Officials urge patience, caution for plows, emergency workers

State highway officials are urging you to prepare for what they are calling a significant weather event this weekend.

INDOT says it will have all available plows and drivers out on state highways, interstates and U.S. routes. More than 940 plow trucks and over 1,600 plow operators will be deployed over the weekend. Crews will remain active for the duration of the event and afterward to continue cleanup efforts.

INDOT asks for patience, saying it takes two to three hours for each crew to complete their full snow route. You can expect with the heavy snow that roads will become snow covered again before the plow can return for its next pass.

The extreme cold temperatures are also going to hinder the effectiveness of salt, so plowing will be the main priority during the storm. When possible, crews will treat the road with additives that increase the effectiveness of the salt.

The extreme cold will also have an effect on the plow trucks fuel systems and will require the use of fuel additives to prevent the fuel systems from freezing.

Real time road conditions and views from INDOT plows are available at 511in.org.