Published: December 01, 2006 12:22 am         

Weather threat: Road crews stand by in case of winter storm

TERRE HAUTE — Police and road crews were standing by Thursday wondering what the night would bring.

A storm system that has dumped heavy snow from the Pacific Northwest to the Rockies arrived in the Wabash Valley on Thursday and was expected to bring up to an inch of snow to the Terre Haute area today and as much as 3 inches around Lafayette, according to the National Weather Service.

Indiana Department of Transportation trucks were set to patrol the area Thursday night, according to Charles Vicars, INDOT operations manager for this area.

Drivers should show extra caution on bridges and overpasses, Vicars said.

Road temperatures were high enough Thursday that Vicars did not expect big problems with icing, but “bridges [and overpasses] can freeze up real quick,” he said. INDOT trucks were expected to treat bridges and overpasses with salt Thursday night ahead of any freezing or snow, he said.

Up to 27 INDOT trucks, equipped with salt, sand or, if needed, plows, were standing by, Vicars said. INDOT’s Terre Haute unit is responsible for around 880 lane miles of highway, he said.

Off-duty State Police troopers were told to be ready to report for work in the event of a bigger-than-expected snowfall, said Sgt. Joe Watts, public information officer for the Indiana State Police.

The first snowfall of the season is usually the worst for traffic accidents, Watts said.

“Everyone seems to have to re-learn how to drive in snow,” he said.

Local grocers were preparing for an increase in business Thursday night.

“Business does pick up” during an approaching snowstorm, said Rob Guinn, store manager at the West Vigo IGA. People tend to buy staple items such as eggs, bread and milk when they believe a storm is coming, Guinn said.

“I’d advise drivers to pay attention to road conditions and not get into a big hurry,” said Brad Miller, transportation director with the Terre Haute Street Department. The department began “up-fitting” their trucks from leaf service to snow removal service this week, he said.

Drivers should stick to main roads and give themselves extra time in snowy conditions, the ISP’s Watts said. He also recommends cars be equipped with jumper cables, good wiper blades and wiper fluid, a blanket, some light snacks, a fully charged cell phone and a full tank of fuel.

Most accidents occur because drivers are traveling too fast for conditions, Watts said. “Be prepared to make sudden stops or evasive maneuvers because some people just simply do not know how to drive in the snow … especially during the first snow of the year,” he said.

Arthur Foulkes can be contacted at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.