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Indianapolis weather for Wednesday as winter storm hits Central Indiana

Editor's note: This story is no longer being updated. Click here to get the latest, up-to-date information on area weather forecasts, road conditions, cancellations and more.

Read the latest info: Indianapolis weather updates Thursday as snow arrives in Central Indiana

The first wave of a winter storm poised to sweep through much of the country began with rain in Indianapolis on Wednesday morning. Sleet mixed with light freezing rain began falling on the city Wednesday evening, with several inches of snow expected to follow Wednesday night into Thursday.

The city has been under a winter storm warning since 7 a.m. Wednesday. Indianapolis could see anywhere between 8 and 12 inches of snow, according to the latest National Weather Service predictions. The winter storm warning expires at 1 a.m. Friday.

The storm carries the risk of power outages, tree damage and difficult travel conditions.

Here’s what occurred Wednesday related to the weather:

Live power outage tracking: See outages reported in Central Indiana and beyond

10:30 p.m.

Snow and ice begin to accumulate on Meridian Street and the adjacent sidewalks around 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, 2022.
Snow and ice begin to accumulate on Meridian Street and the adjacent sidewalks around 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, 2022.

Snow and ice have begun to accumulate on sidewalks and roads in downtown Indianapolis.

Widespread accumulating snow will move back into central Indiana from the southwest toward daybreak, according to the National Weather Service.

This is expected to affect the morning commute and could make travel in the area very difficult. In addition to slick, snow covered roads, blowing snow could significantly reduce the visibility Thursday morning, according to NWS.

10:15 p.m.

The right lane of northbound I-65 is closed near near mile 125 and 71st Street on the northwest side of Indianapolis due to a crash, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation.

Motorists in the area should expect delays.

8:52 p.m.

The freezing rain/sleet combination of precipitation in Indianapolis changed to a snow/sleet combination, according to the National Weather Service.

8:15 p.m.

Several counties surrounding Marion have issued travel advisories or watches, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Hamilton and Boone counties have issued travel watches, while Hancock, Johnson, Morgan, Shelby and Hendricks counties have issues travel advisories.

Marion County has yet to issue a travel advisory, watch or warning.

Below are the definitions for each travel status, according to the department of homeland security:

  • Advisory: The lowest level of local travel advisory, means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas

  • Watch: Means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a "watch" local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended, and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations.

  • Warning: The highest level of local travel advisory, means that travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only. During a "warning" local travel advisory, individuals are directed to: (A) refrain from all travel; (B) comply with necessary emergency measures; (C) cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans; and (D) obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.

7:15 p.m.

Conditions in Indianapolis are getting icy, according to a tweet from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

6:30 p.m.

Sleet has started falling in Indianapolis and is mixing in with light freezing rain that has been falling in the city since 4:44 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

This means drivers can expect road conditions to worsen throughout Wednesday night into Thursday, said Brad Herold, a hydro-meteorological technician with the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.

Temperatures are continuing to drop in Indianapolis and were at 30 degrees as of 6:15 p.m., Herold said.

Snow began falling in Brownsburg, northwest of downtown Indianapolis, about 6:15 p.m., he said.

Indy residents can expect the precipitation to transition to snow sometime before 8 p.m. Latest forecasts are predicting the city to get hit with between 8 and 12 inches of snow from the storm Wednesday night and Thursday, Herold said.

5:32 p.m.

Indianapolis snow plow drivers are beginning to salt where possible and preparing to plow expected snow accumulation Wednesday night, according the city's Department of Public Works.

The rains throughout much of Wednesday have kept crews from pre-treating roadways, as rain is known to wash away salt placed on the ground, according to the department.

Click here to read more about why crews couldn't begin treating the roads in preparation for the storm earlier.

5:21 p.m.

About 240 Indiana National Guardsmen will assist state and local civil authorities to prevent the loss of life during the storm, according to a news release from the Indiana National Guard.

The guardsmen will form highway assistance teams to help stranded motorists and assist at command and control hubs throughout the state.

All Hoosiers are advised to stay off the roads and remember to call 911 for assistance if stranded on the roadway, according to the news release.

Follow the Indiana National Guard social media accounts for updated information.

4:55 p.m.

There will be no trash service for the residents of Carmel on Thursday, according to a news release from the city.

Trash service in the city may also be cancelled Friday, depending on the amount of snow that falls, according to the news release.

Updates can be found the city's Facebook page.

4:11 p.m.

In-person Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Offices will be closed on Thursday, according to Mayor Joe Hogsett's office.

