While about 3 inches of sleet created treacherous driving conditions, Cleveland County survived this past weekend’s winter storm without any significant power outages. The National Weather Service was forecasting as much as a half-inch to one inch of ice accumulations from the storm but most of it fell in the form of sleet with some light snow. That prevented ice accumulation on trees and power lines, thereby significantly reducing the threat to power outages.
However, road conditions were bad enough that churches canceled services on Sunday and both the Cleveland County and Woodlawn School Districts dismissed classes on today (Monday, Jan. 26) due to road conditions.
Sheriff Jack Rodgers reported that his department had to assist five or six motorists who had slid off icy roadways. As of about noon Monday, Rodgers said some of the main highways were beginning to thaw, but said overnight freezing will create hazardous conditions again Tuesday morning. Both schools also canceled classes for Tuesday, Jan. 27.