The City of Tulsa continues its winter weather response after treating slick spots on roadways throughout the night.
Morning shift drivers from the field have been called back in to work this morning. Crews will be spending the day cleaning and checking the trucks in preparation for our next response, which is expected to start tonight, as the current forecast shows snow and freezing rain starting at midnight tonight.
Morning shift crews are expected to report back at midnight to respond to the forecasted weather tomorrow, which we expect to last through 5 p.m. Wednesday. Crews will make adjustments to this plan as warranted if any changes occur in the current forecast.
Bulky Waste Pickup Updates
Due to winter weather, bulky waste will not be picked up today. Refuse will still be picked up, though it’s expected to take extra time.
Tulsa Parks Updates
Tulsa Parks community centers remain open at this time. Three of those community centers are scheduled as polling places for elections happening today. Those centers will remain open. Additionally, Student Support Camps, which offer pod-style learning areas in select community centers for students to complete distance learning, remain open.
Warming Stations & Shelter Operations
The City is working to ensure those experiencing homelessness and those who will be outside for extended periods of time know the resources available to them throughout this cold snap.
There are two warming stations currently open in Tulsa for anyone seeking shelter from the extreme cold, namely:
The City of Tulsa’s overflow shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness at the former juvenile detention center is currently serving an additional 57 individuals due to inclement weather, maxing out the capacity at 116. The Mental Health Association of Oklahoma’s peer outreach program is going out into the community and doing street outreach. They are helping transfer individuals experiencing homelessness to local shelters, including the City’s overflow shelter. Warm meals prepared by Iron Gate continue to be provided daily.
The City is also working closely with A Way Home for Tulsa partners and Housing Solutions to keep our vulnerable neighbors safe during this cold weather. If you see someone who needs assistance, use this form: https://www.housingsolutionstulsa.org/.../assistance.../
Upon completion of the form, outreach teams across the city will coordinate a swift response.
If you see someone in immediate danger, call 911.
City of Tulsa Snow & Ice Response
The City of Tulsa is responsible for clearing snow and ice from the Gilcrease Expressway, L.L. Tisdale Expressway and all arterial (main) streets. Other highway segments in Tulsa are the responsibility of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
After a snow or ice storm begins, the goal is to make expressways and arterial streets safe and passable as soon as possible. These resources are available to attain this goal:
Crews are assigned to 35 specific routes totaling 1,770 lane-miles, which is approximately the same distance as driving from Tulsa to San Francisco. Spreading and plowing routes are prioritized based on traffic counts. Once the main streets are cleared and conditions permit, selected residential streets may be treated based on traffic and steepness.
During winter weather response, the first focus is to clear city arterial streets for emergency responders. After arterial streets are clear, the second focus then moves to residential or collector streets near hospitals, schools and areas with steep hills. The following link includes every map and route the City uses for arterial streets, collector streets, schools and steep hills: www.cityoftulsa.org/winterpreparedness
Want to receive updates on emergency weather information and create a disaster plan for your family? Download the free Tulsa Ready App, compatible with Android and iOS systems. Follow the City of Tulsa on Twitter for updates during winter weather season, @cityoftulsagov
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