Gov. Mike Pence has directed the Indiana Department of Transportation to ready itself for a full call-out across most of the state as dangerous winter weather approaches. A Winter Storm Watch is set to go into effect at 1 p.m. Tuesday until 1 p.m. Wednesday.

“As severe winter weather continues, INDOT remains fully prepared to keep the interstates, U.S. highways and state routes open and as safe as possible for emergency responders,” said Pence. “We encourage Hoosiers to follow county travel advisories and not to put themselves or their local emergency responders in harm’s way.”

INDOT will continue to monitor multiple evolving weather forecasts and deploy a full call-out of more than 800 plow trucks to begin alternating 12-hour shifts on state highways before the storm moves through regions of Indiana.

Each INDOT plow route takes 2 to 3 hours to complete with salt assisting in melting between passes. Motorists should be prepared for snow accumulations on the roads and driving conditions to be challenging, especially during the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning rush hours.

Weather forecasts are predicting a snowstorm will drop up to 9 inches of snow on parts of central and northern Indiana beginning Tuesday.

Based on current forecasts, motorists should be prepared to encounter a variety of conditions on Hoosier highways. Heavy snowfall is expected for central and northern Indiana. Areas further south could see a wintry mix of snow, sleet or ice accumulations affecting travel.

Drivers play an important role in keeping the highways open and safe for other travelers by reducing their speeds according to conditions. Give room to INDOT’s plow trucks so they may safely clear interstates, U.S. highways and state roads and maintain regular service of routes without delay.

Stay updated on county travel advisories and be aware of developing local forecasts before deciding whether to drive. The Indiana State Police and other law enforcement agencies encourage the public to keep its phone lines open for emergencies and to access road conditions before traveling.