Hamilton County prepares for what could be the first snowfall of the season

FISHERS, Ind. — Our northern counties are anticipating the first taste of winter weather this weekend and residents are preparing for what’s to come.

Allisonville Home and Garden by Sullivan’s hasn’t seen too many people coming in to pick up winter weather supplies ahead of the first snowfall, but they expect that to pick up as it gets closer.

”I think a lot of the time, the first snow surprises a lot of people,” said one of the service assistants, Jacob Stockton.

“I think there will be a good portion of people coming before and some people coming after, like, oh my gosh, I wasn’t prepared for it.”

It’s recommended that folks at least have a snow shovel and some salt on hand.

“What you can do in prep for it is lay down salt pre-emptively as long as it’s not raining before the snow,” said Stockton.

“If it’s raining before the snow, you don’t want to do it until after it freezes.”

Hamilton County doesn’t anticipate the roads to be too awful as the lake effect snow moves in.

However, officials want to remind people to adjust their driving, especially while going over bridges and overpasses.

If necessary, they’ll issue a travel advisory.

“Slow down, take your time to get there, leave that space between you and other vehicles, just get some of the basics back for winter weather to drive safely on the roads,” said Ryan Tennessan, Director of Operations for Hamilton County Emergency Management.

In coordination with the county highway department, snowplows and salt trucks are prepared to respond if needed.

“They’ve got crews on standby that they can call and go out and start treating some of those problematic areas, making sure that the roadways stay non-slick and as safe as possible,” said Tennessen.

Officials want to reiterate that they expect this to be a low-impact event, but that could be different the further north you go.

Hamilton County Emergency Management asks residents to go ahead and download their app to stay up to date on the changing weather conditions throughout the season.