Most roads across Northwest Indiana are now passable. However, it’s still too cold for road salt to be effective, so a sheet of ice should be expected on all roads across northwest Indiana. Conditions may get worse overnight when any thawing and melting that has occurred during the day may refreeze. Deichley adds icy conditions likely won’t improve until later in the day tomorrow when temperatures are expected to become more favorable for chemical melting agents and plows to achieve optimal results. Until then, INDOT is asking the public to refrain from any non-emergency travel. Those who must travel are asked to be prepared for these conditions before leaving and to adjust driving behaviors in order to arrive at destinations safely. Take it slow, leave plenty of room between vehicles and give plows ample space to work.

INDOT snow plow drivers are fighting a losing battle with Mother Nature as they try to clear snow from the roads. They advise blowing and drifting snow has intensified and icy conditions persist on nearly all roadways. All roads should be considered extremely slick and hazardous, and motorists are discouraged from driving in non-emergency situations.

The sub-zero temperatures are wreaking havoc on plow trucks and other heavy machinery, and this is forcing repairs in the midst of plow routes. Roads are also drifting shut soon after they are cleared by plows, and abandoned vehicles on some roadways are making it impossible to clear them. Additionally, road salt is less effective in these frigid temperatures, making it very difficult to remove hard-pack snow and ice without a spike in temperatures. INDOT officials stress that motorist safety is their primary concern when they ask people to stay off the roads. If you insist on being out, take it slow and carry a charged cell phone and emergency kit in your car. Remember, these road conditions are slowing response times for police, firefighters, EMTS and tow trucks. Frostbite and hypothermia can develop very quickly on exposed skin, and you may freeze to death before help arrives.