The winter weather has arrived, and Tulsa is in full response mode. Ice, sleet, and snow are making roads slick and dangerous, but the city’s crews are out in force, working to keep traffic moving and essential services running. If you’re heading out, expect icy conditions, possible travel delays, and service disruptions as this winter blast moves through.
Plows and Salt Trucks Working Overtime
Tulsa’s road crews started tackling the storm just after midnight, getting ahead of the freezing conditions by spreading salt. But by 4:45 a.m., a burst of sleet covered everything in ice, forcing crews to switch gears and start plowing immediately.
“Everything was going well until that sleet hit, then we had to start plowing immediately,” said Tim McCorkell from the City of Tulsa.
Right now, 60 trucks are out clearing and treating roads, focusing on main streets, bridges, hospital routes, and emergency areas. The city has a full fleet of 66 salt-spreading trucks, and 51 of them have snowplows attached to push through the accumulation.
What’s Changing With City Services?
While Tulsa City Hall is still open, some services have been adjusted due to the storm:
- Trash & Recycling Pickup – Still running, but expect possible delays.
- Tulsa Municipal Court – Open, but if you can’t make it due to weather, call (918) 596-1625 to reschedule.
- Building Inspections – Non-emergency inspections are paused.
- Bulky Waste Pickup – Originally scheduled for today, now moved to February 19.
If You Must Drive, Be Careful
Officials are strongly advising people to stay home, but if you absolutely must drive, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Go slow and allow extra travel time.
- Stay at least 150 feet away from snowplows and salt trucks. They’re working hard, and tailgating can be dangerous.
- Bridges, overpasses, and steep hills freeze first. Take alternate routes if possible.
Need to Warm Up? Tulsa Has You Covered
For anyone struggling with the cold or needing shelter, warming stations are available:
- Salvation Army – 102 N. Denver Ave.
- Tulsa Day Center – 415 W. Archer St. (Limited pet-friendly spaces available.)
- John 3:16 Mission – 506 N. Cheyenne Ave.