Commuters take first big snow in stride

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Commuters found themselves facing Mother Nature as they headed out Thursday morning.

It was the kind of morning that had one word on commuters' lips, said James Miller, a commuter in Indianapolis, "slow".

The snow started to fall before 4 a.m. At first, it wasn't bad.

Chad Young, a commuter in Hendricks County said, "I head out 20 minutes early on a day like today, 30-35 (mph), slow and steady, you know. I'll get there just fine," he said.

But, by daylight, it was clear Thursday was no normal morning commute.

Many commuters found themselves changing plans. Stacy Klingler took a bus to downtown Indianapolis.

She said, "I actually was supposed to drive to Versailles today...cancelled a meeting that I had down there because of the snow."

While road crews kept cars moving, sidewalk crews made it possible for walkers to step a little more safely. On the surface, it seemed like a great day to stay inside. But some saw the slow moving morning as the perfect chance to beat the crowds.

James Miller said, "Oh, this is the best time to do anything. I went to the license branch and nobody was there."

The ride was tough even for commuters without a windshield to clean, like James Judd riding a bicycle to work in the snow.

"I deliver for Jimmy John's and I just ride my bike," said Judd. "It's actually not that bad. It's just a little slick out."

Slick, but Hoosier commuters took the first big storm of the season in stride.