Muskogee Schools Close Amid Winter Storm; Accidents Reported

Muskogee Public Schools announced closures for Friday due to severe winter weather, while neighboring districts shifted to virtual learning. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the area, predicting 3 to 6 inches of snow and hazardous road conditions.

By Thursday afternoon, Muskogee Police had responded to four weather-related accidents, with additional reports of vehicles sliding off roads or into ditches. Public Information Officer Lynn Hamlin urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as conditions worsened.

City officials prepared for the storm by treating roads with brine and deploying sand spreaders. Tyler Evans, Muskogee Emergency Management Director, said Public Works crews were ready to address icy conditions. “We have plenty of sand on hand, along with plows and spreaders,” Evans said.

Jeff Smith, Muskogee County Emergency Management Director, warned that roads would become increasingly treacherous overnight. “Overnight, it will freeze, and we’ll get more slick spots in the morning,” Smith said. He emphasized that traffic could exacerbate snow-packed roads, leading to faster icing.

Local organizations stepped up to assist residents. Kingdom Living Church opened its doors to provide food and shelter through Saturday. Pastor Wilma Newton encouraged community members to donate meals or supplies to support those in need.

Despite the weather, some events remained on schedule. An information session about Tuesday’s Public Safety election will proceed at 9 a.m. Friday at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. Early voting for the election will also continue at the Muskogee County Election Board from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.

The unveiling of the Bass Reeves statue, a highly anticipated event, is still set for 3 p.m. Saturday at Three Rivers Museum. Organizers urged attendees to exercise caution while traveling.