Tulsa Braces for Upcoming Winter Weather Conditions

As winter approaches, the City of Tulsa is gearing up for potential winter weather. Forecasts predict light snow and winter precipitation this Monday. To mitigate freezing conditions, city crews are scheduled to begin operations at midnight.

Tulsa’s Preparedness for Winter Weather Conditions

In anticipation of the 2025-26 winter season, Tulsa has been preparing since late summer. City officials have ensured that equipment and personnel are ready for any winter weather challenges. They closely monitor forecasts and activate response resources promptly with the first signs of snow or ice.

Key Responsibilities

Tulsa’s Public Works Department is tasked with clearing snow and ice from key roadways, including:

• Gilcrease Expressway (excluding the Turnpike)
• L. L. Tisdale Expressway
• All arterial streets

Highway maintenance outside these areas falls under the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

Resource Overview

To ensure efficient snow removal, Tulsa has deployed several resources:

• 66 trucks fitted with salt spreaders
• 53 of these trucks are equipped with snowplows
• 4 trucks with liquid applicator systems
• 7 four-wheel-drive pickup trucks with plows
• 2 motor graders
• Approximately 9,000 tons of salt, with additional shipments expected
• 2 brine mixing systems holding 76,600 gallons of salt brine
• 2 tanks containing 3,000 gallons of calcium chloride
• 210 employees available for snow operations

City crews are assigned to 36 specific routes covering around 1,770 lane miles, equating to approximately the distance from Tulsa to San Francisco. Prioritization of spreading and plowing routes is based on traffic volume.

Clearing Strategy

The primary objective during winter weather is to clear expressways and arterial streets swiftly. Once these major roads are safe, efforts will extend to residential streets, particularly those near hospitals, schools, and steep hills.

Mapping for all snow and ice routes, including arterial, collector, and steep hill routes, can be found at Emegypt.

Warming Stations and Shelters

In light of colder weather, vulnerable individuals are encouraged to utilize Tulsa’s warming stations and shelters. Currently, several facilities are operational 24/7:

• John 3:16 Mission – 506 North Cheyenne Avenue
• Tulsa Day Center – 415 West Archer Street (pets allowed with limited capacity)
• Salvation Army, Downtown Tulsa – 102 North Denver Avenue
• Be Heard Winter Weather Shelter, East Tulsa – 7216 East Admiral Place (pets allowed, adults only)

Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared as the region braces for upcoming winter weather conditions.