Wintry mix could affect Tuesday morning commute

Monday, March 2, 2015

Putnam County is one of 38 counties under a winter weather advisory extending from 3 a.m. through noon Tuesday.

The National Weather Service warns that freezing rain and sleet is expected to affect the Tuesday morning commute across central Indiana.

The main impact is expected to be slick roads, which will make travel difficult. Up to one tenth of an inch of ice and sleet accumulation is possible.

The wintry mix of precipitation is expected to begin around 3 a.m. Warm air moving into the area will allow all precipitation to change over to rain by noon.

Some areas may be especially slick, with freezing rain falling on existing packed snow. Additionally, existing snow may clog street drains and cause flooding, especially in low-lying areas.

With the mix of precipitation likely, the Indiana State Police and Indiana Department of Homeland Security have advised Hoosiers to prepare for potentially deteriorating conditions.

Travel

Hoosiers should carefully consider if travel is necessary, especially if roads become hazardous. If travel is necessary, the state agencies encourage motorists to use a variety of resources to make an informed decision. 



One source is the Indiana County Travel Advisory Map. It's updated with travel information determined by county emergency management agencies and describes the conditions for a travel warning, watch, advisory and caution. 

The map is available online at http://www.in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory/ or on a mobile device by downloading the Indiana Travel Advisory app for iPhone in the App Store or Android in the Google Play Store.



Keep an eye on road conditions and closures across the state using the Indiana Department of Transportation's TrafficWise service at trafficwise.in.gov or by calling 1-800-261-ROAD (7623.)

In addition to these tools, stay aware of changing travel conditions by monitoring the local news, travel, weather and trusted social media sites and apps.


Citizens that must travel should let someone know the planned route, expected time of arrival and contact information. Charge cell phones before leaving. Pack essential items such as high protein snacks, water, first aid kit, flashlight, warm blankets, extra prescription medications and important documents or information that might be needed during an emergency.

Develop a Plan

Winter weather, especially ice, can cause power outages. Hoosiers should be prepared to take action should the power go out. Citizens should look up their electric utility's outage reporting phone number and add it to their cell phone contact list. 



Other ways to get ready include: 



- Charge cell phones, laptops and any other battery-operated accessories to ensure maximum battery life when without power. 



- Know where to go should the power go out. Identify a friend or family member's house, or a nearby shelter or warming station that can be used. If none of these are available, identify the most insulated and interior room available and gather extra clothing, warm blankets and sleeping bags to help stay warm.



- Prepare an emergency kit, including food and water for three days (includes three gallons of water per person, per day), a battery operated or hand crank all hazards radio, a flashlight and extra batteries and any other special items (baby formula, insulin, medications).



Take the time to check with neighbors and see if there's anything they can do before, during or after weather events.

For more winter weather preparedness information, visit www.GetPrepared.in.gov.

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