State & local officials detail plan of attack for coming storm

With a serious winter storm rushing across the United States as you read this, state and local officials in Indiana and Hamilton County are racing to finish plans and preparations to ensure public safety and the smoothest travel that will be possible.

Below is information The Reporter has received as of Friday evening.

Carmel’s army of trucks ready for battle

The City of Carmel is actively preparing for the first winter storm of the year as heavy snow and ice are forecasted for the weekend and into Monday, Jan. 6.

The Street Department has a fleet of 90 salt trucks and plows ready to battle the elements and keep our city streets safe.

Once the heavy snow stops, main thoroughfares and secondary streets will be cleared and safe for travel. An all-city plow will then begin, including all neighborhood streets. Residents are advised to stay off the roads during the heavy snow fall and then afterward, be patient and allow for plenty of travel space while the snowplows are clearing the main thoroughfares. Paths and trails will be cleared in the days that follow once roads are cleared.

“Based on the current forecast, we will begin 12-hour shifts for our crew,” Street Commissioner Matt Higginbotham said. “We will not conduct a full city-wide salt treatment before the event, since there is no ice forecasted for our area prior to the snowfall.”

The city’s public safety leaders are working with county officials to ensure emergency services continue to operate throughout the anticipated severe weather.

Updates related to street conditions and other storm-related matters will be posted on city social media pages.

Warming centers

Area churches are offering access for those in need during extreme cold weather. The designated centers will be open during standard business hours, allowing those in need to warm up for a short period of time and make arrangements for other services and accommodations. A list of centers and related information can be found on the Weather Aware page on the city’s website.

Mailbox or lawn damage

If your mailbox or lawn is damaged by a city plow, please email street@carmel.in.gov with your name, address, phone number and a brief description of the damage. A service request will be written for repairs. You may also choose to call (317) 733-2001, but please be patient since call volume is anticipated to be heavy.

Clearing sidewalks

Residents, property, and business owners are reminded that it is their responsibility to clear their sidewalks after a snow event, particularly those near schools. Not everyone is able to shovel snow safely. Please be aware of neighbors who are elderly or physically unable to shovel or plow and help them clear their driveways and sidewalks if possible.

Avoiding frozen pipes

Now is a good time to locate your water main shut-off valve. Should a pipe freeze or break, turn off the water immediately. Residents are encouraged to insulate exposed pipes, particularly in unheated areas like attics and basements, keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature above 55°F, open cabinet doors under sinks where pipes are located, let faucets drip slightly during cold weather, and drain outdoor hoses and faucets before freezing temperatures arrive.

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Fishers ready for snow & ice control

The Department of Public Works is responsible for providing snow and ice control for all dedicated streets within city limits.

The primary objective for Fishers Snow and Ice Control is to provide for the safe and orderly movement of traffic. Public Works staff work year-round to prepare and plan for each winter season.

When a snow or ice event is forecast, city personnel are mobilized. Intense storms require a 24-hour response and crews are assigned to 12-hour shifts for the duration of the storm and until the streets are accessible. Click here to read the Snow and Ice Control Plan.

Snow plow priorities

All roads in the City of Fishers are prioritized into groups for snow removal operations on a snow plow priority map. Priority roads 1 and 2 will always be maintained with the maximum service level. Priority 3 and 4 roads will be maintained as the winter storm conditions allow.

Click here to see the snow plow map.

Click here for more information about snow and ice control in Fishers.

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INDOT warns of widespread travel impacts

The Indiana Department of Transportation is prepared for a significant winter storm expected to move across the state starting Sunday.

As of Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm watches for all Indiana counties from just north of Lafayette and Kokomo to the Ohio River. NWS is calling for potential double-digit snowfall totals in parts of the state, with a sleet and ice mix in southern Indiana.

Heavier snow is currently expected between the Indianapolis metropolitan area and south to the U.S. 50 corridor where snowfall rates in excess of one inch per hour are possible.

Precipitation is expected to begin early Sunday in the southwest part of Indiana and spread north, continuing through late Monday.

Winds gusts of up to 35 mph will cause poor visibility, as well as blowing and drifting snow. This will result in snow-covered roads and widespread travel impacts. In southern Indiana, ice accumulation of 0.15 to 0.25 inches could cause downed trees and power lines.

Bitter cold temperatures will follow.

INDOT crews will be activated at a full or partial call out across the state, with more than 500 trucks treating state highways, interstates, and U.S. routes starting late Saturday and early Sunday, depending on location. Pre-treatment activities will occur prior to the storm. Crews will remain active for the duration of the event and afterward to continue cleanup efforts. Please note that it takes an average of two to three hours for crews to complete a full snow route.

Motorists should carefully consider or avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas anticipated to receive higher snow totals. If you must travel, remember to slow down, increase following distance, allow extra time to reach destinations, and give plow trucks plenty of room to work. Drivers are also encouraged to prepare an emergency car kit that includes water, snacks, blankets, extra clothing, a small shovel and a flashlight in the event they become stranded.

Check real-time travel conditions and view traffic and snow plow cameras online at 511in.org or via INDOT’s TrafficWise app. Regular updates will also be shared on INDOT’s social media channels. Check for travel advisories in your area from the Department of Homeland Security at in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory.