(Indianapolis, IN) - The Indiana Department of Transportation is preparing for a major winter storm expected to blanket the state.

Just one or two inches of snow is expected in La Porte and surrounding counties but heavier amounts are predicted to the south.  The precipitation could start overnight Tuesday and early Wednesday.

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories for all of Indiana.

According to INDOT, crews will be out in full strength in most areas with nearly 1,000 trucks treating and plowing highways.

INDOT urges motorists to closely monitor forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm, which is predicted to produce as much as one inch of snow per hour in some parts downstate.

Drivers should remember to slow down, increase following distance, give plow trucks room to work and allow plenty of extra time to reach their destinations, INDOT officials said.