{"id":128629,"date":"2026-01-23T09:54:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T14:54:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=128629"},"modified":"2026-01-25T10:10:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T15:10:43","slug":"state-of-indiana-prepares-for-winter-storm-and-expected-widespread-travel-impacts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2026\/01\/23\/state-of-indiana-prepares-for-winter-storm-and-expected-widespread-travel-impacts\/","title":{"rendered":"State of Indiana prepares for winter storm and expected widespread travel impacts"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police and Indiana Department of Homeland Security urge Hoosiers to prepare for a significant winter weather event this weekend.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Indiana Department of Transportation news release:<\/p>\n

INDOT, ISP & IDHS prepare for winter storm, widespread travel impacts expected<\/strong><\/p>\n

Indianapolis, Indiana (January 23, 2026) \u2013 The Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police and Indiana Department of Homeland Security urge Hoosiers to prepare for a significant winter weather event this weekend.<\/p>\n

A winter storm will have statewide impacts Saturday, January 24 through Sunday, January 25. Heavy snowfall is expected, especially for the southern half of the state. Lake effect is expected to follow in Northwest Indiana, continuing into Monday. Extremely cold temperatures and negative wind chills are forecasted Friday, January 23 through Tuesday, January 27.<\/p>\n

The greatest impacts to travel will be Saturday evening through Sunday morning, but impacts are expected to be ongoing due to frigid temperatures and the possibility of blowing, drifting snow.<\/p>\n

INDOT will have all available plows and drivers out on our state-maintained roads (state highways, interstates and U.S. routes). Preparations are being made now to ensure trucks, equipment and personnel are ready. Over 940 plow trucks and over 1,600 plow operators will be deployed over the weekend, with additional winter operations personnel providing support. Crews will remain active for the duration of the event and afterward to continue cleanup efforts.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

It takes an average of two-to-three hours for crews to complete a full snow route. During heavy snowfall rates, roadways will become snow-covered between plow passes. Extreme temperatures will hinder the effectiveness of salt so plowing will be INDOT\u2019s main course of action during this winter event. Drivers will treat as conditions allow, and additives may be used to increase the effectiveness of salt. These temperatures will also have an effect on plow fuel systems, requiring the use of fuel additives to prevent freezing.<\/p>\n

Motorists are encouraged to keep these tips in mind over the course of this winter event:<\/p>\n