INDOT Braces for Statewide Winter Blast; Up to 15 Inches of Snow Expected
(INDIANAPOLIS) – No matter where in Indiana you are, Winter Storm Landon is expected to bring heavy ice and snow and treacherous driving conditions.
Governor Holcomb says it’s the first truly statewide weather emergency in his five years in office, with every part of the state expected to get heavy snow, ice, or both. He says the state is “not just prepared, but overprepared.”
INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness says the nature of the storm will be different as you move south. Northern Indiana got hit with snow early Wednesday morning, while the rest of the state got rain which will eventually change to ice.
McGuinness says INDOT has more than 200,000 tons of salt and brine on hand, but will have at best a narrow window for crews to pre-treat the roads, because the rain will just wash the salt away. That means roads are likely to have slick spots, especially in southern Indiana.
McGuinness says INDOT’s latest forecast calls for up to 15 inches of snow blanketing the state. Holcomb’s urging people to stay off the roads if they can, and use common sense if you do go out. He says businesses should consider shutting down to keep their workers and customers safe.
Homeland Security director Steve Cox says 10 counties have declared orange-level travel advisories, with drivers urged to stay home. He says so far, no counties have gone to red status, where travel is restricted to emergency vehicles.
The National Guard has mobilized 54 rescue teams to help stranded drivers, with another six teams on standby. Holcomb and State Police Superintendent Doug Carter are reminding drivers to take it slow, steer clear of downed power lines, avoid tailgating, and stay in your car if you do slide off the road. But Carter cautions it may take a while for police to get to you.
