A powerful winter storm has gripped Okmulgee County and much of the state, bringing hazardous road conditions, frigid temperatures and widespread disruptions. Temperatures in Okmulgee have plummeted as low as four degrees, with gusty winds making outdoor activities unbearable and dangerous, and forecasters predict the region will not see temperatures rise above freezing until Saturday.

On Tuesday morning, Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) responded to multiple crashes on slick, ice-covered roads, prompting the shutdown of Highway 75 in both directions between Tulsa and Okmulgee. The Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office reported that a series of wrecks forced the closure of Highway 75 at Preston, causing significant traffic backups. Similarly, Interstate 40 at mile marker 234 was blocked due to an accident involving two semi-trucks, with one partially hanging off a bridge.

The freezing rain and icy conditions led to numerous crashes, with emergency crews working tirelessly to clear the wreckage. OHP temporarily shut down southbound Highway 75 from Happy Camp Road to OK-16, just north of US-266. After nearly four hours, all lanes of Highway 75 were reopened, though many vehicles, including semis, remain stranded along the roadway waiting for tow assistance.

Down south, Interstate 40 was shut down due to two semis that crashed blocking the highway.

The Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office, along with Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore strongly urged residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. “I would prefer no one be out on the road at all,” Moore said. “Stay home. I promise you, you’re not going to make it coming into Okmulgee from Tulsa, so just stay in Tulsa. That would help us out tremendously.”

--- Struggles Continue As Cold Weather Persists Despite ongoing efforts by Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and county road crews, conditions remain dangerous. Even as roads reopened, authorities cautioned that another round of freezing precipitation and extremely low temperatures could lead to additional ice buildup. Officials are particularly concerned about the potential for black ice, making travel even more treacherous.

Beyond Okmulgee County, Tulsa and surrounding areas have experienced significant snowfall and freezing drizzle, leading to hazardous road conditions. Tulsa’s city crews have been actively treating major roadways, but rapid accumulation has made it difficult to keep up. Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) reported at least 30 weather-related incidents on Tuesday alone.

--- Community Closures & Cancellations

The severe weather has forced many local institutions to shut down or adjust schedules:

• The Okmulgee County Courthouse has been closed all week, with county crews focused on keeping roads clear.

• Schools across the county transitioned to virtual learning or declared snow days.

• Sporting events, including the Area basketball tournaments, were postponed, rescheduled or canceled.

• Church events, businesses, and other community gatherings have been postponed or moved to later dates as residents brace for continued icy conditions.

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Warming Centers & Safety Precautions

For those in need, warming centers have been opened to provide refuge from the dangerously low temperatures. In Okmulgee, Freewill Baptist Church TruLife Center (601 S. Oklahoma) is open to those seeking warmth. In Henryetta, the civic center has been designated as a warming station.

Okmulgee County Emergency Management is urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their homes from the extreme cold.

“We will be experiencing life-threatening cold the next few days and will remain below freezing until Friday,” officials said in a statement. Residents are advised to:

• Stay home and avoid travel unless necessary.

• Keep faucets dripping and open cabinet doors to prevent pipes from freezing.

• Prepare for potential power outages by having flashlights, batteries, and extra blankets on hand.

• Dress in layers and limit time outside to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.

• Keep emergency supplies in vehicles, including water, snacks, blankets and a phone charger, in case of being stranded.

Authorities continue to warn that road conditions will likely remain dangerous before the weather improves. With icy roads and slow emergency response times due to the sheer number of incidents, residents are encouraged to remain indoors and take necessary precautions to stay safe.

For the latest updates, stay tuned to local news and official emergency management channels.