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December 29, 2012

Rain may usher in New Year

By Joy Hampton The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — Friday morning a light snowfall blanketed Norman with about an inch of snow.

The the city’s better chance of precipitation may be around the start of the New Year.

Norman received a half-inch of icy snow on Christmas Day.

This was followed Friday by about an inch of snow which yielded 0.01 inch of precipitation by 3 p.m. Friday when the sun came out.

The snow moved eastward.

A new storm system approaching from the west could bring rain in Oklahoma on Monday. Today is expected to be sunny with a high in the low 40s.

Norman city road crews have completed work set into gear by the Christmas snow event and are hoping warmer temperatures over the weekend will allow those employees to get some rest.

“We had a good clearing of the roads from the previous storm,” Norman Public Works Director Shawn O’Leary said. “Right now the forecast looks pretty favorable for us. We’re always on high alert this time of year.”

Norman uses a 2-to-1 mix of sand to salt to treat slick roadways and intersections. The city stockpiles materials in the summer to have on hand for winter weather.

“We used about 1,200 tons of combined materials for the Christmas Day event,” O’Leary said. “We started that process with about 8,500 tons in hand so we’re in good shape.”

Warm temperatures during the day which melted snow and ice followed by freezing temperatures at night can contribute to icy patches of roadway and drivers should still use caution when traveling.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation continues to monitor road conditions and offers the following cautions for motorists during snow and/or ice conditions:

· Check road conditions before getting out on the roads.

· Stay at least 200 feet behind road-clearing equipment; crews need room to maneuver and can engage plowing or spreading materials without notice.

· Allow extra space between vehicles, so there is adequate distance for braking in wet and icy conditions.

· Be aware of “black ice,” which looks wet on the roadway, but is actually a thin layer of ice.

· Be patient, plan trips ahead and allow extra time to reach destinations

ODOT crews will continue to monitor conditions. Drivers are asked to be cautious. Travelers are urged to check with other states before driving out-of-state.

 

Joy Hampton366-3539jhampton@normantranscript.com

 

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