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Winter Weather Advisory: A snowy Saturday on tap for Michiana

(Photo supplied/National Weather Service)

Snow spreads from south to north throughout the day on Saturday, Jan. 12, and should be somewhat constant for the afternoon and evening across the area.

Updated timing has the snow ending after midnight tonight with clouds slowly moving out throughout the day on Sunday.

Areas along the Toll Road could see up to 3-4″ with the best chance of 4-6” farther south.

More sunshine comes out late tomorrow and the start of the new work week looks dry with temps staying around freezing.

Your ABC 57 First Warning Neighborhood Weather Center Forecast:

Today: Cloudy with snow showers. High of 32.

Tonight: Cloudy with snow showers slowly ending. Low of 23.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy early with skies clearing throughout the day. High of 31.

Monday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the low to mid 30s.

The Indiana Department of Transportation has a full call-out of trucks deployed in northeast Indiana to battle the snow.  INDOT reminds motorists to be cautious while traveling during this upcoming winter weather.

  • Don’t crowd the plow. The front of the plow extends many feet in front of the truck. It may cross the centerline and shoulders while plowing.
  • Don’t assume the plow driver can see you. A plow driver’s field of vision is very limited — you may see them, but they may not be able to see you.
  • Don’t tailgate or stop too close behind a plow. Plow trucks are usually releasing salt from the back of the truck. Often, the trucks stop or take evasive action (to avoid a stranded vehicle or animal). Snow plows create a cloud of snow that reduces visibility. Don’t travel too closely — leave four to five car-lengths ahead.
  • Use caution to pass. Try not to travel beside a plow for too long — when plowing through a snow drift or packed snow, the impact can move the plow trucks sideways. If you have to pass a plow, do so on the left side — plows typically move snow to the right as lanes are cleared. They also turn and exit the road frequently.
  • Snowplows travel slower. Plow trucks travel approximately 30-35 mph when they’re removing snow and ice. Allow plenty of time to stop or slow down when you’re behind one of our yellow trucks.

Driver tips

Drivers often aren’t prepared for winter driving and forget to take it slow — especially since this is the first major snow this winter. The first snow events of the season typically bring higher rates of crashes and slide-offs as motorists get re-accustomed to driving in winter conditions.

  • Reduce speeds. Remember, “ice and snow, take it slow.” Nobody should be driving interstate speeds in winter weather.
  • Plan plenty of time to reach your destination safely and be patient. Don’t put yourself and others in a dangerous situation by being in a rush.
  • Keep a safe distance. Make sure your vehicle is following at a safe distance to stop. Do not tailgate, especially around snow plows, and try not to pass.
  • Pay attention. Avoid all distractions and focus only on the task of driving safely. Be aware of your surroundings, drive defensively and be alert for others who are not driving safely.

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