Naptown Buzz

Your source for all things Indy™

Indianapolis Snow

First Snowfall of the 2024-25 Season, Indy DPW Prepping Streets

by Leave a Comment

FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON 2024 25

FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON LATE TONIGHT INTO TOMORROW

2:28 PM EST Wed November 20, 2024

Two rounds of snow are expected across much of central Indiana. The first round will begin late tonight and end by mid-morning with amounts of less than an inch. Heavier snow will arrive mid to late afternoon and may impact the evening commute.

Total snow is likely between 1 and 3 inches with some locally higher amounts.

Accumulations will be highest on grassy and elevated surfaces with slushy road conditions due to warm ground temperatures.

Slow down, drive carefully, and allow extra time to reach your destination.

Indy DPW to deploy plowing crews

IndyDPW Snow 2024

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) is proactively preparing for the anticipated snowfall by deploying crews overnight and throughout tomorrow to ensure road safety for all residents.

According to the National Weather Service, Indianapolis is forecasted to see 2-3 inches of snow. At this time, snowfall is expected to begin between 3 and 4 AM. With that in mind, a team of a dozen drivers will operate four trucks to pre-treat and salt city roads starting at 11 PM tonight. Early tomorrow morning at 7 AM, additional crews will be dispatched to re-salt and clear the roads as needed to maintain safe driving conditions.

Although freezing pavement temperatures are not currently expected, DPW crews are taking proactive measures to address the snowfall and minimize potential disruptions to morning commutes.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of Indianapolis residents during the first weather event of the season,” said Indy DPW Director Brandon Herget. “Our crews will be working diligently through the night and into the morning to keep our roads clear and safe.”

Residents are encouraged to use caution while driving during and after snowfall. A few safe driving reminders are as follows:

  • Allow extra time for travel
  • Maintain safe distances from snowplow trucks
  • Clear your vehicle of any snow or other visual obstructions before driving
  • Drive at slower speeds
  • Leave extra distance between other vehicles on the road
  • Pack bags of sand, blankets, water, and extra clothes

For updates on snow removal efforts, road conditions, and safety tips, follow DPW on social media, follow plow progress online, or visit www.indy.gov/snow.

Indy Snow Force Will Have 65 Trucks Out Monday – Wednesday

by

Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) Snow Force

With forecasts including the possibility of snow and icy conditions tonight through Wednesday, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) will activate 65 Snow Force drivers beginning this evening to pre-treat roadways. Forecasts include the chance of some snow accumulation regularly expected until Wednesday, and Snow Force leadership will continue to monitor changing weather patterns to adapt the response as necessary.

Over the weekend, Indianapolis saw its first snow of the season. Indy Snow Force drivers have been preparing since early October for this winter weather season with classroom and hands-on training as well as equipment preparation.

Beginning at 11 P.M. this evening, Indy Snow Force will have 65 trucks and more than 100 team members working 12-hour shifts to address the roadways. The Indy Snow Force Viewer Map will be live at this time as well. This map will show where roads along standard routes have been recently plowed or treated with salt.

Motorists are urged to drive with care during wintry conditions, especially on bridge overpasses or locations known to get slippery. Remember to leave home with plenty of time to safely reach your destination, and allow plenty of clearance near other vehicles. DPW also asks motorists to keep these tips in mind when sharing the road with snow trucks.

  • Look out for flashing amber lights. These lights alert drivers from far away of plow trucks on the road.
  • Give plow trucks plenty of room to treat the roads. Plow trucks release road salt from the back of the truck, and following too closely could result in salt hitting your vehicle.
  • Stay at least three car lengths away from plows. Snow clouds thrown by plows can reduce visibility greatly, hiding other vehicles or road hazards.

Residents can stay up to date on Indy Snow Force efforts during winter weather events online at indy.gov/dpw and on Twitter by following @IndySnowForce.

DPW Activating Indy Snow Force Wednesday-Friday

by

With forecasts calling for several inches of sleet or snow beginning to accumulate Wednesday overnight and throughout Thursday, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) will activate a full call-out of Snow Force crews Wednesday afternoon to treat thoroughfares and secondary streets against icy conditions.

Indy DPW anticipates that crews will work multiple 12-hour shifts, treating streets with de-icing “salt” material or plowing accumulation, and remaining on the roadways through at least Friday afternoon.

WINTRY CONDITION DRIVING TIPS

Motorists are urged to drive with care during wintry conditions, especially on bridge overpasses or locations known to get slippery. Remember to leave plenty of time to safely reach your destination, allow plenty of clearance near other vehicles, and keep at least three car lengths between your vehicle and Snow Force trucks.

DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND TRAFFIC LIGHT ISSUES

Snowy and icy conditions may also lead to downed tree limbs or issues with traffic signals. If a roadway is impassable due to downed tree limbs, or if a traffic signal is malfunctioning, residents should contact the Mayor’s Action at 317-327-4622. Calls to the Mayor’s Action Center after normal business hours can be directed to DPW Dispatch by selecting option ‘2’.

INDY SNOW FORCE

Follow @IndySnowForce on Twitter for regular updates on snow fight activity during winter weather events. The Indy Snow Force Viewer is a tool for Indy residents to monitor where trucks have been during a major winter weather event, showing where roads have been plowed or treated with salt.

DPW’s Indy Snow Force Treating Icy Roads

by

With forecasts calling for a steep drop in temperature Thursday afternoon, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) will activate Snow Force crews at 11 a.m. to treat thoroughfares and secondary streets against icy conditions after a rainy morning. Indy DPW anticipates that crews will work at least two 12-hour shifts, remaining on the roads overnight Thursday and into Friday morning.

High winds are expected to continue Thursday, with the additional possibility of freezing rain and sleet. Indy Snow Force drivers will be strategic in dropping de-icing “salt” material so that it will be effective on roadways but not washed away with any heavy rain showers.

Report Downed Tree Limbs and Traffic Signal Issues

Stormwater, forestry, and traffic signal crews will also be available to address issues related to gusty winds and high water on roadways. If a roadway is impassable due to high water or a downed tree limb, or if a traffic signal is malfunctioning, residents should contact the Mayor’s Action at 317-327-4622. Calls to the Mayor’s Action Center after normal business hours can be directed to DPW Dispatch by selecting option ‘2’.

Watch for Flooding

With the presence of so much recent precipitation, Indy residents can help reduce the potential for flooding by proactively checking storm drains, inlets, driveway culverts, and cross-pipes to remove yard debris, trash, and other obstructions. Indy DPW will additionally monitor river gauges and communicate with news outlets if area waterways are expected to enter minor or major flooding stages. Residents particularly in low-lying areas are advised to regularly check news outlets for the latest updates.

Beware of Icy Roads and Overpasses

Motorists are urged to drive with care during wintry conditions, especially on bridge overpasses or locations known to get slippery. Remember to leave plenty of time to safely reach your destination, allow plenty of clearance near other vehicles, and keep at least three car lengths between your vehicle and Snow Force trucks.

Follow @IndySnowForce on Twitter for regular updates on snow fight activity during winter weather events. The Indy Snow Force Viewer is a tool for Indy residents to monitor where trucks have been during a major winter weather event, showing where roads have been plowed or treated with salt.

Indy DPW Contracts Snow Removal for Residential Streets

by

Looking ahead to the end of expected snow accumulation late Thursday night, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) plans to contract snow plow vendors to plow residential streets, likely beginning Friday morning. Contractors will address approximately 4,400 miles of smaller, residential roadways beyond the 4,000 miles of thoroughfares maintained by Indy DPW’s Snow Force crews.

Vendors are contracted for a single pass along each public, residential street— including the “Connector” network of streets and beyond, in neighborhoods across Indianapolis. Motorists who park along public, neighborhood roadways should be wary that contracted plows will be working to make a pass through each street. Indy DPW encourages motorists to “hug the curb” or park in off-street locations if possible, allowing contracted plows maximum space on tighter, residential streets.

Private neighborhood streets and those roadways not under City of Indianapolis maintenance jurisdiction will not be plowed.

Indianapolis DPW Snow Removal by Indy Snow Force February 2-4, 2022

by

With forecasts calling for a winter storm starting with rain Wednesday and developing into sleet and snow, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works expects to activate more than 200 personnel throughout the multi-day event, addressing the various impacts of the winter storm.

Workers across various shifts and from various teams will include those in Fleet Services, Stormwater Operations, Forestry Maintenance, Traffic Signals technicians, and Snowplow drivers and laborers.

Crews are expected to remain active for at least several days, working 12-hour shifts, as Indy Snow Force leadership continues to monitor the changing forecast.

High Water and Downed Trees and Limbs Possible

On Wednesday, with the presence of rainy conditions expected, crews will be ready to respond to issues related to gusty winds and high water on roadways. This includes forestry crews and traffic signal technicians.

If a roadway is impassable due to high water or a downed tree limb, or if a traffic signal is malfunctioning, residents should contact the Mayor’s Action at 317-327-4622. Calls to the Mayor’s Action Center after normal business hours can be directed to DPW Dispatch by selecting option ‘2’.

