BEDFORD – With a Winter Storm Watch in effect from Thursday evening to Saturday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) warns Indiana could experience heavy and blowing snow, wind chills as low as -30, and wind gusts as high as 55 mph.
Lawrence County government officials are gearing up for the storm.
NWS is already warning parts of Indiana to prepare for “possible blizzard conditions.”
Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer says the biggest concern is high winds combined with whiteout conditions make driving extremely dangerous.
“We are taking steps now to prepare for the storm,” she added. “There is no doubt about the white-out conditions. The transition point is Thursday night into Friday morning. No one will be doing anything on Friday when this storm hits. There will be possible blizzard conditions Friday.”
Weather officials estimated at least 6 inches of snow or more in 12 hours and up to half an inch of sleet or freezing rain with flash freezing.
Lawrence County Highway Superintendent Brandi Webb says highway crews are ready but residents need to be aware.
“We have 13 trucks covering 672 miles that is 100 miles per truck,” she added. “It takes 8 to 10 hours to cover the route one time. With this storm’s winds and snow drifts, it will take longer.”
Commissioner Dustin Gabhart warned residents to be prepared and STAY HOME when the storm hits.
“It doesn’t matter what road status we issue,” he added. “If we issue a yellow warning residents ignore it. Use common sense. If we issue a yellow warning stay home. We can’t always justify a red warning because those employees who are at work can not get home and will have to stay where they are. We issue red warnings when it comes to the safety of our highway crews, first responders, and police.”
This storm will make travel difficult.
“If you do have to be out – slow down,” added Commissioner Rodney Fish. “That is how many slide-offs happen, motorists are traveling too fast for road conditions. You need to travel like those old people you complain about.”
Luchauer said motorist should keep their gas tanks full and extra blankets, water, and snacks in their vehicle.
“If you were to slide off the road or crash during blizzard conditions it could take an hour or more before rescue crews can get to you,” she added. “Be prepared. If your gas tank is full you can keep warm and please make sure the tailpipe is clear.”
