Winter storm warning issued: Parts of Indiana expected to get heavy snow starting Sunday
The National Weather Service has upgraded a winter storm watch to a winter storm warning for central and southern Indiana, which is expected to receive up to 8 inches of snow on Sunday. The warning will remain in place from Sunday morning until Monday afternoon.
A watch was first issued for Indianapolis on Thursday afternoon. That's meant to put people on notice that a severe storm could occur in the coming days, said NWS meteorologist Andrew White. A warning, on the other hand, indicates serious threats to travel, property and life in the coming hours.
Winter storm watches become warnings when there will be 5 inches or more of snow in a single event.
The NWS has "much more high confidence than we've had in a while" about heavy snowfall Sunday, White said.
During earlier predictions of the storm it was estimated Indianapolis could see 8-10 inches of snow. The storm shifted south, changing those snow predictions.
To see the latest forecast for Central Indiana, visit www.weather.gov/ind.
Indiana weather radar
How much snow will Indianapolis get?
Here's how much snow is predicted throughout central Indiana as of Saturday morning:
- Indianapolis: 6-8 inches
- Noblesville: 4-6 inches
- Kokomo: 2-3 inches
- Muncie: 3-4 inches
- Lafayette: 2-3 inches
- Bloomington: 6-8 inches
The National Weather Service expects "widespread travel impacts" throughout the region.
National weather map
Like Indiana, millions of Americans are bracing for extremely cold temps across the U.S.
National snowfall tracker
The map below shows the probability that an area could receive more than 4 inches of snow. Use the slider at the top left to toggle by day.
Know your weather warnings
❗ Winter storm warning: Snow, sleet or ice expected. Take action. Confidence is high from meteorologists that a winter storm will produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.
⚠️ Winter weather watch: Snow, sleet, or ice is possible so be prepared. Confidence is medium from meteorologists that a winter storm could produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.
❄️ Winter weather advisory: Wintry weather is expected so exercise caution. Light amounts of wintry precipitation or patchy blowing snow will cause slick conditions and could affect travel if precautions are not taken
Contributing: Bianca Harris, Paste BN