The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning covering Fishers and most of Indiana, beginning Thursday at 3pm through 7pm Friday.  City officials are preparing for the winter onslaught.

Fishers spokesperson Ashley Elrod tells LarryInFishers city crews will hit the streets with over 60 trucks around noon Thursday.  Mid-day Thursday should bring more detailed information about what Fishers should expect in terms of what kind of weather will hit and how it will impact the city.

Because the rain will turn to possible ice then snow, with high winds and temperatures dropping rapidly, this storm will be a challenge for the city’s Department of Public Works. However, Elrod says the city is prepared for any type of winter storm, including the one forecast.

Starting at noon Thursday, crews will be working 12-hour shifts and will stay with it until the streets of Fishers are clear.  One aspect of this storm that is most challenging is the rain forecast prior to the snow.  This will not allow crews to pre-treat our roads, since the rain would simply wash away the pre-treatment.

If you have friends and relatives visiting Fishers for the Christmas holiday, Elrod recommends the visitors plan ahead, have an emergency kit in the vehicle and allow plenty of room on the roadways.  Also, prepare for a trip that may take more time than normal.

Elrod asks that residents keep vehicles off the streets to allow crews to do their work, and if you are driving and encounter a snow plow, allow those trucks plenty of room.

For information on the storm, check out the Hamilton County Emergency Management Web page at this link…and access information about the Fishers Smart911 system at this link.