The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Columbus and Bartholomew County, as well as much of southern Indiana, from 4 p.m. Thursday until 1 p.m. Friday.
Heavy snow is expected with accumulations of up to 4 inches and wind gusts as high as 50 mph. Wind chill factors could be as low as 25 degrees below zero. At such temperatures, frostbite to exposed skin can occur in 15 minutes.
Travelers should expect slippery road conditions and widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Hazardous conditions are expected to impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning and strong winds could bring down tree branches.
The weather service said a “flash freeze” is likely Thursday night with temperatures dropping more than 30 degrees in a matter of hours during the transition from rain to snow.
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency, the advisory said.
