Slick roads lead to dozens of crashes, travel disruptions across OKC metro

Ice-covered roads caused dozens of crashes and major traffic disruptions across the metro Tuesday.

OKC Winter Storm: Roads remain hazardous as bitter cold persists

Snowstorm in OKC: Here’s a look at Tuesday’s storm impacts

Oklahoma City police responded to 23 non-injury crashes but were unable to make it to 13 of them due to higher-priority incidents. Officers assisted with 17 injury-related crashes, while the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported 59 injury crashes, 23 non-injury crashes, and 170 driver-assist calls.

Several semi-trailers wrecked along Interstate 40, forcing lane closures near Yukon as crews worked to clear overturned trucks. Plows made multiple passes to keep highways passable, but refreezing overnight is expected to create additional hazards for morning commuters.

WB I-40 conditions: Matt McCabe shows low visibility, strong winds

Turner Turnpike conditions: Jordan Fremstad shows steady traffic flow

The extreme cold also impacted businesses, with some oil field operations sending workers home early due to frozen equipment and dangerous conditions.

Hospitals saw an increase in weather-related injuries. The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 30 hospitalizations, including 22 for falls and eight for driving-related injuries. EMSA responded to 10 cold exposure calls, transporting five people to Oklahoma City hospitals.

Most metro schools will remain virtual on Wednesday, including Oklahoma City, Deer Creek, and Mustang districts. Piedmont schools will be closed. A full list of closures is available here: School closings: Oklahoma schools close, move to virtual learning due to winter storm

Authorities continue urging drivers to stay off the roads when possible and to use caution as winter weather persists across the state.