Vice President-elect Governor Mike Pence Issues Statement Regarding This Weekend’s Winter Weather

Urges Hoosiers to check road conditions before leaving home, avoid unnecessary travel, make way for plow trucks and crews

Indianapolis – The state of Indiana urges motorists to avoid unnecessary travel as freezing rain, snow, and other winter weather continues to affect Hoosiers across the state. As the threat of winter weather continues, Vice President-elect Governor Mike Pence issued the following statement:

“We cannot underestimate the hazards presented by freezing rain and frigid temperatures. I’m thankful to all first responders, including our Indiana State Police, who are working tirelessly to provide assistance to stranded motorists and those involved in collisions across the state,” said Vice President-elect Governor Mike Pence. “With temperatures falling and the threat of more freezing rain to come, we recognize the challenges facing the Indiana Department of Transportation as they work to clear roads and prepare for more bad weather. Because we expect more inclement weather in the days to come, I encourage all Hoosiers to check road conditions before leaving their homes, avoid unnecessary travel, and make way for plow trucks and crews on the roads. Hoosiers can be assured that the state of Indiana will continue to monitor weather conditions throughout the weekend and will respond as necessary with all available resources.”

INDOT continues to have about 500 yellow salt trucks deployed statewide in areas hit by storms overnight, and continues to assist first responders in clearing state highways ahead of winter operations tonight. INDOT plans to continue salt-truck deployment ahead of falling temperatures and wintry mix moving in this evening.

“The safety of Hoosiers and those traveling our roads is our number one priority, which is why we’re urging everyone who doesn’t have to be out on the roads to please stay home,” said Governor-elect Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb. “This weather is treacherous, and forecasts show more to come tonight and tomorrow. INDOT crews have been out since early this morning, de-icing roads, and State Police are working hard to keep everyone safe including stranded motorists and responding to crashes. Please help us keep Hoosier families safe by staying off the roads.”

In response to the winter weather seen in various parts of the state, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) has continued monitoring changing conditions, has staff on stand-by if needed and remains prepared to provide assistance if necessary.

Following the changing weather conditions, the IDHS emergency operations center watch desk heightened its level of readiness, and continues to track weather conditions, particularly in the north-central and south-central parts of Indiana. The watch desk is staffed 24/7. IDHS will continue to keep in touch with counties through their emergency management agencies as the weather continues.

With the forecast of plunging temperatures later tonight, and the possibility of more precipitation, motorists are encouraged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Additional winter preparedness tips for Hoosiers can be found at http://www.in.gov/dhs/3311.htm. Road conditions are accessible at http://indot.carsprogram.org/main.jsf. For up-to-date county travel statuses, Hoosiers are encouraged to visit http://www.in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory/.