Road Crews Mobilize For First Winter Storm Of Season

City and state road crews are on the roads preparing for the first winter storm of the season.

Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service predicted 3 to 6 inches of snow in areas north of Interstate 70 and 6-10 inches south of I-70. Temperatures are expected to dip into the 20s, with windchills in the teens.

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works called in all 90 of its drivers Thursday afternoon. The Indy Snow Force, as it is known, will maintain the city streets. Reinforcements may be called in, if the snow totals hit the top end of the predictions.

Indy Snow Force maintains #Indy thoroughfares. We may choose to activate contractors on residential streets in snow events of 6 in or more.

— Indy Snow Force (@IndySnowForce) December 4, 2013

Crews from the Indiana Department of Transportation will treat and clear the highways.

#INDOT will treat icy surfaces on highways with salt to accelerate melting. Plow trucks will clear lanes of snow until the weather subsides.

— INDOT (@INDOT) December 5, 2013

The city and INDOT are asking motorists to give their snow removal crews plenty of space as they work through the night to keep the roads clear. INDOT is encouraging people to stay off the roads.

Motorists are advised to avoid non-essential travel. Ice will probably be the greatest threat to safety for the motoring public.

— INDOT (@INDOT) December 5, 2013

If you have to hit the roads during the storm, travel condisions are available at TrafficWise.in.gov or by phone at 800-261-ROAD (7623). Indy Snow Force and INDOT will also provide updates through social media.