Oklahoma Braces for a Wintry Mix: Advisory Issued for Slick Roads

Well, folks, it looks like Old Man Winter isn't quite ready to pack up his bags just yet. If you're living in parts of northwestern, west central, or even central Oklahoma, you'll want to pay close attention to the forecast for the next 24 hours or so. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued, and it’s going to bring a real mixed bag of precipitation that could make your Tuesday morning commute a bit of a headache.

The advisory officially kicks in late Monday night, around 9:00 PM, and is expected to stick around until Tuesday morning, roughly 9:00 AM. So, if you're an early riser or planning to hit the roads for work or school, you'll definitely want to give yourself some extra time and exercise a good dose of caution. We’re talking about the potential for light snow, some freezing drizzle or rain, and even a bit of sleet thrown into the mix. A classic Oklahoma winter scenario, really, where you never quite know what you're going to get!

Now, while we're not expecting massive snow totals – accumulations are generally projected to be on the lighter side – it's the ice that really warrants our attention. Forecasters are warning about the possibility of a thin, treacherous glaze, potentially up to one-tenth of an inch, especially on elevated surfaces. And you know how it goes here: even a tiny bit of ice can turn a perfectly normal road into a skating rink, particularly those notorious bridges and overpasses. They'll be the first spots to freeze up, making travel quite difficult in certain areas.

So, which areas are we talking about specifically? Well, the advisory covers a pretty wide swath, including counties like Dewey, Custer, Roger Mills, Beckham, Washita, Harmon, Greer, Kiowa, Jackson, and Tillman. But don't let your guard down if you're nearby, as surrounding areas, particularly Kingfisher, Canadian, Grady, Blaine, Alfalfa, Grant, Garfield, and Major counties, will also feel the chill and could see similar slick conditions develop as temperatures drop below freezing.

The bottom line here is preparation. If you absolutely have to be out during these hours, please drive slowly, increase your following distance, and be extra vigilant, especially when approaching bridges, ramps, and overpasses. It’s always better to arrive late than not at all, right? Stay tuned to local weather updates, and let’s all navigate this latest bit of winter weather safely. We’ll get through it, just like always!