Winter weather update #2 for 1-6-14

Strong winds and bitter cold air will continue across Indiana today. West to northwest winds will gust at 25 to 35 mph, which will result in continued blowing and drifting snow. We will also have very dangerous wind chills at -25° to -40° F. A Winter Storm Warning is still in effect for our northeast and north central regions until 8pm tomorrow. A Wind Chill Warning is in effect until 7pm tomorrow.

We are expecting a gradual warming trend to start in the middle of the week into the weekend. With the warmer air, however, we also have the threat for additional snow on Wednesday and Thursday.

During Governor Mike Pence’s press conference this morning, he emphasized, that this continues to be a dangerous winter storm, in spite of the sunshine you see outside your windows. Please stay off the roads. Stay home, unless it is absolutely critical for you to travel. Staying off the roads will help keep you out of harm’s way.

If you should lose power, then being in a home without power in dangerously low temperatures does put you in harm’s way. If you are in this situation, you may call 911, and either law enforcement, National Guard personnel or other emergency personnel can help get you someplace warm.

INDOT Commissioner Karl Browning stated that 1,800 INDOT workers have responded to the full callout statewide. With the weather working against us, most roads are not clear right now. Most are snow packed, and will likely stay this way until at least Wednesday, when temperatures are expected to rise. Snow pack is drivable, but dangerous. Tonight, ice is likely to re-form, and create slick spots on the roads. There are 22 road closures across the state right now, and getting those roads open is a top priority.

Road Closures in Northeast Indiana:
— US 35 is closed between US 31 and SR 13 in Howard and Grant Counties
— SR 19 is closed between the SR 16 north junction and SR 14 in Miami County
— I-469 northbound at mile marker 20
— I-69 northbound was closed at mile marker 296, the south junction I-469 ramp. This may be cleared.

Also:
— I-65 is closed in all directions from mile marker 172 to miler marker 260
— I-80/94 is closed in all direction from the Illinois State line to mile marker 34 at US 421