Allen County was under a Winter Weather Travel Warning for most of the day Thursday, following heavy continued snowfall that began Wednesday morning.
But by late afternoon Thursday, government offices and organizations were planning to reopen Friday, and travel restrictions were lifting.
Indiana State Police Sgt. Brian Walker praises various road crews for their work keeping roadways open and mostly clear during the snow. He also says crashes, slide outs and motorist assists were at low levels between 12 a.m. and 12 p.m. Thursday.
“It really is a tribute to people staying off the roads and not going out and about," Walker said. "Traffic is really low.”
During a warning, any travel that isn’t an emergency may be restricted. If pulled over for travel during a warning, Walker says the definition of an emergency may be up to the discretion of the officer.
In general, Walker says the advisory is just meant to keep drivers safe, but also keep roads clear for plows and emergency vehicles.
The Allen County Office of Homeland Security is still encouraging residents to avoid travel if it isn’t necessary.
The area remains under a winter storm warning until 7 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
Allen County and Fort Wayne government offices will be open Friday, as will the Allen County courts.
But a number of area school districts will remain closed or have scheduled e-learning days on Friday, such as Fort Wayne Community School, Northwest Allen County Schools and Central Noble Community Schools.
The forecast for Friday called for less snow, but cold, with temperatures around 19 degrees. With the wind, temperatures could feel as low as -10, according to the National Weather Service.
There is a chance of snow showers again Friday night.
Snow totals throughout the area on Thursday ranged from around 6 inches to more than a foot, according to the National Weather Service.
While most of the counties in northeast Indiana remained under travel warnings Thursday evening, DeKalb, Kosciusko Steuben, Noble and Wells counties improved to travel advisories. Allen County is under a watch.
