Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, March 4, 2015
(SOUTHERN INDIANA) - Weather forecasts are predicting rain is changing over to snow later this morning, with the heaviest accumulations along and south of the Ohio River. Up to 6 inches of new snow may fall in these areas.
Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance supervisors are closely monitoring evolving local forecasts. Maintenance garages in southern Indiana have been servicing yellow plow trucks in preparation for 24-7 operation.
Because the storm is leading off with rain, any pre-treating of roads and bridges is being done just before pavement temperatures fall and snow and ice begin to accumulate on Indiana's interstates, U.S. highways and state routes. Trained employees are on call to staff INDOT's yellow plow trucks around the clock with alternating shifts of 12 hours or more.
Conditions worst during storm
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.
Drivers may see plow trucks working in tandem on multi-lane state highways. Traffic should not attempt to pass plow trucks if all lanes are blocked, but stay a safe distance and speed behind. Road conditions are always better behind a plow at work than in front.
Know before you go
If you must venture out, 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://www.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:
Gray: Good, the road is clear
Blue: Fair, speed is reduced due to isolated patches of snow and ice, and
Violet: Difficult or hazardous, speed is reduced due to snow and/or ice covered pavement.
Follow INDOT on Facebook at www.facebook.com/INDOTSoutheast and www.facebook.com/INDOTVincennesDistrict or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/INDOTSoutheast or www.twitter.com/INDOTSouthwest.
Watch for high water
Recent heavy rains combined with melting snow and frozen or saturated soils may cause flooding in low-lying or poorly drained areas. Consider clearing snow and debris from nearby storm drains and drainage culverts, but do not step into live traffic or deep water to do so.
A few inches of moving water can wash away most cars and as little as 2 feet can cause cars to float. Drivers are encouraged to "turn around, don't drown".
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