Winter storm warning in effect through Monday, cold weather advisory also in effect Sunday

5:30 P.M. UPDATE

Bartholomew County has been elevated to an ADVISORY (Yellow) travel status.

An Advisory means travel may be hazardous due to current or expected weather conditions. Drivers should use caution, slow down, and allow extra time to reach their destinations. Unnecessary travel should be avoided if possible.

ORIGINAL STORY

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Bartholomew County Emergency Management says a winter storm warning is in effect through 7 a.m. Monday and a cold weather advisory is in effect Sunday.

Snowfall totals are predicted to be within 9 to 13 inches, according to the National Weather Service with moderate snowfall possible tonight from 5 to 10 p.m. The heaviest snowfall will be the pre-dawn hours Sunday through early Sunday afternoon.

Reduced visibility and snow-covered roads are predicted with hazardous travel conditions expected.

Blowing and drifting snow is expected Sunday night into Monday morning with winds at 20 mph possible.

Temperatures

• Highs through next week single digits to teens.
• Overnight lows single digits and sub-zero nights.
• Resultant snowfall totals could significantly impact temperatures, especially overnight lows.

Wind Chills

• Wind chill values as low as -10° to -20°.
• Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
• Sub-zero wind chills may persist into mid-week next week.

Timing

• 12PM to 8PM – Snow overspreading Central IN, widespread snow and increasing snowfall rates.
• 8PM to 4AM –  Widespread snow and increasing snowfall rates, moderate to heavy snowfall.
• Sunday PM – Snow continues, tapering off Sunday evening into overnight/Monday morning.

Additional Details

• Arctic air arriving late this week will be reinforced by multiple Arctic cold fronts next week, prolonging the cold conditions.
• Rapid river ice formation and thickening is expected on area rivers and streams over the next week.
• With temperatures likely to remain sub-freezing through early February, ice may be fairly thick in spots by the thaw.
• Check road conditions with the INDOT Trafficwise Map at https://511in.org .
• Check statewide travel advisories at https://www.in.gov/dhs/travel-advisory-map/ .

What You Should Do

• Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy snow.
• Dress in layers and limit time outdoors during dangerous cold.
• Prepare your vehicle with winter safety supplies.
• Check emergency kits and have extra food, water, and medications.
• Make sure pets have adequate shelter, food, and water.  Bring them indoors if possible.
• Protect pipes from freezing.  Open cabinet doors around plumbing, let cold water drip from the faucets, wrap insulation around pipes in unheated areas.

Please continue to monitor forecast updates as confidence increases, and plan accordingly for prolonged cold and potential winter weather impacts.