Residents will be able to access city services at indy.gov, the RequestIndy app or the Mayor's Action Center st 317-327-4622.

4:10 p.m.

All state-run COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics will be closed for the remainder of Wednesday and all day Thursday.

Individuals with appointments at a state-run site will be notified with instructions to reschedule.

Sites run by local health departments and other entities also may be affected. Anyone who has an appointment or plans a walk-in visit to a COVID-19 testing or vaccination site should contact the site to ensure it is open before going.

Additional updates to state-operated sites will be posted online.

3:51 p.m.

Marion County Circuit, Superior and Small Claims courts will be closed Thursday, according to the Indianapolis Bar Association. The closure includes remote sessions.

3:50 p.m.

Several counties surrounding Marion have issued travel advisories or watches, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Hamilton County has issues a travel watch, while Hancock and Boone counties have issued travel advisories.

Below are the definitions for each travel status, according to the department of homeland security:

  • Advisory: The lowest level of local travel advisory, means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas

  • Watch: Means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a "watch" local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended, and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations.

  • Warning: The highest level of local travel advisory, means that travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only. During a "warning" local travel advisory, individuals are directed to: (A) refrain from all travel; (B) comply with necessary emergency measures; (C) cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans; and (D) obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.

3:32 p.m.

Indianapolis service providers and outreach teams are encouraging residents who do not have shelter to reach out to family, friends or other community providers and get indoors.

Under the city’s winter contingency plan:

  • Single men and nonbinary residents in need of shelter are encouraged to check in at the Wheeler Mission Shelter for Men (520 E. Market St.). If the shelter is at capacity, guests will be directed to overflow locations.

  • Women and families can contact the Wheeler Mission Center for Women and Children (3208 Michigan St.) at 317-687-3630.

  • Transgender neighbors are encouraged to check in at the shelter corresponding to their gender identity, where they can be referred to a safe placement. Residents can either self-refer or be referred through another service provider.

Read more about how the storm is affecting Indy's homeless residents and where you can find warming centers as temperatures drop here.

3:24 p.m.

Eastbound West 21st Street between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street and the I-65 overpass on Indianapolis's north side is closed due to a water main break, according to Citizens Energy Group.

The closure is expected to last through the evening as crews complete repairs and motorists should avoid the area, according to Citizens Energy Group.

3:02 p.m.

Snow is already falling in parts of the state north of Indianapolis. See the gallery below for photos of the snowfall in Lafayette from the Journal & Courier.

3 p.m.

Airlines and trains are cancelling services throughout Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, including those that serve Indianapolis.

The national flight data aggregator FlightAware is reporting 77 cancellations into, out of and through the Indianapolis International Airport on Wednesday, and about twice that amount for Thursday, by which point the rain and sleet is expected to convert to mostly snow.

Amtrak canceled a handful of trains that service the Midwest for Wednesday and Thursday, including the Cardinal train, which operates between New York and Chicago with a stop in Indianapolis.

Read more here.

2:35 p.m.

Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine posted that he hit the change-over from rain to ice in Northern Hamilton County and cautioned drivers that road conditions would deteriorate quickly.

2:04 p.m.

Meteorologists said the transition line has moved past Crawfordsville and Kokomo as it pushes southeast.

The system's boundary arrived at the National Weather Service's office in southwest Indianapolis. "Once this boundary moves through your area, expect winds to shift ... with a steady decline in temperatures," the National Weather Service said in a tweet.

1:40 p.m.

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works in a tweet said all residential trash, heavy trash and curbside recycling services Thursday and Friday have been suspended. The department said residents affected by the suspension will receive double service on the next service day, which is next Thursday and Friday for trash pickup. Extra bags will be collected if placed next to carts.

1:30 p.m.

Air and pavement temperatures are not yet cold enough in Central Indiana for INDOT to deploy salt trucks because the ongoing rain will wash away any pre-treatment. Spokesperson Mallory Duncan said INDOT hopes to be able to push them out around 3 p.m. and get some salt down on state roads by rush hour.

12:45 p.m.

Carmel city officials announced its plans to tackle the heavy snow and ice in the coming days. The Street Department has a fleet of 92 salt trucks and plows at the ready, the city said in a news release.

“Our plan is to complete an all-city salt in response to the ice that may come before the snow,” Street Commissioner Matt Higginbotham said in the release. “Based on the current forecast, we also plan to begin 12-hour shifts for our crew and will stay working around the clock until the majority of the snow has stopped.”

