INDOT preparing for weekend winter storm as timing, temperatures become key factors

LOUISVILLE, Ky, (WDRB) -- As Indiana braces for a weekend winter storm, state officials say the timing and temperature could determine just how messy things get on the roads.

Crews with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) are already preparing for the snow.

The hope, officials said, is that the storm doesn’t start until later on Saturday — giving people time to get home and off the roads before conditions worsen. But with temperatures expected to drop into the single digits, INDOT said salt may not be as effective as usual.

“Our teams are heading out doing some of the pre-treating of roadways — doing our brining, our mixture for the roadways, to make sure everything is good to go,” said Gary Brian, with INDOT.

When temperatures drop below about 12 degrees, salt loses much of its ability to melt ice. Brian said INDOT isn’t worried about running out of salt this winter, but crews will have to rely more on plowing and pre-treatment as temperatures plunge.

“We’re not concerned about our levels of salt because we’ve had a pretty light winter so far down here,” Brian said.

That light winter might soon be over. Forecasters are calling for what could be the most significant snow event of the season.

Some are already making last-minute runs to the grocery store — stocking up just in case.

“I’m prepared for whatever happens,” said Michael Overstreet, who was out shopping Wednesday. “You don’t want to be caught without.”

Others, like Overstreet, said they’ll keep an eye on the forecast and stay cautious.

“I grew up with my dad flying and watching the weather, so I kind of make my own predictions — but I’m being cautious about it,” Ryan Akers said.

INDOT said the best advice for drivers this weekend is to stay off the roads if possible, especially once the snow starts falling.

There are also some concerns that salt supplies could tighten if the storm lingers.

“We’ll be able to get our hands on it, but we’re going to have to go farther than local,” Jessica Chapman, co-owner Magic Salt, said. “We may have to turn to Chicago or Kansas City.”

Officials said there’s enough salt to get through this storm — but with temperatures expected to stay in the single digits, even that may not be enough to keep roads completely clear.

Kentucky lawmakers push for tougher penalties on illegal street racing

Kentuckiana shoppers stock up on salt, supplies ahead of winter storm

Significant shift in data for this weekend brings new potential

WINTER STORM WATCH Issued For Kentuckiana

4th former Louisville UPS employee charged in theft of $113,000 worth of Apple products

Brooks Houck appeals Crystal Rogers murder conviction to Kentucky Supreme Court

St. Matthews couple loses $10K in airline imposter scam before anniversary trip to Europe