Winter Storm Reaction: OKC leaders organize response to winter storm impact on roadways

As a winter storm wreaks havoc on roads across the Oklahoma City metro, city leaders are working to organize treatment for roadways a response to numerous crashes.

City of Oklahoma City Public Information Officer Kristy Yager joined the News 9 team Tuesday morning to share the latest information regarding the city's response.

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Q: How are the city crews doing with the changeover in the weather this morning?

A: Well, it's been very difficult conditions out there, extremely dangerous. We went from being pretty good early this morning, to extremely dangerous and slick conditions with this freezing drizzle. We do have 30 truck drivers out there with salt spreaders trying to get that salt on the ground, but with these cold conditions, as cold as it is right now, that salt is not nearly as effective as if it were to be another 5 or 10 degrees warmer. We're kind of fighting a losing battle now, but doing everything we can to try to get those snow routes salted and taken care of.

Q: We've been covering several crashes, it sounds like Lake Hefner Parkway is really a troubled area this morning. Do you know anything about that area?

A: At OKC.gov, we have an accident tracker system. I think these are probably all injury accidents, maybe because if there was a non-injury accident, we wouldn't have that information. It looks like, like Hefner Parkway is a big problem. I see at least three accidents right there right now. There are many in northwest Oklahoma City and a few down south as well.

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Q: How about the Broadway Extension?

A: We always have problems with that, but we haven't reported many crashes this morning. I'm showing one right now on the Broadway extension, but you know, this information is not fantastic because, again, non-injury accidents are not being reported on here.

Q: It's going to get colder overnight, is that going to make things harder for the crews to prepare for Wednesday morning?

A: It's a big challenge. We always get a few days of challenging weather like this every year ... Conditions are not going to get any better until the temperatures rise and we see some sunshine.

Q: Are we only responding to injury crashes this morning as far as the police are concerned?

A: The police department is only responding to injury accidents. If you are in an accident and if you are not hurt, then the best thing for you to do is exchange insurance information and try to get home back home safely. Take pictures and everything.

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