The Oklahoman
OKLAHOMA CITY — Icy conditions across the state led to wrecks, crowded emergency rooms and at least two deaths Monday.
Dangerous roads
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol worked 60 injury accidents statewide as of 6 p.m. Monday, and one man was killed on the Turner Turnpike near Chandler when his tractor-trailer rig slid off the road and he was thrown from the vehicle. There was another turnpike fatality, as well. City officials said they have tons of salt and that crews with salt-spreading equipment will work continuously.
State of emergency
A spokeswoman with the Emergency Medical Services Authority said all 34 EMSA ambulances in the Oklahoma City area were responding to calls Monday. EMSA responded to at least 114 fall-related calls across the area, with 86 people going to hospitals. State hospitals reported high traffic in emergency rooms. Gov. Brad Henry declared a state of emergency for all 77 counties and urged people to stay off roads.
What’s ahead?
The ice is expected to continue today, with a 50 percent chance of freezing rain and sleet, the National Weather Service said. Oklahomans also can expect north winds about 16 miles an hour. OG&E reported few power outages Monday, but state officials said they feared that would change as ice accumulated. Freezing conditions are expected to continue until Wednesday, when the high is expected to be 45.