Indy Snow Force prepares to clear roads hit by winter storm

Indianapolis is expecting about half a foot or more of snow starting early Wednesday morning. The Department of Public Works is in charge of clearing city streets, and says it will have 60 drivers out pretreating roadways.

DPW’s new director Brandon Herget said the heaviest snowfall is expected Wednesday morning during rush hour.  Snow could fall at a rate of up to three-quarters of an inch an hour.

“If we see that… as many trucks as we throw at it, we’re not going to be able to keep those streets clear because snow is going to fall right behind it. So we’re encouraging constituents if you don’t have to go out, try and stay home,” Herget said.

Herget said more Indy Snow Force drivers are on standby.

“We’re hoping by tomorrow afternoon things are getting a little clearer that the weather cooperates, but the weather cooperation is outside of our control,” Herget said.

Motorists should give plow trucks and others plenty of space. Heavy trash services will not operate through the end of the week.  DPW Operations teams will monitor the storm’s progress.

Most of central Indiana is under a winter storm warning from 1 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday. In addition to the heavy snow, the National Weather Service said, some areas will see wind gusts up to 35 miles per hour.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.