Plows out in full force after winter storm

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE)  Wednesday’s snow and wind made for tricky travel around northeast Indiana.  Dozens of snow plows worked to clear slick conditions starting in the morning. 

Conditions appeared to be improving Wednesday evening.  Traffic along I-69 near mile marker 309 appeared to be moving smoothly around 4:30 p.m.  Still, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) encourages drivers to stay off the roads unless it is essential to use them.

INDOT had all 144 of its possible snow plows out across northeast Indiana Wednesday.  The city of Fort Wayne has more than 30 trucks out.  Frank Suarez with the City of Fort Wayne said the city hit the main roads first.

"It's important for us to keep those clear for emergency crews, for ambulances, fire trucks, and police and then we will go into the other streets and neighborhoods as needed, if we can," Suarez said.  "But we have to stay on the main roads while it’s snowing and blowing as it has been most of the day."

Crews on Wednesday said the wind made it difficult to get the roads clear.  Gusts blew the snow back into the roads after they were plowed.

For those using the roadways on Wednesday, INDOT encouraged drivers to brake early, accelerate slowly, and give snow plows some extra room.  Drivers should also slow down, put away distractions, and give some extra time to get to their desired location.