Norman Regional Winter Walking Tips

The headlining weather story over the next few days will be the ongoing ice storm affecting portions of the southern Plains and Mid-South that is forecast to continue into at least early Thursday.

In the wake of an arctic cold frontal passage, warm and moist air overrunning cold air at the surface draped over the region will produce freezing rain and sleet that could lead to significant impacts.

According to the National Weather Service Norman, multiple rounds of wintry precipitation are forecast, with brief lulls followed by bursts of sleet and freezing rain that could drastically deteriorate road conditions. Widespread total ice accretion of greater than 0.25" is likely from West Texas to western Tennessee, with localized areas receiving as much as 0.75".

In the Oklahoma City Metro, anywhere from a trace of ice accumulation to upwards of 0.50” of ice are expected.

In addition to potentially hazardous travel conditions, this amount of ice will likely lead to tree damage and scattered power outages across the hardest-hit regions.

As a result, Ice Storm Warnings, Winter Storm Warnings, and Winter Weather Advisories have been issued. Travelers are advised to check road conditions before venturing out and drive with extreme caution.

Norman Regional takes your safety seriously. All Norman Regional Health System locations are prepped for the winter weather with ice melt.

The Norman Regional Safety and Security Department has the following tips on how to walk in winter weather.

• Use safe walking paths
• Avoid talking on cell phones
• Wear foot wear with flat, rubber soles and no heels
• Take slow short steps and use hand rails
• Keep your hands out of your pockets
• Keep your center of gravity
• Use provided ice melt in area between cars or where icy patches are seen
• Use shoes brushes at main entrance to clean off shoes before entering building
• Wipe shoes on mats to dry as you enter the building
• Watch for melted ice/snow around entrances

To report hazardous conditions at Norman Regional locations, call 405-307-1482.