Leaders Say People Heeding Advice, Staying Off OKC Roads

Jennifer Pierce, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The overwhelming message during a press conference involving various state and Oklahoma City departments is for the public to stay home.  And it appears people are listening.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has asked the public to stay off the roads and interstates for the next 24 to 36 hours.  Oklahoma City police said there have been very few accidents because most people are not attempting to travel.

"Our accident call has been very low. It's actually been below normal, I think because of the message that's been getting out through the press," Oklahoma City Police Captain Patrick Stewart said.

The Department of Public Safety reported 73 collisions with five injuries.  State troopers helped at least 500 drivers stranded on Oklahoma roads.

The Oklahoma City streets superintendent said his crews are making progress on city streets. Plowing started at 4am and salt truck crews have been out since midnight. Contractors with plows will started clearing streets Tuesday afternoon.

Will Rogers World Airport remains closed for the day. Airport officials say all flights are canceled and it could be a couple of days before schedules are back to normal.

Oklahoma City transit services ran early Tuesday but have shut down and will not offer service Wednesday.

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