Winter Weather Advisory in effect in Putnam County

Friday, December 16, 2016

A Winter Weather Advisory that went into effect at 10 p.m. Friday remained in place until 7 a.m. Saturday for most of central Indiana, including all of Putnam County.

The advisory covers the entire northern part of the state -- essentially north of a line from Terre Haute to North Vernon, extending as far south as Monroe, Bartholomew and Jennings counties.

Forecasters say roadways in the advisory area could become slick as precipitation freezes when it hits the pavement.

The forecast calls for snow from Crawfordsville to Marion and north. One or two inches of snow is possible before it changes to sleet and freezing rain Saturday morning.

The snow and freezing rain was expected to change to all rain by sunrise Saturday although rain and fog are likely during the day with highs in the 40s in a brief warm-up.

Much colder air is then expected to return Saturday night. In fact, a temperature drop of 30 degrees from the high on Saturday to the low on Sunday morning is possible.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is monitoring multiple weather forecasts predicting a mix of rain, freezing rain, snow and ice to move across Indiana.

A few degrees can mean the difference between rain, ice or snow, so freezing rain can be difficult for forecasters to pinpoint in advance. INDOT maintenance supervisors will continue monitoring developing conditions and reports from law enforcement.

If the forecast indicates freezing rain, sleet or ice, INDOT sprays a salt-water mixture to pre-treat bridges, which are likely to freeze first. If a storm is predicted to begin with rain, salt trucks pre-treat roads just before pavement temperatures fall below freezing and the snow and ice begin to accumulate.

Freezing rain and ice can be the most dangerous and difficult conditions for drivers and plow trucks because it affects vehicles of all sizes, including those with four-wheel drive. Motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid non-essential travel within the times and areas where a coating of ice is predicted to accumulate.

Know before you go by checking the red-yellow-green traffic speeds on your map app or http://indot.carsprogram.org.

Drivers can monitor road conditions and traffic alerts across the state at any time. Visit www.TrafficWise.IN.gov or dial toll-free 800-261-ROAD (7623) for INDOT’s TrafficWise Traveler Information Service.

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