Colder Temperatures, Snow Expected For Weekend, Beginning Thursday Night
Colder Temperatures, Snow Expected For Weekend, Beginning Thursday Night
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
Colder Temperatures, Snow Expected For Weekend, Beginning Thursday NightIt’s going to get cold quickly tonight, according to the National Weather Service of Northern Indiana.
Todd Holsten, senior forecaster, said there will be some rain this evening, but that won’t last long before the Arctic cold front comes in and shifts the rain to snow, creating a flash freeze. The wet roads will become like a skating rink.
Temperatures will plummet 35 to 40 degrees in a 12-hour period, dropping from under 30 degrees tonight to around zero or colder by daybreak Friday. Wind chill will make the temperature feel like 20 to 30 degrees below zero.
The resulting snow fall will be around 4 inches, but the strong winds will blow the snow around, making travel difficult.
Holsten said from this evening to Saturday, people should refrain from driving. Total precipitation - with rain and snow - will be around 3 to 5 inches.
“This is about (the normal time of year) when you get that first taste of Arctic air,” he said.
The cold air sits in Canada until a break in the flow pushes the cold air down into central and eastern United States.
“It’s not abnormal for this time of the year to see the cold. Fortunately, it won’t stay long,” he said.
The temperatures will climb back up to the 30s by Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 28, and rain is expected by the second half of next week.
“The best advice is to delay any travel on Thursday and Friday” of this week, he said.
Power Outages
NIPSCO is tracking the forecasted winter storm weather with the potential heavy rain, ice, snow and strong, gusty winds expected to impact Northern Indiana today through Saturday, according to a news release. They are preparing all available NIPSCO crews and contractor resources accordingly to respond to this anticipated weather.
NIPSCO reminds customers to stay safe and prepare for the upcoming weather by compiling a storm preparedness kit, which includes essential medicines, non-perishable food, water, flashlights, portable radio, extra batteries and a manual can opener.
If customers experience an outage, they should report it in one of three ways: NIPSCO app, online at NIPSCO.com/out or by calling 1-800-4-NIPSCO.
NIPSCO is not able to receive outage reports via text at this time, and outage/restoration customer alerts are not currently available.
Warsaw Holiday Trash Routes Changing Due To Storm
Due to the forecasted winter storm for Friday, the city of Warsaw is changing their holiday trash routes to allow crews to better focus on treating roads.
Friday's route will remain the same. Trash should be set out no later than 7 a.m. on Friday. Residents are encouraged to move cans back in as soon as possible after trash has been picked up to prevent cans from blowing into the street.
The route for Monday, Dec. 26 will now be picked up on Wednesday, Dec. 28.
The route for Tuesday, Dec. 27 will now be picked up on Thursday, Dec. 29.
City offices will be closed on Dec. 26 and 27.
Salvation Army Moving To ‘Virtual Kettle’
In anticipation of the winter storm and cold temps forecasted for today and Friday, Dec. 24, The Salvation Army of Kosciusko County is moving to a “Virtual Kettle” to close out its 101st Annual Bell Ringing Campaign.
A QR Code has been set up to direct those who would like to donate to a site for giving.
“We want people to be safe, including our bell ringers, so we are going to this Virtual Kettle for giving,” said Envoy Ken Locke, administrator.
The code will be available at www.sawarsaw.org or go to Facebook: Salvation Army Warsaw.
Giving has been a “little down” this season as well as volunteers, according to Locke, as requests for services is increasing.
“We appreciate those who support us to help ‘others’ not only at Christmas but throughout the year,” he concluded.
Free Community Dinner
Due to the weather forecast, the free community Christmas dinner has been rescheduled and will begin at 4 p.m. today.
It is free to anyone in the community who is in need of a warm meal this year, but is limited to 150 meals.
Drive-through only, it is at The Owl’s Nest, 7369 E. CR 800N, North Webster.
It’s made possible by The Grossnickle and Francis families, The Owl’s Nest and Ruoff Mortgage.
INDOT Prepares For Winter Storm, Urges Travel Caution
The Indiana Department of Transportation is preparing for a major winter storm expected to impact the state starting today, according to a news release from INDOT.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for much of Indiana starting this afternoon through at least Friday, depending upon location. Blizzard warnings have been issued for counties bordering Lake Michigan. NWS is calling for snow with high winds and dangerously cold temperatures, causing snow-covered roadways and low visibility for holiday travel.
INDOT will be at a full call in most locations with nearly 1,000 trucks treating and plowing highways across the state by this afternoon through the weekend. Trucks will remain out in full force for the duration of the storm and afterward to continue cleanup efforts.
Road conditions will be difficult as the storm moves through. INDOT's goal is to keep highways passable during the storm, the release states. Travel should be carefully considered this afternoon through at least Friday morning. Motorists that must travel should expect to encounter snow and ice-covered roads, blowing and drifting snow, and whiteout conditions due to high winds.
Light rain and some wintry mix is expected during the day today, and will make a rapid transition to snow once the cold front passes through. Due to rain, pre-treatment will be challenging, but will occur in some locations as conditions allow. Drivers should note that without pre-treatment, highways are more likely to develop slick spots and snow will more easily stick to pavement and bridges. Low temperatures will also impact the effectiveness of salt. INDOT is prepared to utilize additives as necessary to help the salt melt snow and ice from roadways.
INDOT urges motorists to closely monitor forecasts and adjust holiday travel to avoid higher-impact timeframes during the storm, which are anticipated this evening through Friday morning in most areas. Travel impacts may linger through Saturday in the northern part of the state. Avoiding travel will keep drivers safe at home and give plow trucks room to work safely and complete their routes as quickly as possible.
If travel is absolutely necessary, slow down, increase following distance, don't crowd plow trucks, allow extra time to reach your destination, and pack an emergency kit with supplies such as blankets, extra clothing, snacks, water and a phone charger.
Monitor real-time travel conditions and view traffic and snow plow cameras online at 511in.org or via INDOT's TrafficWise app. Regular updates will also be shared on INDOT's social media channels. Check for travel advisories in your area at in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory.
