McALESTER —
A slushy snow that moved into the McAlester area Wednesday morning caught many by surprise, since a number of weather forecasters had predicted only rain the day before.
A cold rain transitioned into snow early Wednesday, covering the ground and plants and making for some slick driving conditions in spots. At mid-morning, with a winter weather advisory in place for the McAlester area, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported area highways slick and hazardous “at the moment.”
A rollover accident was reported early Wednesday on U.S. Highway 69 toward Canadian, but no additional details were available early Wednesday.
At the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s McAlester office, Superintendent Rick Huddleston also referred to the unexpected snow which fell on much of the McAlester area.
“It really wasn’t supposed to hit like this,” he noted. However, in response, crews with snow plows were dispatched around the area.
“We’re going to try and get it knocked off the bridges,” Huddleston said early Wednesday. Two ODOT crews headed north toward Eufaula on U.S. Highway 69, with other crews heading east and west of McAlester to cover areas including U.S. Highway 270, and others checking to the south.
ODOT also takes care of Carl Albert Parkway in McAlester, since it’s part of U.S. Highway 270.
Near 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, McAlester City Engineer John Modzelewski said the city had sent no street maintenance crews out in connection with the winter weather.
“The roads were passable and ‘travelable,’” Modzelewski said. “At this point in time we’re not doing anything.”
He also said the city had heard no reports about hazardous conditions on local streets from McAlester police, which is what usually triggers a response by the city’s street maintenance department.
Modzelewski also noted that weather forecasters had predicted the snow would change over to rain Wednesday afternoon.
“We’re ready to go if we have to,” Modzelewski said.
Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.
For more on this story, see the print or electronic editions of the McAlester News-Capital. Click here for print edition home delivery or click here to see the Smart Edition for your computer, tablet, e-reader or smartphone.
Raw: Train Derails After Overpass Collapse
Raw: Rescues From San Antonio Flooding
Raw: French Soldier Stabbed in Throat Near Paris
Mayor: Person Killed in San Antonio Flooding
Raw: Apple 1 Computer Sells for More Than $650k
Hagel Urges Cadets to End Scourge of Sex Assault
Raw: Gay Rights Activists March in Ukraine
Bus Fire Kills 16 Children, Teacher in Pakistan
Raw: Pakistan Election Results Protested
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Massive Flooding in San Antonio Area; Rescue Efforts Underway
Hope For The Boy Who Can't Smile
Young protestor goes viral on Youtube
High Wire Spectacle Thrills Crowd in Austria
Toronto Mayor says he's not a crack head
Maine island offers lighthouse getaway
Suspect in Killing of Officer Found Dead in Cell
Should We Prepare for Quakes?
Lynn Kindergarten Class Rescues Ducklings
Congressional gold medal awarded to civil rights heroes
Charles Ramsey visits Kentucky
Unique Display Greets Guests At Revel Casino
Cape Cod Train Service Worries Residents
BASE jumper rides snowmobile off cliff to honor dead friend
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
SHOCKING: School Guard Throws Girl Down Stairs
Star Wars X-Wing Star Fighter Made of Legos
Actress Amanda Bynes Arrested in New York
Singer Psy Has An Imposter
