Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, January 27, 2009
(UNDATED) - Area officials are warning of significant ice accumulations, especially as you get closer to the Kentucky state line.
Right now, the northern half of the listening area, including Lawrence, Martin, Greene, Monroe, Brown, and Jackson Counties, is under a winter storm warning that has been extended until noon tomorrow.
That same warning has also been extended for the south, including Orange, Washington and Crawford Counties, until 7:00am tomorrow morning.
Bill Fullington with the Orange County Sheriff's Department says they are being told to expect a "devastating" ice storm tonight, that could last up to 5:00am Wednesday morning. Cold air is expected to follow in behind the icy weather, turning precipitation back to snow, meaning the area could be looking at 2-4 inches of snowfall on top of ice.
Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer tells WBIW News she received an e-mail from the National Weather Service saying areas south could see as much as 1.5 inches of ice overnight, which would cause damage to power lines, trees and other infrastructure.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Ashley Brooks from the Indianapolis office tells WBIW News we should expect a winter mix of precipitation this afternoon and evening, consisting mostly of sleet and snow, but if warmer air moves further north than expected, freezing drizzle could affect Bedford and areas north. However, the biggest chance for freezing precipitation will come this afternoon, and everything should be frozen by this evening.
Throughout the state, Southern Indiana is hardest hit the winter storm that's making its way across the Midwest. The bulk of the overnight snow went north of Interstate 64. Bicknell in Knox County reported 4.5 inches of snow.
Vincennes reported 2 inches of snow and an additional half-inch of sleet. The Vincennes Police Department said a snow emergency had been declared, and that vehicles parked on streets that are considered "Snow Routes" must be moved, or they will be ticketed and towed.
4.5 inches of snow was dumped on the Brownstown area. Seymour received 6 inches. Many schools and businesses in Southern Indiana are closed today.
The Indiana State Police report that most highways across Southern Indiana are snow covered.
Overall, Bill Fullington recommends residents be cautious and, should power lines go down near your home, to stay away from them, and try to stay at home as much as possible.
And make sure you keep tuned to 1340 WBIW and watching the Winter Weather Watchers online for the severe weather updates and the latest on closings, cancellations and delays.
Network Indiana contributed to this story.
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