01/27/13  Issued by The National Weather Service North Webster, IN 4:07 am EST, Sun., Jan. 27, 2013

… FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM EST /2 PM CST/ THIS AFTERNOON TO MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NORTHERN INDIANA HAS ISSUED A FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY… WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON TO MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND REPLACED WITH THE FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER…

* A MIX OF FREEZING RAIN AND SLEET WILL OVERSPREAD THE AREA THIS AFTERNOON AND THEN PERSIST UNTIL THE TEMPERATURE RISES ABOVE FREEZING LATE THIS EVENING. A PERIOD OF MAINLY FREEZING RAIN IS EXPECTED LATE THIS AFTERNOON INTO THIS EVENING THAT MAY RESULT IN SOME ICE ACCUMULATION.

* LIGHT ICE ACCUMULATIONS OF UP TO A TENTH OF AN INCH ARE EXPECTED.

A FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF FREEZING RAIN OR FREEZING DRIZZLE WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS. SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

 Weather forecasts are predicting freezing rain and ice to move across Central and Northern Indiana beginning this morning and continuing through the afternoon.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is monitoring multiple evolving weather forecasts and its network of pavement sensors for shifts in the line of ice between rain, sleet and snow. Most interstates, U.S. highways, and state routes are already pre-treated with salt from Friday’s snow storm.

Already dozens of INDOT plow/salt trucks are on the road ensuring all areas are properly prepared for the storm.

Freezing rain and ice can be the most dangerous and difficult conditions for drivers and plow trucks because it affects vehicles of all sizes, including those with four-wheel drive. Motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid non-essential travel within the times and areas where a coating of ice is forecasted to accumulate.

Drivers can monitor road conditions and traffic alerts across the state at any time. Visit www.TrafficWise.IN.gov or dial toll-free 800-261-ROAD (7623) for INDOT’s TrafficWise Traveler Information Service. For live updates during winter weather in Northwest Indiana, like us at Facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest and follow us at Twitter.com/INDOTNorthwest.