Indiana Issues Winter Weather Safety Tips

State officials urge Hoosiers to prepare for snow and ice as INDOT crews stand ready with plows and salt.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Forecasts

Indiana Issues Winter Weather Safety Tips

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Governor Mike Braun, INDOT, the Indiana State Police and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security issued winter weather safety guidance for Hoosiers. Some parts of the state have already seen snow, and officials urged caution on roads as conditions change.

Why it matters

Snow, ice and freezing rain make travel difficult across Indiana, and the guidance is aimed at reducing crashes and helping residents plan ahead. Statewide preparation affects commuters, school routes and emergency response throughout the state.

INDOT reports more than 1,000 plow trucks statewide and nearly 200,000 tons of salt on hand for winter storms. The announcement does not specify how much of that inventory has been deployed so far or how the stockpile compares to previous seasons.

The players

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)

INDOT is the state agency responsible for maintaining Indiana's state highways, including snow removal and road salting operations.

Indiana State Police (ISP)

The Indiana State Police is the state's primary law enforcement agency, which patrols highways and responds to traffic incidents.

Mike Braun

Mike Braun is the Governor of Indiana, who leads the state's executive branch and oversees agencies including INDOT and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

The details

INDOT crews pre-treat roads with salt brine before storms and regularly apply rock salt during winter events. Chloride additives are used in colder temperatures because salt and brine take longer to activate when it is very cold.

Winter weather safety tips were issued ahead of the 2026 winter season.
Some areas of Indiana have already seen snow as of the announcement.

Seasonal Patterns

This announcement follows the annual winter preparedness cycle that Indiana state agencies repeat before each season, with INDOT's salt and plow inventory serving as the backbone of the response. The early snowfall in some areas places the current season within that established pattern rather than departing from it.

Motorists should slow down and increase following distance, as urged by ISP Superintendent Anthony Scott. Residents should prepare for hazardous driving conditions on roads that may be treated with brine or salt during storms.

The takeaway

Preparing for winter driving now, including slowing down and leaving extra following distance, can reduce the risk of crashes when snow and ice arrive. Check local road conditions before traveling during storms.