Road, electric crews gear up for possible ice storm

NEWS 9

The Sooner state is preparing for the first winter storm of the season.

State and local officials are gearing up to keep our roads clear, and OG&E crews are ready to restore power. Freezing rain is expected to start hitting the metro Saturday.

Oklahoma City crews and trucks are ready with 12 to 14 teams on standby for the local roads.

"Whatever mother nature brings, we can add crews to it," said Mike DeGiacoma, city street maintenance."I've got about 8,000 tons of salt back here I my facility so we'll be ready to go when the weather gets here."

Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials also are preparing for the winter storm. The department has 105 sheds across the state for salt and sand for interstates.

Drivers should use caution when approaching salt trucks.

"There is no real warning when we start to lay the materials down so the motorists really need to keep at least 200 fees at all times," Department spokeswoman Mills Gotcher said.

Highway patrol officers also warn drivers to slow down and allow plenty of time when traveling.

"It happens every year - the first rain, the first snow, the first ice, folks forget how to drive in it," Trooper Betsy Randolph said.

OG&E crews are ready to go in case the winter storm hits in the metro and across the state.

They are ready for widespread power outages and say their priority is to restore power to the greatest number of customers at once.

"It happens with every storm that neighbors across the street may have power and some may not," Spokesman Brian Alford said.