How drivers can prepare for bad winter weather
This video offers tips from the Indianapolis Department of Transportation to help drivers navigate bad winter weather conditions.
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:
- Knowledge: Before leaving home, find out about the driving conditions. Safe drivers know the weather, and their limits. If the weather is bad remember, “Ice and Snow, Take it Slow,” or just don’t go.
- Clear: Remove any snow on your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights and signals. Make sure you can see and be seen.
- Inspect: Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses. A breakdown is bad on a good day and dangerous on a bad-weather day.
- Time: Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.
- Kit: Keep a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, batteries, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots, and a first-aid kit. Load your car with winter travel gear, including tire chains, ice scraper/snowbrush, jumper cables, and road flares.
Preparing for winter weather: Indiana state officials offer tips
Weather info you need
🚨 Indiana Weather Alerts: Warnings, Watches and Advisories.
⚡ Indiana power outage map: How to check your status.
💻 Internet outages: How to track them.
🚫 What you should and shouldn’t do when the power is out.
🐶 Your neighbor left their pet outside. Who you should call.
Where to report power outages and downed lines
- AES Indiana customers: 317-261-8111
- Duke Energy customers: 1-800-343-3525
Indianapolis and Indiana road conditions
Check road conditions, including road closures, crashes and live webcams using Indiana’s online Trafficwise map at 511in.org, or visit our gridlock guide page for live traffic cams and more.
INDOT’s CARS Program provides information about road conditions, closures and width and weight restrictions. The website has a color-coded map of Indiana’s highways and highlights hazardous road conditions and travel delays.
The interactive map also shows road work warnings, closures, roadway restrictions and other information helpful to drivers.
Katie Wiseman is a trending news reporter for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.
