Winter Storm Cora: Severe Road Conditions and Snowfall in Oklahoma

A powerful winter storm, aptly named Winter Storm Cora, struck Oklahoma and the southern United States on Thursday, delivering significantly heavier snowfall than anticipated and causing widespread disruptions. The storm has created hazardous driving conditions, school closures, and has led to an uptick in traffic accidents throughout the region.

Current Road Conditions in Oklahoma

As of Friday morning, initial forecasts predicted about an inch of snow for Oklahoma City; however, the snow accumulation reached between 3 to 4 inches, with some southern regions experiencing even heavier snowfall of 6 to 12 inches. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) reports that road conditions are gradually improving, yet drivers are urged to exercise caution due to slick surfaces.

Areas Affected by Heavy Snowfall

• Oklahoma City: Initially expected to receive 1 inch but recorded 3 to 4 inches.
• Southern Oklahoma: The hardest-hit areas include Ada and McAlester with snow accumulations ranging from 6 to 12 inches.
• Murray County: Reports from Sulphur noted 7 inches of snowfall, highlighting the disparity in snowfall across the state.

Impact on Traffic and Road Safety

Due to treacherous weather conditions, ODOT has emphasized the importance of safe travel practices:

• Stay 200 feet behind plowing equipment to avoid impediments to state snow removal efforts.
• Be patient and allow extra time to reach destinations, as traffic accidents have doubled in the OKC area compared to normal conditions.
• Avoid unnecessary travel; those who do venture out should be on alert for black ice and maintain sufficient distance between vehicles.

Traffic Incidents

Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) has reported 24 traffic accidents due to the snowy conditions, significantly higher than the typical figures. Additionally, vehicle crashes have temporarily closed major thoroughfares such as I-35.

School and Flight Cancellations

Many Oklahoma school districts have announced closures, including virtual learning days or traditional snow days for students. The University of Oklahoma canceled all classes on Thursday and advised staff to prepare for potential remote learning on Friday.

Flight Disruptions

Travel impacts have extended to the airways as well, with 25 flights canceled at Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers International Airport, mirroring the disruption seen at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, which reported over 1400 flight cancellations in the wake of the storm.

Weather Outlook

The National Weather Service predicted that the bulk of the snowfall would cease by Friday morning, with some light flurries continuing intermittently. The upcoming weekend is expected to bring a return to milder temperatures, allowing for some snowmelt.

Residents are reminded to check ODOT's live camera feeds for real-time updates on road conditions, and stay tuned for ongoing weather alerts concerning future storms and weather events.

In conclusion, Winter Storm Cora has significantly impacted Oklahoma's road conditions and brought unexpected snow accumulation, leading to canceled schools, hazardous driving, and travel disruptions. As weather shifts, locals will resume normalcy in the days to come, but caution remains essential during winter weather events.