Cold front hits; power outages reported; streets hazardous

Traffic accidents are reported across the Oklahoma City area, but no roads have been closed due to ice, an Oklahoma City police spokesman said.

Oklahoma City street crews pretreated bridges and overpasses with salt brine, city spokeswoman Kristy Yager said. Plow and salt truck crews were to begin 12-hour shifts and work around the clock once streets became slick. Motorists are asked to stay at least 200 feet behind the trucks.

The temperature was 23 degree at Will Rogers World Airport about 11:45 p.m. A north wind of 31 mph with gusts up to 38 mph was reported.

Tonight was the last time until at least Saturday that temperatures are expected to break 20 degrees, according to the weather service.

Wind chill values could plunge well below zero tonight, as the strongest winds are expected to follow behind the front's leading edge, forecasters said.

Officials warn temperatures and wind chills will be dangerously cold into the weekend. People should dress in layers and prepare for extreme cold even if they are not expecting to be outside for prolonged periods.