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Central Indiana could see 6+ inches of snow, prompting winter advisory
UPDATE: Find the latest forecast here.
Central Indiana should brace for snow during the next four days, meteorologists say.
“We may just see more snow this one week than we did this last year,” Cody Moore, a meteorologist with NWS Indianapolis, told IndyStar. “This is definitely a busier part of winter. Our average for snow is 24 inches, but for the last three winters, we haven’t seen those numbers at all.”
The National Weather Service (NWS) Indianapolis is monitoring two separate snow events happening in Central Indiana, the first happening overnight and possibly bringing 1-2 inches of the white stuff.
But the looming winter storm set to hit Sunday going into Monday is the one raising eyebrows.
The snowfall predictions for the weekend storm have varied widely, but currently sit at 6-plus inches between Sunday and Monday.
Snowfall has declined in the past three seasons, going from 11 inches in the 2021-22 winter months, to 10 inches in 2022-23 and 8.2 inches in 2023-24.
Moore said meteorologists are confident the area will see several inches of snow in the days ahead.
Experimental Graphical Hazardous Weather Outlook
Going from 3 to 6 inches:Winter storm could bring ‘significant snow’ to Indianapolis area this weekend
Winter weather advisory Indianapolis
You don’t have to wait to prepare before this weekend either.
Moore said tonight, around sunset, snow will begin to fall in the western and northwestern regions of the state before hitting Central Indiana between 7-10 p.m. There’s a possibility for about 2 inches of snow falling before ending early Friday morning.
“We want to make sure people are prepared as well for the temperatures to drop,” Moore said. “Expect the weather to be in the teens and 20s and even below zero. Always remember to stay cautious on the roads.”
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works is dispatching over 80 crew members to begin pre-treating roadways, bridges, and overpasses across Marion County for a snow event set to start later this evening.
“Our crews are prepared to address the weather expected to impact our community this week and will continue to monitor and respond to any changes in the forecast,” said Indy DPW Interim Director Sam Beres.
Winter storm this weekend
Looking ahead to the weekend, Indy DPW is preparing for the possibility of hazardous conditions and significant travel impacts, so they remind drivers to follow these best practices when traveling in winter weather:
- Staying informed: Before leaving home, find out about the road conditions. Drivers need to know the weather and their limits. Follow the National Weather Service (NWS) and local media to help you stay on top of the latest conditions and forecasts.
- Time and space: Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. Remember to drive below the posted speed limit and leave plenty of room between cars and Indy DPW vehicles. Always watch out for pedestrians.
- Pack extra resources: Stock your vehicle with extra resources that may be useful. Some resources include water, blankets, chargers for devices, extra clothes, and salt.
Understanding winter storm warnings, watches and advisories
Winter storm warning: Snow, sleet or ice expected. Take action. Confidence is high from meteorologists that a winter storm will produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.
Winter weather watch: Snow, sleet, or ice is possible so be prepared. Confidence is medium from meteorologists that a winter storm could produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.
Winter weather advisory: Wintry weather is expected so exercise caution. Light amounts of wintry precipitation or patchy blowing snow will cause slick conditions and could affect travel if precautions are not taken.
Indianapolis, Indiana weather radar
How to check road conditions in Indianapolis
One method drivers in Central Indiana can check how safe the roads are online using INDOT’s CARS Program, which has useful information about road conditions, closures as well as width and weight restrictions.
The website features a color-coded map of Indiana’s main roadways, highlighting hazardous or difficult road conditions in purple, fair conditions in blue and good conditions in gray.
How drivers can prepare for bad winter weather in Indiana
Prepare for the reasonable worst-case scenario, which would include accumulating snow and brief travel impacts. When planning your commute for Wednesday, keep this in mind:
- Stay alert
- Reduce your speed
- Watch for brake lights ahead of your from other vehicles
- Leave more space between cars
Staying safe on Indiana’s roads during a winter storm can depend largely on how well you’re prepared. The Indiana Department of Transportation offers these tips:
- Knowledge: Before leaving home, find out about the driving conditions. Safe drivers know the weather and their limits. If the weather is bad remember, “ice and snow, take it slow,” or just don’t go.
- Clear: Remove any snow on your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights and signals. Make sure you can see and be seen.
- Inspect: Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses. A breakdown is bad on a good day and dangerous on a bad weather day.
- Time: Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.
- Kit: Keep a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, batteries, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots, and a first-aid kit. Load your car with winter travel gear, including tire chains, ice scraper/snowbrush, jumper cables and road flares.
Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.
Central Indiana residents should prepare for potentially significant snowfall in the coming days as a winter advisory has been issued for the region. Forecasts indicate that 6 or more inches of snow could accumulate, leading to slick roads and hazardous travel conditions.
It is important for residents to take precautions and make necessary arrangements to ensure their safety during this winter weather event. This may include stocking up on supplies, checking on vulnerable neighbors, and staying off the roads if possible.
As always, it is best to stay informed by monitoring local weather updates and following any advisories or warnings issued by authorities. Stay safe, Central Indiana! #WinterWeatherAdvisory #Snowstorm #StaySafe
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