Season’s first winter storm to impact northern Indiana this weekend
As part of Winter Weather Preparedness Week this Nov. 15 through 21, the Indiana Department of Transportation on Wednesday detailed its preparations for the upcoming winter season. INDOT today encourages the motoring public to prepare themselves for safe winter travel.
“INDOT urges drivers to dust off their safe winter driving habits now to prevent crashes during the first winter storms,” said Commissioner Brandye Hendrickson. “This means planning extra travel time and allowing a safe distance between cars, especially our plow trucks.”
First winter storm, what to expect
A Winter Weather Advisory takes effect for Lake and Porter counties in northwest Indiana at midnight tonight. A Winter Storm Watch will go into effect for LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaGrange, Steuben counties across northern Indiana at 7 a.m. tomorrow. According to multiple forecasts INDOT is monitoring, precipitation for areas under the Winter Storm Watch will start as rain on Friday night. As temperatures cool overnight there will be a period of transition when rain and snow will mix. This could present some challenges for drivers as a wintry mix brings the potential for icy roadways.
INDOT will monitor the weather to our west and begin treating the roads with salt prior to the onset of mixed precipitation. That mix is expected to change over to all snow early on Saturday morning. Snow will still have a tough time accumulating initially because daytime ground temperatures are still above 50 degrees. The heaviest snow will fall in northwest Indiana, with some areas seeing 2-4 inches. Generally the northern part of the state will see 1-3 inches of wet snow.
Safe winter driving
INDOT urges drivers to reconsider optional trips during and shortly after winter precipitation – especially heavy snows – when road conditions will be the worst. Each yellow plow truck takes 2-3 hours to complete its route with salt assisting in melting between passes.
Motorists who cannot avoid travel must consider their safety and the safety of others by adjusting their driving to the conditions. Most winter weather crashes are attributed to driving at an unsafe speed for conditions. Drivers are urged to accelerate slowly, brake early and allow more distance if you need to stop. Remember: “Ice and Snow, Take it Slow!”
INDOT wants everyone to stay safe on the roads this winter and offers tips at www.winterdrivingsafety.in.gov.
Be prepared and stay informed
Hoosiers should follow winter weather forecasts and carefully consider if travel is necessary during snow and ice storms. INDOT and other state public-safety agencies encourage motorists to use a variety of resources to be prepared and make informed decisions.
During winter storms, plow-truck supervisors update INDOT’s TrafficWise traveler information service with road conditions for interstates, U.S. highways and state roads. Learn about traffic and road conditions, crashes and construction by visiting http://indot.carsprogram.org, calling 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or dialing 511 from a mobile phone. To keep the lines clear for emergencies, do not call 911 or police dispatch to request road and weather conditions.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security offers information about preparing vehicles for winter, winter emergency kits, and safe driving techniques at www.in.gov/dhs/3549.htm. County emergency management agencies update the IDHS Travel Status Map with travel advisories, warnings and watches based on local weather and road conditions. The map is available at www.in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory/ or from your mobile app store.
