The winter storm that hit Indianapolis over the weekend brought significant snowfall and left behind dangerous cold temperatures, prompting advisories and warnings for locals to take precautions. The heavy snowfall ranged from 3 to 6+ inches, leading to a winter weather advisory that replaced the initial warning as some additional snow showers and blowing and drifting snow were expected. Following the snowfall, attention shifted to the plummeting temperatures, which were forecasted to drop below zero along with wind chills near -20 degrees, prompting an extreme cold warning in effect for parts of central Indiana.
With the extreme cold settling in, it was crucial for residents to protect themselves, their families, homes, and pets from the harsh conditions. The arctic blast was predicted to last through Monday, affecting travel conditions and operations in the area. School delays and cancellations were expected on Monday due to the below-zero temperatures and wind chills on Sunday and Monday mornings.
Despite the chilly start to the week, a thaw-out was anticipated starting on Tuesday, with highs in the mid-30s, followed by a further increase to the lower 40s on Wednesday. Additionally, a rain chance was forecasted for Thursday, promising a shift in weather patterns towards milder conditions. Residents were advised to stay updated on school delays, closings, and road conditions as the weather evolved.
In other news, following the snowstorm, 42 Indiana counties were under travel advisories, with an additional two counties under a travel watch. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security provided an interactive online travel advisory map for residents to check road conditions in real-time. Different color codes on the map indicated the severity of travel conditions, from routine travel in green areas to restricted or hazardous conditions in red areas.
For individuals navigating Indianapolis roads during inclement weather, resources like the NWS Indianapolis page on social media platforms and the free live traffic map from Waze were available to provide updates and route guidance. The Indiana Department of Transportation also shared safety tips for drivers to ensure preparedness during winter storms.
Overall, as Indianapolis residents dealt with the aftermath of the winter storm and braced for extreme cold temperatures, staying informed about travel advisories, road conditions, and weather updates was key to ensuring safety and preparedness during the challenging weather conditions.