INDOT prepares for winter storm, widespread travel impacts expected
Last Updated on January 3, 2025 by Cass County Communication Network
SOURCE: News release from Indiana Department of Transportation
INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Transportation is prepared for a significant winter storm expected to move across the state starting Sunday.
As of Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm watches for all Indiana counties from just north of Lafayette and Kokomo to the Ohio River. NWS is calling for potential double digit snowfall totals in parts of the state, with a sleet and ice mix in southern Indiana. Heavier snow is currently expected between the Indianapolis metropolitian area and the U.S. 50 corridor where snowfall rates in excess of one inch per hour are possible. Precipitation is expected to begin early Sunday in the southwest part of Indiana and spread north, continuing through late Monday.
Winds gusts of up to 35 mph will cause poor visibility, as well as blowing and drifting snow. This will result in snow-covered roads and widespread travel impacts. In southern Indiana, ice accumulation of 0.15 to 0.25 inches could cause downed trees and power lines. Bitter cold temperatures will follow.
| INDOT crews will be activated at a full or partial call out across the state, with more than 500 trucks treating state highways, interstates and U.S. routes starting late Saturday and early Sunday, depending on location. Pre-treatment activities will occur prior to the storm on Friday and Saturday. Crews will remain active for the duration of the event and afterward to continue cleanup efforts. Please note that it takes an average of two-to-three hours for crews to complete a full snow route. Motorists should carefully consider or avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas anticipated to receive higher snow totals. If you must travel, remember to slow down, increase following distance, allow extra time to reach destinations and give plow trucks plenty of room to work. Drivers are also encouraged to prepare an emergency car kit that includes water, snacks, blankets, extra clothing, a small shovel and a flashlight in the event they become stranded. Check real-time travel conditions and view traffic and snow plow cameras online at 511in.org or via INDOT’s TrafficWise app. Regular updates will also be shared on INDOT’s social media channels. Check for travel advisories in your area from the Department of Homeland Security at in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory. Stay Informed Motorists in Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts any time via: Facebook: facebook.com/indianadepartmentoftransportation X (formerly Twitter): @INDOT TrafficWise: 511in.org Mobile App: iTunes App Store and the Google Play store for Android About the Indiana Department of Transportation INDOT continues to solidify the Hoosier State as the Crossroads of America through delivery of Gov. Eric J. Holcomb’s $60 billion Next Level Roads plan. With six district offices and 3,500 employees, the agency is charged with constructing and maintaining more than 29,000 lane miles of highways, more than 5,700 bridges, and supporting 4,500 rail miles and 127 aviation facilities across the state. For the eighth consecutive year, Indiana has placed within the top ten in the nation for infrastructure in CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” rankings. Learn more about INDOT at in.gov/indot. About Buckle Up Phone Down Buckle Up Phone Down is a safety initiative adopted by the Indiana Department of Transportation in late 2023. Unrestrained motorists and passengers, as well as distracted driving continue to be contributing factors in fatal and serious injury crashes on Indiana roadways. Buckle Up Phone Down is one of many efforts to change driver behavior and improve roadway safety across Indiana. The actions are simple: when you get into a vehicle, buckle up. If you are the driver, put the phone down. Every trip. Every time. Learn more and accept the challenge at BUPDIN.com. Customer Service 1-855-463-6848 www.indot4u.com |