INDOT: New Snow Moving Into Southern Indiana — Heaviest Accumulation Predicted Along Ohio River

The National Weather Service has declared Winter Storm Warnings for eight Indiana counties along the Ohio River between Evansville and Louisville. In addition, 10 southern and southeast Indiana counties are under a Winter Weather Advisory.

The storm will continue to enter the state over the next few hours with up to 6 inches of new snow predicted for far south central Indiana along the Ohio River. Snow amounts will increase sharply as one travels south and east into Kentucky with the potential for rapidly deteriorating road conditions over a short distance.

Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance supervisors have been closely monitoring the track of today’s storm and have been deploying yellow plow trucks before snow and ice begin to accumulate on Indiana’s interstates, U.S. highways and state routes. Trained employees are on call to staff plow trucks around the clock with alternating shifts of 12 hours or more.

As there are changes in forecasted and observed road conditions, local INDOT staff will redeploy manpower, trucks and materials and shift resources as appropriate.

Winds of 15-20 mph are expected to impact road conditions and visibility in areas with heavy snowfall. INDOT crews will take steps to minimize the amount of blowing snow that sticks or drifts onto cleared highways.

Each plow route takes 2-3 hours to complete with salt assisting in melting between passes. INDOT urges drivers to reschedule optional trips during and shortly after winter precipitation as that’s when road conditions will be the worst.

If you must venture out, below are driving tips to improve visibility and safety:

Before you depart, fully clear off your front and rear windshields and side mirrors.
Choose direct routes instead of longer trips on higher-speed roads and highways.
If you see a snow squall ahead, immediately take your foot off the gas and turn off cruise control, especially on high-speed highways. No one should be traveling at interstate speeds during winter weather. Law enforcement will be writing citations for drivers going faster than conditions merit and putting others in harm’s way.
Use low-beam lamps if your vehicle is equipped.
Increase following distance so you can barely see the taillights of any vehicles in front of you.
Turn on emergency flashers if you are stopped or traveling slower than other vehicles.
If you need to stop, try to exit or turn off the main highway. If you must stop on the shoulders, pull as far away from the travel lanes as possible.
Regularly fill your gas tank and charge your mobile phone.
Apply anti-lock brakes firmly. Pump brakes that are not anti-lock.
Do not overcorrect with steering.

Know before you go:

• There are several state resources that drivers can access to “know before you go”:
• Counties post travel advisories as new information is available to http://in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory or the Indiana Travel Advisory app for iPhone or Android.
• INDOT maintenance staff report color-coded winter driving conditions on INDOT’s TrafficWise map at http://indot.carsprogram.org. Road conditions are defined as: (1) Gray: Good, the road is clear (2) Blue: Fair, speed is reduced due to isolated patches of snow and ice, and (3) Violet: Difficult or hazardous, speed is reduced due to snow and/or ice covered pavement
• Dial INDOT's hotline toll-free at 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or 511 from a mobile phone.
• Find your regional INDOT district on Facebook and Twitter at http://in.gov/indot/3074.htm.