When Indianapolis has snowfall that could impact travel on city streets Indy Snow Force is launched.
The Department of Public Works is deploying a crew of 70 trucks to salt and clear the roads around the clock during the storm hitting Indiana on Sunday and Monday. If needed, extra contractors will be called in to help, officials said Saturday.
During snow events, the Indy Snow Force map is activated to show real-time information about when roads were plowed
The winter weather operations team addresses more than 4,000 lane miles of thoroughfares, secondary streets and a network of residential streets.
‘This will be a long fight for our crew: Indy officials discuss incoming snowstorm
Indianapolis snow plow map
Reading the map
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Light blue lines show plowing that is currently in progress.
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Lime green lines show any plowing that has happened in 0-2 hours.
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Dark blue lines show any plowing that has happened in 2-4 hours.
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Magenta lines show any plowing that has happened in 4-6 hours.
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Red lines show any plowing that has happened in 6-8 hours.
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Any snow plows that are more than 8 hours long are outlined in gray lines.
Snow storm: NWS Indianapolis now predicts 6+ inches of snow in days ahead, issues advisories
How to check road conditions on Indiana’s highways
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security keeps tabs on travel statuses for every county in the state. Hoosiers can also check INDOT’s TrafficWise website for information about traffic conditions, road closures and travel times on roadways throughout Indiana.
How to see where Indiana snow plow trucks have been
Drivers can check state road conditions, plow locations and plow cameras online at 511.org
How can you reduce risk while driving in snow?
Don’t be a jerk (no, really). The key to safe driving when there’s ice on the road, writes Car And Driver Magazine, is operating the steering wheel, accelerator and brakes as smoothly as possible. Jerky movements — twisting the wheel suddenly or slamming your foot on the brake or gas pedal — can throw your vehicle into a skid.
What to do if you go into a skid
If your vehicle begins to go into a skid on an icy road, do the following:
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Take your foot off the accelerator and do not slam the brakes.
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Look at the direction you want to go, not where your car is headed.
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For a front-wheel skid, writes Car and Driver Magazine, aim your vehicle where you want to go. Gently turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid. If you’re in a rear-wheel skid — where the rear tires lose traction and you feel yourself spinning out — turn the steering wheel in the same direction that the rear is sliding. For example, if your rear wheels are sliding to the left, turn the wheel to the left.
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Tap the brakes, lightly, when necessary to self-correct out of the skid.
Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis weather | A guide to tracking snow plows around the city