Week of January 29, 2023
6:45 PM, 1/30/23: Public Works staff will maintain 24-hour service beginning at midnight 1/31/23 until roadway conditions have improved. Staff has observed accelerated icing, especially in areas with lower traffic volumes. Staff is utilizing both saltwater brine distribution and salt/sand mixture in effort to maintain stable travel conditions throughout the City. Additional, relevant updates to the situation will be posted to this webpage as they are made available.
12:30 PM, 1/30/23: Public Works reports that staff will continue utilizing the saltwater brine solution throughout priority and secondary routes citywide, with additional routes being added as time allows in order to combat the light accumulation of sleet from this morning’s system. Crews will work regular shift today with regular coverage ending at 4:30 PM as the forecast for additional precipitation does not pick back up until the mid-morning hours of Tuesday 1/31/23. A contingent of staff will remain on call should conditions warrant alternative response. Beginning Tuesday 1/31/23, staff will plan to bring in crews as early as 6 AM in order to assess conditions and respond to localized concerns prior to the normal morning commute hours. With forecast for Tuesday/Wednesday having the most potential for precipitation, staff will likely make consideration for 24-hour service schedule beginning Tuesday 1/31/23. This decision will come based on updated forecast and travel conditions on Tuesday.
2:30 PM, 1/29/23: The City of Norman Streets Division staff has begun mobilization of a small crew this afternoon to complete an initial round of pre-treatment along priority and secondary routes with a main focus of treating bridge decks and elevated surfaces susceptible to early icing. This work is expected to last through the afternoon hours today. Find a map of primary and secondary routes at: https://www.normanok.gov/media/15987. Additionally, staff will reevaluate the forecast tomorrow morning to determine next steps as forecast storm system begins in our region. As always, Public Works staff stands prepared and ready to respond in the event that the City is presented with hazardous weather conditions.
In the event of hazardous weather conditions, Norman residents are reminded to plan extra time to reach their destinations and maintain a safe distance from heavy equipment when in operation on roadways during a snow or ice event. They are also reminded to pack winter emergency preparedness kits in vehicles during travel. See information on winter weather preparedness kits or other winter preparedness actions, visit: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.
Follow the latest forecast updates and weather information via the National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov. Check out winter weather information as it relates to public transit in Norman at: https://embarkok.com/winter.
All solid waste routes (trash collection) are expected to run as normally scheduled. Any rural routes that become inaccessible will be made up at the earliest possible convenience.
Park restrooms are closed temporarily in anticipation of the incoming weather. They are expected to be reopen 2/3/23.
See tips to help protect pipes in extreme temperatures at https://www.normanok.gov/media/16277. Report water concerns or outages to the City of Norman at 405-329-0703 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays or to 405-321-1600 any other time. Report other utility concerns or outages to your household providers such as OGE, OEC, or OERB. Watch for closures online and through local media outlets. Dial 911 if there is an emergency. Information to sign up for Norman Alerts can be found at: https://www.normanok.gov/public-safety/police-department/crime-prevention-data/alertnorman-emergency-notification-system.
Information shared on behalf of American Red Cross, Central Southwest Oklahoma: If you or someone you know is in need of support, dial 1-800-REDCROSS immediately. Local nonprofit Food & Shelter reports their agency began 24-hour operations on 1/29/23 at 201 Reed; these operations are expected to remain in place through 4 p.m. 2/2/23.
Relevant updates pertaining to City of Norman operations during the incoming winter weather event will be posted to this webpage.