Ice shuts down Oklahoma Capitol

The state Capitol is closed, with only a handful of employees still at their posts. All but the west entrances are locked.

Because of inclement weather, nonessential, or nonemergency, state employees are off today in Canadian, Cleveland, Lincoln, Logan, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties.

Essential employees are to report to work. Those include state troopers, hospital workers, prison guards and others in agencies that provide around-the-clock services.

Public Safety Commissioner Kevin Ward makes a decision on whether it is safe for state workers in Oklahoma County and six surrounding counties to come to work.

Agency heads determine whether employees in other counties must report for work.

Nonessential workers get administrative leave and do not lose any pay for staying home. Vital employees who must work in icy and snowy conditions get compensating time off later.

Most Capitol employees were sent home about 9 this morning. Some employees, such as in the treasurer's office, remained. They must continue to perform daily banking services of the state, such as making investments, deposits and payments.