INDIANA — According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, cold temperatures are ushering in a variety of winter weather conditions that will impact highway travel in much of Indiana on Thursday, Jan. 5.

In addition to lake-effect snow along the Michigan border, southern Indiana communities including Bedford, Vincennes and Seymour will see their first significant snow of the season with 3-4 inches predicted. Persistent snowfall is predicted elsewhere in Indiana.

Drivers should plan now to reduce their speed, allow more following distance and reschedule optional trips for everyone’s safety, including their loved ones and first responders.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is monitoring multiple weather forecasts and readying yellow plow trucks to clear and treat interstates, U.S. highways and state routes before snow begins to accumulate. Each plow route takes 2-3 hours to complete with salt assisting in melting between passes.

Granular salt and salt brine chemically lower the temperature at which snow and ice melt. With temperatures predicted to remain well below freezing, drivers are warned that salt will be less effective in closing the gap.

In addition, persistent snow is predicted to impact both the morning and evening commutes on Thursday. INDOT urges drivers to make room for yellow plow trucks as crashes and stopped traffic impact routine service times. Remember that road conditions are always safer behind a plow truck.