From staff reports

The Indiana Department of Transportation is preparing for a winter storm expected to impact the state starting overnight Tuesday and early Wednesday.

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories for all of Indiana. NWS is calling for rain transitioning to snow south of I-70, with higher snow totals along and north of I-70. Snowfall rates of up to one inch per hour are possible at times.

INDOT will be at a full call in most areas, with nearly 1,000 trucks treating and plowing state highways, interstates and U.S. routes by early Wednesday. Trucks will remain active for the duration of the storm and afterward to continue cleanup efforts.

Rain and wintry mix are expected to begin late Tuesday into early Wednesday across southern Indiana, transitioning to snow across the state by mid-day. Due to rain in some parts of the state, pre-treatment will be challenging, but will occur as conditions allow.

Road conditions will vary depending upon location. Impacts to morning and evening commutes on Wednesday are expected. INDOT’s goal is to keep highways passable during the storm.

Motorists should closely monitor forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel during higher-impact timeframes during the storm, which are anticipated during the day on Wednesday. Those who must travel should expect to encounter slush and snow-covered roads, as well as low visibility. For drivers traveling on north-south routes like I-65 and I-69, expect conditions to worsen when approaching central Indiana, where higher snow totals are predicted.

Snow showers will linger through Thursday, with a high likelihood of lake effect snow in northeast Indiana. Drivers should remember to slow down, increase following distance, give plow trucks room to work and allow plenty of extra time to reach their destinations.

Monitor 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 at in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory.

ISP urges highway caution

The Indiana State Police would remind motorists of a few general winter weather driving suggestions:

For road and weather conditions, do not call 911 emergency dispatch centers. Statewide and local road conditions can easily be obtained by visiting the 511IN.org website. Leave the 911 calls for emergency assistance only.

Morning and afternoon commutes may be hazardous. Plan for extra travel time to and from work tomorrow.

Driving in heavy wet snow requires reduced speeds, increased following distance, and most importantly- wear your seatbelt and ensure the kiddos are properly restrained as well.

INDOT snow plows will be out in full force keeping our highways clear. Please give them room to work.

If your vehicle becomes broken down, please make arrangements to have it towed immediately. Troopers will be towing abandoned vehicles that are hindering INDOT snow removal efforts.

Should you become stranded on the roadside, have an emergency kit in your vehicle — charged cellphone, blankets, flashlight, road flares (to mark your location), water, snacks, etc.

If involved in a crash, it is best to stay belted inside your vehicle until help arrives. If the vehicle is drivable, moving off the traveled portion of the roadway or a parking lot is a good idea.

Reconsider travel plans to or from the Indianapolis area on Wednesday.

During any winter weather storm, staying home and off the roadways is always the best plan. If you must travel, as many of you will, use your best judgement, be prepared, give yourself plenty of time. Buckle up and drive safe!

City of Fort Wayne prepared for snowfall

To prepare for the snow event predicted for overnight and most of Wednesday, the City of Fort Wayne Street Department fleet is being checked and will be ready to begin snow removal when needed. Crews have been pretreating main arterial intersections with brine to reduce ice buildup. If possible, residents are encouraged to find off-street parking so trucks can blade as close to the curb as possible.

“As always, our outstanding Street Department is monitoring the weather system and preparing to remove the snow that could make our roadways dangerous for travel,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I urge motorists to use caution if they are unable to stay home tomorrow and be patient as our crews clear away the snow.”

The city is divided into 18 snow routes with each route assigned a minimum of two trucks. Streets in each route are prioritized as one (arterials), two (collectors and Citilink bus routes), and three (residential). Priority one streets are the first streets to receive plowing and salting. Whenever the priority one streets are deemed safe for travel during or after a snowfall, the city’s plow trucks begin operations on the priority two streets. After these streets are completed, trucks will move in to residential streets if there is an accumulation of three inches or more of snow. If during plowing operations on priority two or three streets it begins to snow again and priority one streets become slippery, trucks will be dispatched back to these streets as needed.

While no snow event is exactly the same, as a rule of thumb it usually takes 10-12 hours AFTER the snow stops falling to plow and salt priority one and two streets. Residential streets generally take 48 hours to plow, assuming the plow trucks can continue working on those areas and don’t have to move back to priority one or two streets.

The Street Department is responsible for 1,200 miles of streets and roads. More information about Street Department efforts can be found at www.cityoffortwayne.org/snow.