Wintery Mix To Blow In Early Monday

Stephanie Malone, News 9 Weather Team

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Enjoy the weather on Friday, because colder temperatures and winter precipitation is on the way.

Friday will be windy with gusty winds from the north at 15-25 mph with highs in the upper 50s. However, the downside to the mild, dry weather is an increase of wildfire risk this afternoon.

As we head into the weekend, Saturday will be cooler with highs in the upper 40s. Sunday will be cloudy and cold with highs in the upper 30s and north winds at 10-20 mph. There will be a chance for rain that will eventually change over to a wintery mix overnight.

Monday is the day to be weather aware. Snow and blowing snow are possible Monday with north winds at 15-30 with higher gusts. Also, highs won't make it above the freezing mark on Monday. Up to an inch of snow is possible in central Oklahoma with more in northern Oklahoma. Tuesday and Wednesday will remain dry but bitterly cold. Highs will not make it out of the 20s with lows in the single digits Wednesday morning.

Oklahoma City is getting ready for possible ice and snow. City crews are preparing by pre-treating bridges and overpasses with salt brine solution and by getting salt truck ready if conditions warrant.

View the city's map of snow routes.

City crews are prepared to work 12-hour shifts, 24 hours per day.

Drivers are urged to help crews by keeping a safe distance of about 200 feet away from salt trucks.

AAA offers the following winter driving tips:

Pack an Emergency Road Kit

• Blankets

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• First-aid kit

• Drinking water, food, snacks

• Small shovel

• Sand or clay-based kitty litter for traction

• Ice scraper/brush

• Battery booster cables

• Emergency flares/reflectors

• Towels

• Extra clothes, gloves, etc.

• Cell phone with charger

Winter Driving Do's

• Prepare your vehicle for cold weather. Check battery, ignition system, lights, brakes, tires, the exhaust system and windshield wipers.

• Slow down. When the roads are icy, allow extra time to reach your destination. Rushing creates risk.

• Use major routes. After it snows, major roads are cleared and treated first. Avoid secondary roads.

• Dress as if you were going to be stranded. It can get very cold in a car on the side of the road waiting for help. Be sure to have extra blankets and insist that children who may be traveling with you have some, too.

• Use low gear to get out of tough spots. You need steady pulling and moderate power when traction is poor. The best remedy when wheels are stuck is to put the car in low gear and apply power slowly. Keep the wheels pointed straight ahead so the vehicle can move in a straight line. If you can't go forward, try backing out while steering in the vehicle's tracks. Traction is greatest just before wheels start to spin.

Winter Driving Don'ts

• Avoid slamming on brakes. Minimize brake use on very slippery, icy roads and hills; if further speed reduction is needed use a gentle and slow brake application.

• Avoid changing lanes. On a four-lane highway, stay in the lane that has been cleared most recently. Changing lanes over built-up snow between lanes may cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

• Never use cruise control. When driving on any slippery wet, icy surface cruise control prevents you from having total control over your vehicle.

• With ABS brakes, don't pump the brake pedal. Apply steady, firm pressure.

• Do not drive in four-wheel-drive. It will get you going faster and easier but it does not provide an advantage in stopping.

• Do not panic. If your vehicle skids out of control, steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.

Stay with Oklahoma's Own News 9 and News9.com, we'll keep you advised.