OKLAHOMA, UNITED STATES — Forecasters are warning drivers across Oklahoma to prepare for dangerous travel conditions tonight and early Saturday morning as freezing fog settles over large portions of the state. The fog is expected to deposit a thin glaze of ice on roads, bridges, and other elevated surfaces, creating slick spots and reducing visibility for overnight and early-morning travelers.
Freezing Fog to Form Overnight
Meteorologists say the freezing fog will begin forming late Friday evening as temperatures drop below freezing and winds become light. Moisture near the surface will condense into fog, and as droplets freeze upon contact, a thin layer of ice will form on exposed surfaces. This will be especially hazardous on untreated roads, overpasses, and elevated highways across central and northern Oklahoma.
Areas most at risk include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Lawton, where temperatures are expected to dip into the upper 20s and low 30s overnight. Drivers should expect patches of dense fog reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile in spots, particularly along Interstate 35, I-40, and I-44.
Hazardous Travel and Safety Concerns
Even a light coating of ice can make driving extremely dangerous. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is advising motorists to reduce speed, use low-beam headlights, and avoid sudden braking when fog thickens. Road crews will be monitoring conditions closely, but slick spots may develop rapidly overnight.
Meteorologists warn that freezing fog can also make sidewalks, driveways, and rural roadways treacherous. Pedestrians and morning commuters should be cautious while walking or driving during the early hours before sunrise.
Conditions to Improve by Late Morning
The freezing fog is expected to persist through 8–9 a.m. Saturday, before gradually lifting as sunlight and rising temperatures return. By late morning, most of the ice should melt, though shaded and elevated areas may remain slippery for several hours longer…