Sleet And Ice Returns To Northeast Oklahoma

Northeastern Oklahoma saw yet another round of icy precipitation Thursday morning.  Temperatures began tumbling Wednesday evening as a blast of Arctic air pushed into the state and brought the threat of icy conditions that could last into Friday. 

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for most of northeastern Oklahoma and southeastern Kansas.   

For motorists Thursday morning, the biggest concern was bridges and overpasses.  The Oklahoma Department of Transportation had trucks out all night spreading salt and sand on the roadways.  The same was true for the city of Tulsa as well as many northeastern Oklahoma communities, with crews working to make bridges and overpasses safe.

A number of school districts, mostly in Osage, Nowata and Washington counties, north  of Tulsa, closed Thursday because of the icy conditions.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is offering some safety tips for drivers.  Stay at least 200 ft. behind road clearing equipment.  Slow down and drive for the conditions on the roadway. Be particularly aware of black ice especially on bridges and ramps.  And bring a cell phone with emergency numbers. (You can reach the Oklahoma Highway Patrol by dialing *55)

To check current road conditions call the Department of Public Safety's hotline at 888-425-2385.

Weather forecasters say the winter storm is expected to push out of the state by late Thursday night and early Friday morning.