Pretreating Roads Difficult, Dangerous Driving Conditions Expected

The presence of rain ahead of more snowy, wintry weather (expected late Wednesday into Thursday) makes pre-treating roadways difficult; rain is known to wash away any salt material placed on the ground. Indy Snow Force drivers will watch for opportunities to salt roadways but expect to be mostly unable to pre-treat roadways ahead of ice and snow.

As rain shifts to sleet or snow, this will lead to very slick roadways and dangerous driving conditions.

Avoid Travel If Possible

Residents are encouraged to avoid travel starting Wednesday evening throughout the rest of the week.

This will allow Indy Snow Force drivers and other DPW crews plenty of space to clear roads and complete other necessary work.

Motorists are urged to drive with care during wintry conditions, especially on bridge overpasses or locations known to get slippery.

Remember to leave plenty of time to safely reach your destination, allow plenty of clearance near other vehicles, and keep at least three car lengths between your vehicle and Indy Snow Force trucks.

Indianapolis Department of Public Works Snow Plow Routes

Residents who park cars along DPW’s regular plow routes (PDF) are advised to park off-street if possible.

Any lane or space where a car is parked in an area that is unable to be plowed.

Moving snow out of the middle of the street can sometimes necessitate moving it into a parking lane.

Follow Indy Snow Force

Follow @IndySnowForce on Twitter for regular updates on snow fight activity during winter weather events.

The Indy Snow Force Viewer will be activated as trucks begin plowing snow from roads during this winter weather event.

The Indy Snow Force Viewer shows where roads have been plowed or treated with salt.

Indy Snow Force Drivers Treating Roads January 27-28, 2022

by

With forecasts including potential for minor snow accumulation throughout today, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) will have Snow Force Drivers on hand into the evening hours to treat roadways and address any winter weather conditions. A shift change at 11 p.m. will bring in fresh drivers for the early morning hours of Friday, and leadership will continue to monitor forecasts and adjust Indy DPW’s response as needed.

Motorists are urged to drive with care during wintry conditions, especially on bridge overpasses, hills, or locations known to become slippery. Remember to leave home with plenty of time to safely reach your destination, allow plenty of clearance near other vehicles, and keep at least three car lengths’ distance between your vehicle and Snow Force trucks.

Residents can stay up to date on Indy Snow Force efforts during winter weather events online at indy.gov/DPW and on Twitter by following @IndySnowForce.

Indy Snow Force Drivers Treating Roads Sunday

by

With forecasts including snowfall on Sunday, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) will call out a full shift of Snow Force drivers starting Saturday at 11 p.m. Crews will remain on the roadways until 11 p.m. Sunday night; leadership will monitor weather conditions to extend Indy DPW’s response as needed.

Motorists are urged to drive with care during wintry conditions, especially on bridge overpasses, hills, or locations known to become slippery. Remember to leave home with plenty of time to safely reach your destination, allow plenty of clearance near other vehicles, and keep at least three car lengths’ distance between your vehicle and Snow Force trucks.

Residents can stay up to date on Indy Snow Force efforts during winter weather events online at indy.gov/DPW and on Twitter by following @IndySnowForce.

The Indy Snow Force Viewer mapping tool will be activated during this winter weather event. Residents can use the tool to monitor where crews have recently plowed snow or treated roadways.

INDOT Has Deployed 100 Trucks for Snow Storm

by

West Central Indiana – With 1 to 4 inches of snow likely across West Central Indiana from Saturday after midnight through midday Sunday, the Indiana Department of Transportation will mobilize over 100 trucks to treat and plow state highways across the region as needed to keep routes safe for travel.

Crews will begin to arrive during the early morning hours tonight.

Motorists should remember to slow down, don’t tailgate, and give plow truck drivers ample room to work.

Monitor road conditions at 511in.org .

DPW Is Ready for 1st Measurable Indy Snowfall

by

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) is monitoring weather conditions and deployed 80 plow trucks at 11 a.m. to begin treating roadways and monitoring road conditions ahead of forecasted snowfall this afternoon.

At 11 p.m., a new crew of 80 drivers will continue treating roads throughout the night and into the morning commute, addressing bridge decks, overpasses, and major thoroughfares.

The Indy Snow Force Viewer will activate when drivers are on the roadways to show real-time movements of DPW trucks. The Indy Snow Force Viewer displays which streets have been treated with salt or plowed of snow.

DPW would like to remind residents to drive with care when on the roads with plow and salt trucks. Keep three car lengths between your vehicle and the snowplow to allow a safe stopping distance for plow drivers and yourself.

For a list of winter driving tips and ways, residents can stay safe while driving in winter weather, visit indy.gov. Updates are also available on Twitter @IndySnowForce.