Chicago area braces for winter-like Halloween

HIGHLAND, Ind. (WLS) -- Snow is not what many people in northwest Indiana want, but crews are getting ready for winter.

And so it begins. An early blast of winter, but city officials say last winter was so brutal, it taught them valuable lessons.

Officials in Gary say they're ready.

"Our snow team started to meet in September, so we already have our snow plan together," said Chelsea Whittington, City of Gary.

It's been more than 20 years since our last Halloween snowfall. Drivers Thursday night are concerned.

"It's going to be rough, you know. But it's Chicago, so I guess we're going to have to deal with it," said Truman Rogers.

Indiana transportation officials say last winter's snowplow problems have been ironed out, and though salt prices have doubled, there is no concern about budgets.

"We're shifting our resources to align with what our taxpayers have told us they want," said Will Wingfield, Indiana Department of Transportation.

In highland, people were buying Halloween costumes Thursday night, with a nod to the weather.

"I'm pretty much going as a princess, so I'm going to dress the same," said Alexis McCooley. Asked if she was going as a snow princess, Alexis said, "Yeah, Elsa from 'Frozen.'"

INDOT says it used about 50 percent more salt last winter than usual. Despite that usage, and now the higher price of salt, the state says it's adequately-stocked.