OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The City of OKC released the latest situation update on January 23 regarding resources during the first winter storm in 2026.
Streets
Public Works crews are salting and plowing along OKC snow routes in 12-hour shifts around the clock until street conditions improve.
People are encouraged to avoid driving during hazardous conditions. If you must drive, you should have someone to call if you are stranded. If you get stranded, try to move your car off the road so other vehicles can safely pass.
- Stay on snow routes – Stay home if you can. If you must drive, stay on the City’s snow routes. Visit okc.gov/winter to see the regional snow route map.
- Give plow/salt trucks space – Keep about 200 feet between your vehicle and salt/plow trucks.
- Accident tracker – Residents can view injury and noninjury accidents on OKC roads with the City’s accident tracker.
The City has 32 trucks affixed with salt spreaders and plows. Public Works crews pretreated snow routes with a beet solution earlier this week. Please note that neighborhood streets are not part of the snow routes and will not be treated.
Trash, recycling and bulky updates
- All Friday trash and recycling routes have been completed on time as scheduled.
- Due to anticipated road conditions, trash and recycling collection for Monday, Jan. 26, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, Jan. 28. Customers should place carts at the curb by 5 a.m. or earlier on Wednesday and leave them out until serviced.
- Customers who receive bulky waste collection during the fourth week of the month (Jan. 26-30) should place bulky waste at the curb as scheduled and leave it at the curb until collected.
Learn more about bulky waste collection and other collection days. For questions or to report service issues related to solid waste, water, or sewer, contact Utilities Customer Service at (405) 297-2833 or visit okcutilities.com or the My OKC Utilities mobile app.
OKC Police
OKC Police are not responding to non-injury accidents. If you are in a non-injury accident, exchange insurance information with the driver of the other vehicle.
EMSA
In addition to an uptick in motor vehicle accident response during times of winter weather, extended severe cold weather can cause an uptick in hospitalizations. Residents with pre-existing health conditions should stay indoors and ensure any medical supplies, like oxygen tanks, are in adequate supply. Oxygen tanks should also be stored indoors, as colder oxygen can be hard to breathe. For more safety tips from EMSA, visit emsaonline.com/safetyresources/winter/.
People who are unhoused
When forecasted temperatures dip below 32 degrees, the Homeless Alliance, City Rescue Mission, Sisu Youth, and Pivot provide overflow beds for those seeking to get out of the cold. These resources are in addition to the regular capacity at overnight shelters. Details about shelters can be found at keytohomeokc.org. People working in outreach are warning people who are unhoused about the forecast.
Public Transportation
EMBARK is continuing Winter Weather Detours to ensure safe travel for customers and transit professionals due to forecasted winter weather.
Saturday, Jan. 24, service levels are as follows:
- OKC Fixed Route & RAPID NW: Level 2 Winter Weather Detours (Level 2 Detours are reflected at embarkok.com)
- Norman: Winter Weather Detours
EMBARK/RAPID NW – EMBARK riders should plan for potential delays and closed bus stops due to winter weather detours. Visit embarkok.com for a list of closed bus stops. EMBARK’s operations teams are preparing for conditions by treating bus and streetcar platforms, parking garages and walkways with de-icing material…