Staff and AP reports

ALTUS — A light snow fell across Altus and the surrounding area early today causing a few minor accidents.

The snow started falling about 2 a.m., with the majority of the prescipitation ending around 4:30 a.m. Light snow and freezing drizzle began again before noon. A 30 percent chance of continued snow was forecast throughout the evening.

The wintry mix of freezing drizzle and light snow glazed the roads across much of central and western Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported about three dozen accidents across the metro area.

In one bizarre incident early today, a man jumped to his death from the Interstate 35 bridge over the Oklahoma River after being involved in a minor accident.

The original accident happened about 4 a.m. when the man, who hasn’t been identified, sideswiped another motorist.

It was the second time someone jumped from the overpass in the last week. On Dec. 12, Donny Tannehill, 31, jumped to his death following a police chase in which a pursuing trooper forced Tannehill’s car into a retaining wall. As a police dog approached him, Tannehill jumped over the railing and the dog followed. The dog recovered from his injuries.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for motorists today.

The most difficult challenge for drivers today was slick spots which were scattered across the roads. City crews were out early today in Altus putting out gravel on major thoroughfares, including the Veterans Bypass.

It has been advised that as road conditions worsen, drivers should slow down, wear their seat belts, increase following distance and carry a cell phone. Motorists involved in an accident on icy roads should remain in their vehicle.