Storm Track 8 weather blog | Interactive radar | Closings and delays | Watches & Warnings

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Rain and snow showers Wednesday night will transition to all snow showers and perhaps some snow squalls across much of central Indiana, the National Weather Service said Wednesday afternoon.

A wind advisory was in effect through 4 a.m. Thursday for areas north of Bloomington and Greensburg, including Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Kokomo, and Muncie. West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph were expected.

The scattered snow showers will arrive, according to Storm Track 8 Meteorologist Tara Hastings, sometime between 8-9 p.m. in Indianapolis. Less than an inch of snow accumulation is expected. Some slick spots may be possible late Wednesday night and overnight.

In parts of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan, a winter storm warning was in effect through 1 a.m. Friday. The National Weather Service expects from 4-8 inches of snow, with winds gusting as high as 50 mph. Indiana counties in the warning area were Elkhart, Lagrange, and St. Joseph.

6:31 p.m.

PowerOutage.us reports 130 Indiana customers without power, with 84 of them with AES Indiana.

Indianapolis International Airport was experiencing 27 delays and no cancelations Wednesday, according to FlightAware.

6:16 p.m.

From the National Weather Service office for northern Indiana: “An arctic front will move into the region tonight allowing a mix of rain and snow showers to turn into snow showers. The combination of snow showers and wind gusts to 35 to 45 mph may result in some significantly reduced visibilities at times along with slick road conditions.”

5:37 p.m.

PowerOutage.us reports 99 Indiana customers without power.

Indianapolis International Airport was experiencing 23 delays and no cancelations Wednesday, according to FlightAware.

5:11 p.m.

From Storm Track 8: Subzero wind chills are expected Thursday morning, and we will only manage to get into the mid 20s. This will be our coldest wind chill since January this year. Breezy winds also persist through the day. Not much better Friday, but we do warm up rather quickly this weekend. Back to near 50 on Sunday with returning rain chances.

4:36 p.m.

From Danville Metropolitan Police Department: “Danville Police Department Weather Advisory 

“Attention, Danville residents:

“An Arctic front is expected to move through our area tonight, 8 PM to 12 AM, bringing windy, cold, and snowy conditions that will persist into the Thursday morning commute.

“What to Expect:

“ Snow bursts and gusts up to 40 mph
“ Flash freeze—roads may become slick quickly
“ Wind chills as low as -10°F to 0°F

“What You Should Do:

“ Monitor road conditions before traveling
“ Allow extra time for commutes and drive cautiously
“ Prepare for potential school delays

“Stay safe, stay warm, and avoid unnecessary travel during these hazardous conditions.”

4:14 p.m.

News release from AES Indiana:

“INDIANAPOLIS – AES Indiana, a subsidiary of The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), is preparing for extreme cold temperatures, wind and possible snow Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

“The forecast is calling for sustained winds at 20 to 30 mph with gusts possibly up to 45 mph. AES Indiana is fully staffed and prepared for the incoming weather and is ready to respond if there are power outages.

“As the colder temperatures move in, there are ways you can prepare with these winter safety tips:

“Preparing for the cold

“There are several ways you can prepare your home for cold temperatures.

“· Change or clean your furnace air filter once a month. Dust and dirt make your unit work harder, and in turn, costs you more money.

“· Vacuum registers and vents to prevent dirt and dust build up and maximize airflow.

“· Set ceiling fans to turn clockwise and run them on low speed to circulate warm air.

“Saving money during cold temperatures

“· Help reduce heating costs. Set your thermostat back at least 8 degrees each day – when you are at work and when you go to bed. 70 degrees is a good threshold for when you are home, and lower when you are away or sleeping.

“· Don’t set the thermostat higher than you want it, even if you’re trying to heat your home quickly. It won’t heat your home any faster, and it runs your system longer than necessary.

“· Don’t let anything – including furniture, drapes and curtains — block heating airflow

“· Open curtains and blinds during the day to let sunlight in, and close them at night to keep cold air out.

“If a customer’s power goes out, they should:

·” Turn off all appliances but leave on one lamp to know when power is restored.

·” Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed.

“· If the indoor temperature falls below 55 F, open your faucets slightly so they constantly drip to prevent pipes from freezing.

“For more winter savings tips and resources, visit aesindiana.com/cold-weather-tips .”

4:11 p.m.

PowerOutage.us reports 1,156 Indiana customers without power, including these: Duke Energy, 718 customers; and Utility District of Western Indiana, 212.

Indianapolis International Airport was experiencing 22 delays and no cancelations Wednesday, according to FlightAware.

3:42 p.m.

From the National Weather Service office for northern Indiana: “We get it, the last snow forecast didn’t work well in Indiana. We don’t like to be wrong either. Have to pick up the pieces & try again. Regardless of your exact snow amount, wind gusts of 35-45 mph tonight-Thurs AM will bring poor visibility, blowing & snow.”

3:36 p.m.

From Indiana Department of Transportation west central district: “At this time, we have several dozen trucks planned to begin maintaining the roads as conditions dictate, beginning with the first handful rolling out around 4:30 p.m.

“Trucks will begin work as needed at different times throughout the evening and more will be called if needed, depending on what this potential ice event becomes.

“Please remember to drive according to the conditions, especially with an imminent threat of ice.”

3:33 p.m.

Update from the National Weather Service at Indianapolis: A wind advisory is in effect for much of central Indiana with northwesterly wind gusts of 40-45 mph expected for the advisory area.

3:16 p.m.

Indianapolis International Airport was experiencing 23 delays and no cancelations Wednesday, according to FlightAware.

PowerOutage.us reports in Indiana included these: Indiana Michigan Power, 287 customers; Utility District of Western Indiana, 212; Duke Energy, 206; and AES Indiana, 201.

2:53 p.m.

A winter storm warning was issued for heavy lake effect snow in the northern Indiana counties of Elkhart, Lagrange, and St. Joseph, plus parts of southwest Michigan.

2:52 p.m.

A wind advisory will be in effect for portions of central Indiana from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service at Indianapolis says. Expect west winds from 20-30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Indianapolis in the advisory area along with these central Indiana counties: Boone, Carroll, Clay, Clinton, Delaware, Fountain, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Henry, Howard, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Montgomery, Morgan, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Randolph, Rush, Shelby, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Vermillion, Vigo and Warren.

2:43 p.m.

From Storm Track 8: Warmest day since last Wednesday not enjoyable due to gusty southerly wind. Wind advisories in effect 6 p.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. Thursday. Still tracking rain and snow action Wednesday night with a strong cold front inbound. Snow squalls, with heavy bursts possible, would cause travel issues. People with travel plans should keep an eye on radar.

12:30 p.m.

INDOT says its yellow trucks will be out tonight into tomorrow morning to treat the roadways.

11:28 a.m.

From Indiana Department of Transportation west central district: “With the chance of snow later this afternoon and evening, our teams are keeping a close eye on the forecast.

“We will update you all later this afternoon with plans for #WinterOps and what our #YellowTrucks will be up to! Plan your trips ahead of time, and slow down!”

12 p.m.