Early winter storm leaves 10 dead in Oklahoma

Friday, December 13, 2013

OKLAHOMA CITY - An early winter storm that left ice, snow and sub-freezing temperatures across Oklahoma was not as severe as crippling ice storms and blizzards the state has experienced in recent years.

However, the weather was blamed for the deaths of 10 people who suffered fatal injuries in collisions, fires and other accidents.

Public safety officials provided Oklahomans with advance warning as the storm pushed into the state, urging residents to prepare early and stay off the roads after they became treacherous.

At least four weather-related fatalities were attributed to traffic accidents, including a 5-year-old boy killed when a van he was riding in overturned on an icy road. At least two weather-related fatalities were attributed to fires.

Safety officials say accidents are almost inevitable when bad weather strikes.