Once the heavy snow stops, the city plans to plow the main and secondary streets for travel. Crews will then begin an all-city plow, including neighborhood streets. Residents are asked to stay off the roads during the heavy snowfall and allow plenty of space for plows.

11 a.m.

Gov. Eric Holcomb and state leaders in a mid-morning update about the winter storm emphasized common sense among Hoosiers as the weather system starts to blow through the entire state, creating likely difficult travel conditions.

“In my five years, here, this is the first truly statewide weather event that has prompted us to have a response effort statewide,” Holcomb said. “And it will require expertise in different areas at different times.”

Officials asked motorists to drive slowly and leave enough space between themselves and other drivers, especially snow plows, on the roads. State police leaders also stressed that stranded drivers should not leave their vehicles if they cannot see their destination.

To help find any potential stranded drivers, the state has activated and deployed the National Guard. Stephen Cox, executive director of the state’s Department of Homeland Security, said 54 teams will actively patrol roadways while six teams remain on standby. Cox said that equates to 240 soldiers.

More: What Gov. Eric Holcomb, other state officials said during winter storm press conference

10:55 a.m.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb will host a media briefing with agency heads from the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to update Hoosiers on the winter storm starting to hit the state.

Watch Holcomb's live address here.

10:00 a.m.

More than 200 workers from the Indianapolis Department of Public Works will active during the storm, officials said. Crews will work 12-hour shifts for at least several days, the department said in a news release. Because rain is preceding the wintry mix and snow, salting the roads may not be possible right away. Residents are asked to avoid travel on Wednesday night as the rain shifts to sleet.

People can report an impassable road from high water, malfunctioning traffic signals or a downed tree limb to the Mayor's Action Center at 317-327-4622. Calls after business hours can be directed to the DPW Dispatch by pressing option '2.'

More: Why the coming snow and ice could be challenging for road crews -- and how to prepare

9:50 a.m.

In an update online, the National Weather Service reported the rain on Wednesday will likely freeze as temperatures drop and wintry mix arrives, leading to frozen slush beneath the incoming snow and possibly causing more travel issues.

9:30 a.m.

The winter storm has prompted urging from officials to prepare an emergency supply kit for vehicles. Don't know where to start? First, make sure to have a full tank of gas. The National Weather Service then recommends packing the following: blankets, a First Aid kit, cellphone charger, jumper cables, tire chains, water and snacks, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, a tow rope, and a shovel or ice scraper.

8:49 a.m.

The City of Lawrence announced its offices will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and remain closed through Thursday. Emergency and public safety personnel will still work as scheduled.

8:44 a.m.

School districts across Marion and Hamilton Counties announced building closures or schedule changes in anticipation of the storm. The list, which will continue to be updated, can be found here.

6:42 a.m.

A travel watch was issued for Hamilton County. Emergency management officials in a tweet said travel conditions are anticipated to "quickly deteriorate" as the morning rain transitions to a wintry mix between 2 and 3 p.m. The department recommended only essential travel, such as to and from work, during the storm. No similar watches or advisories have been issued for Marion County or surrounding doughnut counties, according to the state's Department of Homeland Security website.

5 a.m.

The first steady rainfall begins in Indianapolis, marking the start of the first half of the storm.

When will the snow start?

The forecast for Indianapolis at 6 a.m. shows the wintry mix will gradually turn to snow between 7-11 p.m. Wednesday night, marking the second half of the storm. By Thursday, the storm's precipitation will only be snow.

How much snow will Indianapolis get?

As of 6 a.m. Wednesday, total snow accumulation for Marion County is predicted anywhere from 6.5 to 10 inches — a slight decrease from earlier predictions. While the snowfall range is wide, Meteorologist Andrew McGinnis said the northern parts of the county show greater signs of higher snowfall.

Indianapolis-area snow totals: Why you're seeing such different snow total predictions for the coming winter storm

When will the snow stop?

The snow is expected to taper off by Thursday night. The winter storm warning for Marion, Hamilton, Boone, Hancock and Hendricks Counties is in effect until 1 a.m. Friday.

Story continues below the gallery.

How is the city preparing the roads?

Because rain will usher in the storm first, the Department of Public Works said crews may not be able to salt the roads right away. Rain eliminates the chance to pre-treat the roads with brine, officials explained, making this storm a particular challenge. Once the snow begins, city and state crews will start plowing and salting around the clock, on 12-hour shifts.

In the meantime, drivers are being told to expect dicey conditions on Wednesday and plan their commute ahead.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis snow predictions as winter weather hit Indiana Wednesday

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