Winter weather puts Oklahoma on ice

(TULSA, Okla.) Icy weather showed no signs of stopping Wednesday, following icy conditions that impacted travel and led to an uptick in falls at the beginning of the work week. School sites were closed. Scheduled vaccinations were rescheduled. Vehicles risking travel could be seen sliding all over the roads in northeast Oklahoma as officials urged residents to stay home if possible. National Weather Service Tulsa issued a Winter Weather Advisory for most of eastern Oklahoma and all of northwest Arkansas until 6 a.m. Thursday. Parts of far southeast Oklahoma were under a Winter Storm Watch until noon Thursday. Meteorologists said light freezing drizzle was expected to persist, with light freezing rain likely over southeast Oklahoma Wednesday night. We’re told untreated roads, bridges and overpasses were very slick and hazardous. The icy weather is expected to clear out Thursday, but the Arctic cold is expected to stick around. Temperatures in the teens are forecast for this weekend into next week. NWS-Tulsa said forecasted temperatures during this time period will be some of the coldest readings eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas has experienced in several years. They provided the following tips to make it through this bout of ice and cold: Postpone outdoor activities if possible. Bring pets indoors. Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, if you must be outdoors. Wear mittens instead of gloves. Avoid overexertion. Follow all directions on using a heat source safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep flammable items a safe distance from all fireplaces and space heaters. Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls. Consider letting your faucets drip. Prepare your car, including having a Winter Survival Kit, in case travel becomes necessary. Check back for updates.