City Crews Prepare to Keep Roads Clear During Winter Storm

OKLAHOMA
CITY, OK-- After Wednesday morning's snowfall, Oklahoma City officials warn
commuters wet road conditions can turn icy overnight.

 "If
the temperature dips below freezing we know we're going to have some
problems," said Kristy Yager, a spokesperson for the City of Oklahoma
City.

 Street
crews spent Wednesday running Oklahoma City's snow routes to prepare for a
rough morning commute.

 "We
want people to be very careful tomorrow morning," said Yager, "we
expect very slick conditions." 

East
of Oklahoma City in Shawnee, crews are also preparing for icy conditions
Thursday morning.  Shawnee saw at least three inches of snow Wednesday
morning.

 "If
it accumulates we'll be salting nonstop," said Tim Dibler, who works in
Street Maintenance with the City of Shawnee.

 Dibler
says crews spent Wednesday night de-icing bridges and roadways.  

 "Just
beware of our vehicles," he said.

 Officials
remind drivers to stay 200 feet behind salt trucks as crews de-ice the roads.  Although
crews in Oklahoma City and Shawnee are working hard to keep morning commuters
safe, officials remind all drivers to take it easy.

  "If
you don't have to go to work first thing in the morning give it a couple of
hours," said Yager.

 Yager
also reminds drivers to drive slow and have an emergency plan.

"Plan
to leave your house early," she said, "and have a back-up plan in
case you slip off the road know who you're going to call."

 Yager
says there will be 27-31 running snow routes at any given time in Oklahoma
City.  Crews will keep working through the night until their job is done.

Posted: Wednesday, February 20 2013, 10:25 PM CST