Area counties prepare for incoming winter weather

With the winter storm that’s expected to hit central Indiana – officials are urging Hoosiers to have a plan in place.

Here's what you need to know ahead of this week's expected winter storm

By: WRTV Staff

INDIANA — Preparations are well underway in central Indiana as winter weather nears at the end of the week.

You can get the latest web updates from the WRTV Storm Team here.

Statewide:

INDOT is encouraging Hoosiers to plan ahead by packing an emergency kit and adjusting travel plans.

Nearly 1,000 trucks will be treating and plowing highways across the state by Thursday afternoon through the weekend.

INDOT says its goal is to keep highways passable during the storm. Travel should be carefully considered Thursday afternoon through at least Friday morning.

To check your route and road conditions, visit INDOT Trafficwise.

You can view the Indiana County Travel Status Map here.

The State Emergency Operations Center will be activated beginning at 7 a.m. Thursday and will operate 24/7 through the event. Nearly 150 personnel from the Indiana National Guard will serve as Highway Assistance Teams, which will be strategically positioned across the northern third of the state to help motorists if needed.

Marion County:

Indy DPW says more than 100 people will be using 76 trucks to treat roads beginning Thursday night.

Rain washes away salt, which means DPW cannot pre-treat roads until the rain stops.

The Indy Snow Force Viewer will go live at 11 a.m. Thursday and run until Tuesday.

The Indianapolis International Airport says to make sure and check the status of your flight before you head to the airport. A few airlines have already issued travel waivers ahead of the storm. Officials say they will have teams on site all night making sure those who get stranded are taken care of.

“Depending on the weather, there could be some de-icing. It could take them a little bit longer to get out safely on their journey,” Megan Carrico, Director of Public Affairs at the airport, said.

Hamilton County:

Hamilton County Emergency Management says it plans to issue a travel watch at 6 a.m. Wednesday. A Travel Watch means that conditions threaten the public's safety. Only essential travel, such as to and from work or in an emergency situation, is recommended.

The Hamilton County Highway Department says there are 14 large plow/salt trucks and 10 pick up trucks equipped with plows. As of Wednesday morning, the department tells WRTV the plan is to have a crew working on Thursday morning at 3:30 a.m. At noon, 12 hour shifts will begin.

The Carmel Street Department say they are ready for what's to come.

“We have 92 snowplow vehicles, 24 of which can also lay down salt,” Dan McFeely, spokesperson for the city said. “The plan is to put our street department crew on 12-hour shifts beginning on Thursday, working around the clock until the snow stops. Currently we have about 5,000 tons of salt on hand.”

The department will begin with main roadways and secondary streets after snowfall ends and then will move into an all-city plow afterwards.

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 snow plows are clearing the main thoroughfares.

Republic Services is suspending trash and recycling services on Friday. The new pick up date is now Monday for Friday customers. Moving into next week, residents should plan to set out carts on their normal service day with the understanding there may be a one-day delay while Republic Services catches up on each route.

In Fishers, spokesperson Ashley Elrod says snow flight crews will be in place beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday and continuing in 12 hour shifts through the end of the weather event.

She also says in the case of power outages and heavy ice, plans are in place to launch warming stations.