area by evening. "The emergency declaration allows the City to activate its Emergency Operations Plan, streamline coordination across departments and partner agencies, and take proactive steps to protect public safety and critical resources," as reported by the City of Tulsa's press release.
City personnel, tagged as mission-critical, are prepped and waiting to tackle the storm. Brine crews, as a preventive measure, have been working overnight, targeting bridges, hills, and overpasses. This effort is expected to facilitate quicker snow melt, with treatments of major intersections ongoing through the afternoon. Tulsa’s residents, as per the City of Tulsa, are forewarned that despite these preparations, road conditions can still be treacherous. Special techniques not used for more than a decade will be deployed downtown, including plowing snow to the road's center to aid in traffic flow into the following week.
Amidst the building storm, Tulsa also calls for community aid. New volunteers are needed at the CREOKS winter weather shelter to help weather the crisis. The A Way Home for Tulsa (AWH4T) is spearheading this volunteer recruitment via online sign-ups. Furthermore, thanks to the collaboration between the City of Tulsa, AWH4T, and local shelters, homeless outreach teams have spent the day escorting those experiencing homelessness to shelters to escape the severe cold. Free shuttle services to these shelters will be available over the weekend courtesy of Metro Link Tulsa, contingent upon operation feasibility.
The City of Tulsa's messaging included important reminders for residents to guard against the cold and protect their properties. Strategies such as layering clothes, safely using space heaters, and avoiding alternative heating methods not designed for indoors are underscored. Property protection tips include locating water meter cans before they're obscured by snow and ensuring water flows to prevent freezing. Tulsa Animal Services also advises pet owners to bring animals inside when temperatures plunge below 25 degrees. For the latest updates on weather, service impacts, and situational developments, the City encourages residents to frequent its website and social media channels.
