As of 9am Central Time 10am Eastern Time: Snow has tapered off and winds are starting to subside. Snow on the ground is very wet and heavy and is packing on many secondary roadways. In Lake, Porter, Jasper, Laporte, Marshall and Fulton Counties, many east/west secondary roads are impassable due to the heavy, wet snow and snow drifts. Also some secondary roads are completely closed in sections due to disabled vehicles. Snowfall totals range from 8”-20” in the district. Primary roads, to include Interstates are in decent to fair shape, mainly wet to slushy. Secondary roads are slushy to snow covered and will need attention most of the day.
Give Them Room: Now that snow has ended, INDOT’s main concern will be clearing and drying district roads of snow, ice and slush. INDOT Northwest District will maintain a full call out of salt/plow crews until all roads are clear and mainly dry. INDOT would like to remind drivers to be cautious around snow plows and allow for plenty of room. Plows cannot see cars behind or on the sides of the truck. If you are attempting to pass a plow make sure there is a clearing, you have enough space, and don’t cut back in front of the plow too soon after you have passed them. The easiest way to help the plows is give them plenty of room on the roads or by staying off the roads altogether while they work to clear them.
Road Closure: SR 2 is closed near Hebron, between US 231 and CR 600 in Porter County.
Travel Advisories: A local travel warning of Red is in effect for Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Marshall and Fulton counties, meaning only emergency personnel should be on the roads. All remaining counties, with the exception of Cass County are at Level Orange, which only allows for essential travel. Travel advisories are determined by the counties themselves. Drivers can be ticketed for violating Travel Advisories. It is the responsibility of the driver and his employer to determine if essential travel includes to and from work. For the latest advisory map: http://www.in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory/
