Wintry weather slickens roads in Oklahoma and Arkansas

OKLAHOMA CITY – A winter storm packing freezing drizzle and frigid temperatures has made driving treacherous and forced schools to close across Oklahoma.

The National Weather Service issued winter weather advisories Thursday for central and eastern Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas. Forecasters say temperatures in the teens and 20s and freezing precipitation will affect travel throughout the region.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation says isolated slick spots have been reported on roads and highways. Law enforcement authorities say numerous accidents have been reported, including along icy patches of Interstates 35 and 40. Numerous accidents were also reported in Arkansas. Officials say road crews are treating highways and bridges to prevent icing in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and northwestern Arkansas.

Oklahoma City Public Schools, Oklahoma’s largest school district, and many other school systems were closed.