7:15P update from the City of Fort Wayne: The men and women of the Street Department are continuing 24-hour plowing and salting tonight, in an effort to keep the city moving. Crews are concentrating on main arterial roads and connector streets to keep them as clear as possible for emergency vehicles.

Tomorrow, crews will begin plowing neighborhood streets. Residents who have an option of off-street parking should use that parking option to assist crews by allowing them to get closer to the curb as they work in neighborhoods that typically have narrower streets.

Plowing in the more than 400 City neighborhoods should be completed by Tuesday. If there is additional rain or snow tomorrow the plow trucks will move back to the main roads.

4PM Update From Noble County: The Board of Commissioners have declared a Watch Local Travel Advisory” for Noble County.  This “Watch” Travel advisory applies only to the roads in the unincorporated area of the county maintained by the highway department.  A “Watch” travel advisory means conditions are threatening to the safety of the public.  During a “Watch” local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations is recommended.  Emergency action plan should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations.

Update from Angola: The city of Angola is requesting that vehicles be moved from city streets within 24 from 7:00am on 12/12/2016. This request is being made so snow removal can be made by the city of Angola. In the event the vehicle is not moved, a snow emergency violation ticket will be placed on the vehicle. If the vehicle is not moved within 24 hours from when the ticket is placed on the vehicle, the vehicle is subject to impound. Please make sure this ordinance is followed. 

Update From the City of Fort Wayne:  Streets remain snow covered in Fort Wayne as snow continues falling this morning.  Plow truck drivers  from the Street Department began plowing early yesterday evening and plowed through the night.  Trucks will remain on main arterial and secondary streets while it continues to snow in order to keep them open for emergency vehicles.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO):  The first widespread snow of the season has begun.

Fort Wayne and Allen County are under a Winter Strom WARNING, along with several areas to the north.  The warnings are currently in effect until early Monday morning at 4 a.m.

The National Weather Service reports for the Warning areas:

Widespread light snow was persisting across the area with occasional
reports indicating many spots have seen anywhere from 2 to 4 inches
of snow thus far.

They also say temperatures will remain low, meaning:

Confidence in the
warning area remains high that most if not all precipitation will be
in the form of snow, which could become locally heavy at times this
afternoon.

There could be a break inside of this current storm:

saving grace for significantly higher amounts
will be decreasing snow ratios as warmer temperatures arrive in the
column also displacing the dgz from the area of best lift. Even so,
still should see some good bursts of snow with rates of an inch or
more per hour possible.

Forecasting the Advisory areas:

Main push of
temperatures near/above freezing still looks to remain near/south of
route 24 late afternoon into this evening helping keep snow amounts
in check.

But like before, the further south you travel, the less of a chance of snow:

North of 24
grids reflect 4 to 7 inches with locally higher amounts by the time
everything is done, with rapid drop in snow amounts south

So what happens after this storm?  Be prepared for a stretch of a few very cold days:

the well advertised blast of
arctic air will slam into the region starting Monday night and
persisting into Thursday with coldest temps being seen Weds through
Thurs ngt as highs will struggle into the teens (maybe staying in
single digits in some areas) and lows single digits

As for travel conditions, the further north you drive, the worse the conditions will be.

#YellowTrucks are out in full force, give them plenty of room to do their job! #INDOTWinterOps

— INDOT Northeast (@INDOTNortheast) December 11, 2016

The Indiana Department of Transportation deploys yellow trucks ahead of snowfall and freezing temperatures, but that’s not enough to keep you safe.  The point out that the first snow events of the season usually have higher rates of crashes and slide-offs.

• Reduce speeds. Remember, “ice and snow, take it slow.” Nobody should be driving summer interstate speeds in winter weather. Plan plenty of time to reach your destination safely and be patient. Don’t put yourself and others in a dangerous situation by being in a rush.
• Keep a safe distance. Make sure your vehicle is following at a safe distance to stop. Do not tailgate, especially around snow plows, and try not to pass. Give snowplows room to work, and “don’t crowd the plow.”
• Pay attention. Avoid all distractions and focus only on the task of driving safely. Be aware of your surroundings, drive defensively and be alert for others who are not driving safely.

Remember to clear your car of all snow, including your windshield, windows and headlights/tail lights. #INDOTWinterOps

— INDOT Northeast (@INDOTNortheast) December 11, 2016

Hopefully it won’t end up being necessary today or tonight, but if we issue a roadway advisory, it will be posted… https://t.co/WEmj67vt3y

— Putnam Co OH Sheriff (@PCSheriff) December 11, 2016

Link to current road conditions

Link to current travel advisories in Indiana

Link to information on plow procedures