With the National Weather Service announcing a Winter Storm Warning for much of Central and Northern Indiana this holiday weekend, Indianapolis transportation officials have released their preparation plans.

The NWS forecast calls for 1 to 6 inches of snow Nov. 29 in the Indianapolis metro area, with the least snow expected south of Interstate 70 and amounts increasing northward.

In anticipation of snow starting Saturday morning, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works announced it will treat roads starting Friday, Nov. 28.

At 11 p.m., AFSCME Local #725 crews will begin their 12-hour shifts monitoring and preparing roads throughout the city. As snow begins to fall, crews will focus on prioritizing and clearing one-way roads, bridge overpasses, thoroughfares and streets abutting hospitals and fire stations.

Starting at about midnight, the Indiana Department of Transportation will have a few crews preparing roads and highways throughout Indianapolis, with additional crews tackling highways outside of Indianapolis starting at 4 a.m.

Once the snow begins to fall, INDOT will send its full crew out to treat and service roads and highways across Indianapolis and Indiana.

“It takes about 2 to 3 hours for our plows to complete their routes and they usually travel about 25 miles an hour,” said Jordan Yaney, public relations director for INDOT East Central district.

“We just want to remind people that just because they don’t see a plow in their 10-minute drive, it doesn’t mean we’re not out.”

INDOT also recommends that drivers provide enough space, which is about 600 feet or more, between vehicles while traveling on icy roads.

Get your abandoned vehicle before the snowstorm

In preparation for the upcoming snowstorm, the Indiana State Police announced it will tow all abandoned vehicles in Indianapolis that the department considers a road hazard.

People whose cars have been towed can visit the Indianapolis government “towed vehicle” webpage to find their vehicle, or at www.indy.gov/activity/dbns-tow-programs.

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works also shares updates about Marion County road conditions on its X page.

Live Indianapolis, Indiana weather radar

You can also check the NWS Indianapolis page on X, formerly Twitter, for updates about the weather.

More weather: High winds and snow flurries could affect Thanksgiving commutes

A travel advisory is the lowest level of local travel advisory.

“Routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas,” according IN.gov.

A travel watch means that conditions are threatening to the public so only essential travel is recommended. A travel warning means that unless you are in emergency management, you are recommended to be off the roads.

Is there snow on the ground? How to see if your Indianapolis street has been plowed

Driving in Indianapolis? Check out this live traffic map, per Waze

Drivers can use a free live traffic map from Waze to navigate Indianapolis. The navigation app from Waze provides traffic updates, road condition information and offers directions.

Safe driving tips for snow and ice

Staying safe on Indiana’s roads during a winter storm can depend largely on how well you’re prepared. The Indiana Department of Transportation offers these tips: