On Friday, March 14, 2025, Oklahoma faced severe weather conditions characterized by high winds, low visibility, and wildfires, leading to multiple road closures, overturned semi-trucks, and widespread power outages.
Road Closures Due to Low Visibility
Several roads were closed across Oklahoma due to low visibility:
- Garfield County:
- US-412 & 60th Street to US-412 & 90th Street on the east side of Enid
- Kingfisher County:
- OK-51 at the intersection of US-81 to OK-51 to OK-74 on the east side of Hennessy
Multiple accidents were reported at both locations during the closures.
Overturned Semi-Trucks
High winds caused several semi-trucks to overturn across the state:
- Hobart:
- US-183, just south of Hobart
- El Reno:
- Eastbound Interstate 40, three miles west of Country Club Road
- Yukon:
- Interstate 40, where multiple semi-trucks were blown over, causing major traffic delays.
Suspension of Oversized Loads
Due to high winds, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol suspended the transportation of oversized loads in the following counties:
- Kay
- Noble
- Osage
- Payne
- Pawnee
Power Outages
Thousands of power outages were reported across Oklahoma due to high winds causing downed trees and power lines.
Safety Recommendations
- Travel Advisories: Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions.
- Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather updates for real-time information.
- Emergency Preparedness: Have emergency kits and plans in place for power outages and evacuations.
The severe weather on March 14, 2025, in Oklahoma highlighted the importance of preparedness and caution during extreme conditions.
Residents and travelers are advised to stay informed and adhere to safety recommendations during such events.