A winter storm warning forecasting freezing rain, sleet, ice and snow means difficult driving conditions are likely for motorists in southern and central Indiana, as well as counties in northeastern Indiana, beginning in the overnight hours tonight.

The Indiana Department of Transportation plans to mobilize salt trucks and snow plows ahead of the advancing winter storm – with the worst conditions predicted to track from southwestern Indiana to the I-70 corridor across the central portion of the state. In northeastern Indiana, INDOT is pre-treating I-69 with brine on bridges, underpasses and ramps, which are critical areas that tend to ice up more quickly than the rest of the roadway. INDOT is prepared to combat icy surfaces on state and interstate highways with treated salt to accelerate melting. Plow trucks will repeatedly clear lanes of snow until the weather event subsides.

Because the front edge of the storm is rain, INDOT’s best plan of attack is to treat the roads just before pavement temperatures drop and wintry mix begins to accumulate.

Motorists in central and southern Indiana, especially, are advised to avoid non-essential travel. Ice will probably be the greatest threat to safety for the motoring public in this region. Even four-wheel-drive vehicles have little advantage on icy pavements.

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